Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Kernow Youth Football League stands as a vital platform for youth football development in Cornwall, offering competitive opportunities for children from under-7 to under-18 age groups during the 2024-2025 season. The league is entirely operated by dedicated volunteers who organize both league matches and cup competitions throughout the region, creating valuable sporting experiences for young players across various age categories. A well-structured youth football program like this provides essential foundations for physical fitness, teamwork skills, and sporting passion among local youth.
Behind the scenes, this community-focused organization works diligently to generate and manage fixtures across all age divisions, ensuring fair play and development opportunities for participants. The league maintains comprehensive records of matches and team performances, allowing for proper competitive structure while prioritizing the developmental aspects of youth sports. Parents, coaches and supporters can follow their teams' progress throughout the season via the league's online resources.
History
The Kernow Youth Football League has been a cornerstone of youth football development in Cornwall for more than two decades. Established to provide structured competition for young players across the county, the league has grown significantly since its inception.
Cornwall has a rich football tradition dating back to 1889 when the Cornwall County Football Association was formed. This organization laid the groundwork for the development of football at all levels throughout the county.
For over 20 years, the Kernow Youth Select program has been managing tours that allow young Cornish footballers to participate in international tournaments. This initiative has been instrumental in exposing local talent to different playing styles and competition.
The league currently features multiple age groups, including an Under-15 Championship division. Teams like Perranporth Youth, St Blazey, Porthleven Youth AFC, and AFC St Austell Youth actively compete in the league structure.
Throughout its history, the Kernow Youth Football League has maintained its commitment to grassroots football development. The league has adapted to changing times while preserving its core mission of nurturing young talent in Cornwall.
The competition structure has evolved over the years to accommodate increasing participation rates and improve the overall experience for young players. This evolution reflects the league's responsiveness to the needs of youth football in the region.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Kernow Youth Football League provides competitive opportunities for young players across Cornwall, organizing matches for children from U7 through to U18 age groups. Each age category represents the upper age limit for players in that division.
The league structure includes age groups at U7, U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18 levels. This progressive system allows players to develop alongside peers of similar physical development and skill levels.
Within certain age categories, the league offers different divisional tiers. For example, the U12 age group features a Premiership division, while the U15s compete in a Championship division.
This tiered approach ensures appropriate competitive balance, allowing teams to play against others of comparable ability. Teams may be promoted or relegated between divisions based on their performance during the season.
The league is administered by a volunteer committee who oversee all age groups and divisions. They manage fixtures, results, and standings throughout the football season.
Age Groups Overview:
- Mini-Soccer: U7-U10
- Youth Football: U11-U16
- Junior Football: U18
Most youth football organizations nationwide have moved toward age-based structures, with approximately 75-80% using this model rather than weight-based divisions.
The 2024-2025 season is currently underway with active competition across all age divisions.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Kernow Youth Football League is managed by a dedicated committee comprised entirely of volunteers who ensure the smooth operation of youth football activities across Cornwall. This committee handles league and cup fixtures for children from Under 7 through to Under 18 age groups.
Based on available information, key committee positions include a Chairman, Treasurer, and Welfare Officer. Chris Philcox serves as Chairman, while Dale Bladon holds the position of Treasurer. Dave Hitchens functions as the Welfare Officer, focusing on safeguarding responsibilities.
For those seeking to contact league officials, the recommended approach is to log in to the Kernow Youth League website and click on "League Contacts" from the left-hand menu. This provides access to a comprehensive list of contact emails, addresses, and telephone numbers for all league officials.
Similar to neighboring organizations like the East Cornwall Youth Football League, the Kernow committee likely includes additional roles such as fixtures secretary, registration secretary, and representatives for different age groups. These volunteers dedicate significant time to organizing competitions and ensuring fair play throughout the season.
Any clubs, players, or parents with questions or concerns should direct their inquiries to the appropriate committee member using the contact details available through the league's official channels.
Teams
The Kernow Youth Football League features various teams from across Cornwall, catering to youth players from under-7 through under-18 age groups. The league structure provides competitive opportunities for young footballers at different skill levels.
Some notable teams in the league include Falmouth Community Youth U15 Kestrels, Hayle Youth U15, and Ludgvan Lions Junior U15. These teams compete regularly in league fixtures throughout the season.
Mousehole Youth Club also fields teams in the competition, including their U15's squad. Other participating clubs include St Just Youth Tinners and St Day Youth Smugglers.
The league is organized into appropriate age divisions, allowing for fair competition between teams. Each team plays a set number of matches throughout the 2024-2025 season, accumulating points based on their results.
Local Cornish communities are well-represented in the league, with teams from towns and villages across the region. This geographic diversity ensures healthy rivalry and provides opportunities for youth players from different areas.
Teams participate in both league fixtures and cup competitions organized by the Kernow Youth League. The competitive structure helps develop young talent while maintaining an emphasis on enjoyment and sportsmanship.
Players
The Kernow Youth Football League provides competitive opportunities for young footballers aged U7 through U18 throughout Cornwall. Players develop their skills while participating in structured league and cup fixtures against teams from across the region.
Registration for players typically takes place before the start of the season, which runs in accordance with the standard football calendar. Each age group has specific regulations regarding team size and match duration.
Youth players in the Kernow League benefit from a supportive environment focused on skill development, teamwork, and enjoyment of the sport. The league structure allows progression through age groups, helping players build their abilities year after year.
Many talented young players have started their football journey in the Kernow Youth League before advancing to higher levels of competition. The league serves as an important talent pipeline for local clubs and academies.
Players must adhere to the league's code of conduct, which promotes fair play, respect for officials, and positive sporting behavior. This foundation helps create responsible athletes both on and off the pitch.
Parents and guardians play a vital supporting role, often volunteering, transporting players to matches, and providing encouragement from the sidelines.
