Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The KickStart Youth Football League offers organized football opportunities for children across various age groups. Operating at central venues, the league provides structured competition for young players to develop their skills and enjoy the game. The league runs both regular season games and a special Summer League with midweek matches throughout June and July, designed to end before the six-week summer holiday period begins.
Parents and coaches can easily monitor pitch conditions through the league's color-coded system, which displays weather-related game statuses at a glance on their website. This practical feature helps teams prepare appropriately for match days and know whether games will proceed as scheduled.
For those interested in joining, player registration fees remain at £3 per player for both Saturday and Sunday leagues. The application process is straightforward, with forms available online for new and returning teams seeking to participate in upcoming seasons.
History
KicKStart Youth Football League began as a grassroots initiative to promote youth participation in football. The league was established with a focus on developing young talent and fostering a love for the sport among children.
Since its inception, the league has grown substantially in size and reputation. It now features multiple age groups ranging from U7 to U12 teams, providing opportunities for children at various developmental stages.
The league operates regular season fixtures throughout the year, with special events like the Summer League taking place midweek during June and July. This scheduling thoughtfully ends before the six-week summer holiday period begins.
KicKStart has maintained a strong community presence, as evidenced by its impressive visitor count of over 781,000 to its online platforms. This demonstrates the league's significant reach and popularity within youth football circles.
The organization prioritizes practical information sharing with features like weather updates and color-coded pitch condition indicators that help teams plan accordingly for matches. This system allows for quick assessment of game status at a glance.
KicKStart embodies values of resilience and sportsmanship, encouraging young players to develop both athletic skills and character. The league continues to serve as an important stepping stone for youth football development in the region.
Age Groups and Divisions
KicKStart Youth Football League caters to a wide range of youth players through various age groups. The league primarily serves young footballers from Under-7s (U7) through Under-12s (U12), providing appropriate competitive environments for each developmental stage.
The league organizes its competitions into multiple divisions and formats. For the U10 age group, divisions include Spring Blue, Spring Friendly Red, Spring Friendly Yellow, and Spring Friendly Blue, allowing teams to compete at suitable skill levels.
Festival groups are another format used by the league, with designations such as "Festival Group 1 AM" and "Festival Group 1 PM" for U10 and U11 age categories. This arrangement helps manage game scheduling efficiently throughout the day.
KicKStart also offers a Summer League that runs midweek throughout June and July. This special competition concludes before the six-week summer holiday period begins, making it convenient for families.
Games in the KicKStart Football League take place at central venues across Mansfield and Ashfield areas. Matches are scheduled on both Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate the various age groups and divisions.
The league structure includes opportunities for both boys and girls teams, promoting inclusive participation across all age categories from U7 to U12.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The KicKStart Youth Football League operates with a dedicated team of experienced administrators who oversee all league operations and ensure smooth running of competitions throughout the season.
The League Chairman is Paul Griffiths, who can be contacted directly at 07882 267686 for matters requiring executive attention. He works closely with the League Secretary to manage the organization's day-to-day functions.
League Registrar Anne Griffiths handles player registrations and team documentation, and can be reached at 07889 046460. This role is crucial for maintaining accurate records of all participants in the league.
The league also employs an Assistant League Welfare Officer who helps ensure the safety and well-being of all youth players. This position reflects the league's commitment to providing a secure environment for young athletes.
For general inquiries about the league, including information about the summer league program, interested parties can visit the official website at kickstartfootball.co.uk. The website features a dedicated summer league button that provides access to additional information and an online application portal.
The KicKStart Management Team can also be contacted through their Facebook page, where they regularly post updates about league activities, match schedules, and other relevant announcements.
Teams
The KicKStart Youth Football League features a diverse range of youth football teams across various age groups. Based on the search results, several teams compete in the Under-7 (U7) division.
Some of the U7 teams include Kirkby Colts Red, Manor Red, Mansfield Athletic, and Mansfield Town. These young squads provide children with their first formal football experiences.
Additional U7 teams in the league are Newton & Blackwell Lightning, Robin Hood Colts, and Sherwood Colliery. Each team offers valuable development opportunities for young players.
The league structure appears to accommodate age groups from U7 through at least U12, as indicated by their summer league applications. This progressive structure allows players to develop their skills as they grow.
Teams in the KicKStart Youth Football League primarily operate in the Mansfield and Ashfield areas, establishing it as a premier regional youth football competition.
New clubs can apply to join the league, with applications for the upcoming season closing on June 16, 2024. All new clubs must be approved through a voting process by existing league members.
The league also organizes a summer competition with midweek games throughout June and July, designed to conclude before the six-week summer holiday period begins.
Players
The KicKStart Youth Football League provides opportunities for young players across multiple age groups, from U7 to U12. Player development is a core focus of the league's philosophy.
Registration fees for players remain at £3 per player, making participation accessible for families. This affordable fee structure helps maximize participation across communities.
Players in the KicKStart League can participate in both regular season competitions and special events like the Summer League, which runs throughout June and July. This additional playing opportunity ends before the six-week summer holiday period.
The league tracks player statistics and performances, enabling young athletes to monitor their development throughout the season. This data-driven approach encourages improvement and healthy competition.
From the 2026/27 season, players will experience new initiatives designed to improve grassroots youth football. These changes reflect the league's commitment to constantly enhancing the player experience.
Key Player Benefits:
- Age-appropriate competition
- Affordable registration fees
- Extended playing opportunities through summer leagues
- Performance tracking and statistics
- Structured development pathway
Player safety and enjoyment remain paramount in all league activities, with trained referees overseeing matches to ensure fair play and appropriate competition levels.
