Last updated : Monday, 01 July 2024
Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth Football League
The Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth Football League (HMSYFL) is an amateur football league for boys and girls aged 7-18 in the London Borough of Hackney.
The league was founded in 1974 and currently has over 100 teams competing in 10 divisions. The season runs from September to May, with each team playing 18 matches.
The HMSYFL is a competitive league, but it also emphasizes the importance of fun and sportsmanship. The league has a strong focus on developing young players and providing them with opportunities to improve their skills.
History
The Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth Football League was founded in 1974 by a group of local football enthusiasts. The league was originally called the Hackney Marshes Sunday Youth League, but it was renamed in 1980 to reflect the fact that matches were now played on Saturdays.
The HMSYFL has grown steadily over the years and now has over 100 teams competing in 10 divisions. The league is a popular destination for young footballers from all over London, and it has produced a number of talented players who have gone on to play professionally.
Divisions
The HMSYFL is divided into 10 divisions:
- U7 Red
- U7 Amber
- U8 Red
- U8 Amber
- U9 Red
- U9 Amber
- U10 Red
- U10 Amber
- U11 Red
- U11 Amber
Teams are placed in divisions based on their age and ability. The top division is the U11 Red Division, followed by the U10 Red Division, and so on.
Season Structure
The HMSYFL season runs from September to May. Each team plays 18 matches during the season, with each match lasting 70 minutes.
The season is divided into two halves, with a winter break in December and January. The top two teams in each division at the end of the season qualify for the playoffs, with the winners of the playoffs being crowned champions.