Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The KicKStart Youth Football League's Summer League is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, running from June 3rd to July 17th. This popular youth football program offers seven full weeks of competitive matches for children in age groups from U7 to U12, strategically ending before the six-week summer holiday period begins. The midweek schedule allows young players to maintain their skills and fitness during the summer months while still leaving weekends free for family activities.
Applications for the 2025 Summer League are now open, with organizers preparing for another successful season of youth development and friendly competition. The league prides itself on providing secure playing environments and qualified on-site referees to ensure fair play and safety for all participants.
For families looking to keep their children active and engaged in a structured sporting environment during the early summer, the KicKStart Summer League represents an excellent opportunity to build skills, make friends, and enjoy the beautiful game before the school holiday break begins.
History
The KicKStart Youth Football League was established in 2002, initially known as the McDonald's Friendly Mini Soccer League due to McDonald's sponsorship. This community-focused league has provided organized football opportunities for youth in the Mansfield and Ashfield areas for over two decades.
In its early years, the league focused primarily on regular season play during the traditional football calendar. As participation grew, the organization expanded its offerings to meet the demand for year-round football activities.
The Summer League was later introduced as a complementary program to the main season. This addition allowed young players to continue developing their skills during the summer months when regular league play was on hiatus.
For 2025, the KicKStart Summer Football is scheduled to run from June 3rd to July 17th. This seven-week program is strategically timed to conclude before the six-week summer holiday period begins, making it convenient for families.
The Summer League accommodates age groups from Under-7 to Under-12, with matches typically played midweek. This format has proven popular with both players and parents seeking structured football activities during the summer period.
Over the years, the KicKStart Youth Football League has maintained its commitment to youth development through both its regular season and summer programming. The league continues to serve as a valuable platform for young footballers in the region.
Age Groups and Divisions
The KicKStart Youth Football League Summer League caters to various age groups, primarily focusing on younger players developing their skills in a competitive environment. Based on the current information, the Summer League accepts applications for age groups Under 7's through Under 12's as determined by a player's age on August 31, 2025, in alignment with the 2025/26 season requirements.
Applications for the Summer League are now open for teams in the U7 to U12 age brackets. These teams participate in midweek games throughout June and July, strategically ending before the six-week Summer Holidays begin.
The league organizes its competition structure into different divisions and festival groups. For example, the U10 division has multiple festival groups, including "Festival Group 1 PM" and "Festival Group AM Group 1."
Similarly, the U11 age group features several divisions such as "Festival Group 1 AM" and "Festival Group 1 PM." This structure allows for appropriate competition levels based on team abilities and scheduling preferences.
Games in the KicKStart Youth Football League typically take place at central venues across the Mansfield and Ashfield areas, with matches scheduled on both Saturdays and Sundays for all participating age groups.
For the broader KSA Summer League program, the age range extends beyond the core U7-U12 groups, accommodating players from ages 5 to 16 in a 10-a-side format at various Mansfield area venues.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The KicKStart Youth Football League is managed by a dedicated committee of experienced individuals who oversee both the regular season and summer league operations.
League Leadership:
- League Chairman: Paul Griffiths (07882 267686)
- League Secretary/Registrar: Anne Griffiths (07889 046460)
- Assistant League Welfare Officer: [Position filled]
For inquiries about joining the Summer League, teams can contact any of the listed committee members directly. The league prides itself on maintaining open communication channels with all participating clubs.
The committee handles all administrative aspects of the league, including registration, scheduling, and rule enforcement. They work diligently to ensure smooth operations throughout the summer season.
Applications for the Summer League can be submitted through the official website at kickstartfootball.co.uk by clicking on the "Summer League" button. This will direct you to the online application portal.
For general inquiries about the league, teams can reach out via the contact information provided above. The committee typically responds promptly to all communications regarding league matters.
Teams
The KicKStart Youth Football League's Summer League features various age groups ranging from U7 to U12. These teams participate in midweek matches throughout the summer season.
Some of the participating U7 teams include Kirkby Colts Red, Manor Red, Mansfield Athletic, and Mansfield Town. The league also welcomes Newton & Blackwell Lightning, Robin Hood Colts, and Sherwood Colliery at the U7 level.
Teams are organized by age group, creating appropriate competitive environments for young players to develop their skills. Each team has the opportunity to play consistently throughout the 7-week summer session.
The 2025 Summer League is scheduled to run from June 3rd to July 17th, allowing teams to complete their fixtures before the six-week summer holidays begin. This timing is strategic to ensure maximum participation.
New teams are regularly welcomed into the KicKStart family. The league maintains an open application process, with 2025 Summer League applications currently being accepted for interested clubs.
Teams benefit from structured competition in a supportive environment focused on youth development. The league provides valuable playing opportunities during the summer months when regular season play is typically on break.
Players
The KicKStart Youth Football League Summer League welcomes young players across age groups from U7 to U12. This developmental program provides opportunities for youth athletes to enhance their skills during the summer months.
Players participate in midweek games throughout June and July 2025, with the season running from June 3rd to July 17th. This seven-week schedule allows young athletes to enjoy organized football before the six-week summer holiday begins.
Age Groups:
- U7 (Under 7)
- U8 (Under 8)
- U9 (Under 9)
- U10 (Under 10)
- U11 (Under 11)
- U12 (Under 12)
Each player receives valuable match experience in a competitive yet supportive environment. The league structure focuses on player development rather than just results, encouraging technical growth and tactical understanding.
Registration for players typically opens in early spring. Parents and guardians can submit applications through the official KicKStart channels for their children to join existing teams or form new ones.
Players benefit from consistent playing time during the summer months when traditional school-year leagues are on break. This continuity helps maintain fitness levels and technical abilities throughout the year.
The league emphasizes fair play and respect among all participants. Young players learn important values like teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship alongside their football skills.
