Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Lichfield & District Recreational League stands as a cornerstone of youth football in the Lichfield area, providing structured competition for over 65 clubs and 250 teams. With more than 4,200 registered players ranging from Under-7s to Under-16s, the league has become an essential platform for youth football development in the region. The league's extensive reach demonstrates its significance in the local community and its commitment to grassroots football.
Operating with a focus on player development and enjoyment, the LDRL organizes various competitions including league matches and cup tournaments throughout the season. The league's organized structure includes different age groups and competitive divisions, ensuring appropriate competition levels for all participants while promoting fair play and sportsmanship among young players.
The LDRL is governed by a dedicated committee that oversees all operations, from fixtures and results to safeguarding and inclusion initiatives. Their support of programs like Autism Awareness and Kick It Out highlights the league's commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all children can experience the benefits of team sports and community involvement.
History
The Lichfield & District Recreational League has been a cornerstone of local football in the Lichfield area for many years. This league provides competitive football opportunities for teams across various age groups in the region.
While specific founding details are limited in the available information, the league appears to have deep roots in the community. The search results indicate that the league was active as early as 1947, with records showing the 1947-48 season was set to begin on August 23rd of that year.
The league has evolved over time to serve recreational footballers in Lichfield and surrounding areas. It currently features various competitions, including youth divisions such as U10 and U11 age groups with specific tournaments like the Blue Medal Competition.
The Lichfield & District Recreational League operates within the broader context of Staffordshire football. The region has a rich football history, with the Staffordshire County League (South) having existed from 1892 until 1996, serving clubs in South Staffordshire.
Today, the league maintains an active schedule with regular fixtures, results, and league tables. The organization appears to be well-established, as evidenced by the hit counter on their information pages showing over 645,000 visits.
The league continues to be an important part of the local sporting landscape, providing structured competition for footballers of different ages throughout the Lichfield district.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Lichfield & District Recreational League offers competitive football opportunities across multiple age groups. The league accommodates young players from U7 to U21, providing a structured environment for player development throughout their formative years.
For the youngest participants, the league includes divisions for U7, U8, and U9 age groups. These divisions focus on building foundational skills and introducing children to organized football.
The intermediate age groups encompass U10 through U16 categories. These divisions typically see increasing technical and tactical sophistication as players develop their abilities.
For older youth players, the league provides competition at the U17, U18, U19, and U21 levels. These age groups feature several division options including:
- Premier Division
- Combination Premier A & B
- Combination Championship A & B
- Division 1, 2, and 3
The league structure accommodates teams of varying competitive levels. Some age categories include combination divisions that may span multiple age groups, such as the U17-U18 Combination division.
With over 250 teams from more than 65 clubs participating, the league creates valuable playing opportunities for approximately 4,200 registered players. This extensive coverage demonstrates the league's significant role in grassroots football development throughout the Lichfield district.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Lichfield & District Recreational League operates with a dedicated committee of volunteers who manage various aspects of the league's operations. Emma Smith serves as the Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Welfare Officer, and Web Designer for the league. She can be contacted via email at Emmasldrl@outlook.com or by phone at 07543 824417.
Dave Adcock holds the position of Section Secretary, handling administrative duties for the league's football sections. His role is crucial in maintaining organization across the league's extensive network of teams and clubs.
For general league inquiries, there are additional contacts available:
Key Contacts:
- Tracey King: traceykingxx@hotmail.co.uk | 07882 489726
- Paige Stokes: pepperpaige.ps@gmail.com | 07759 435262
The league maintains a structured approach to referee management, with specific contact information available for match officials. This ensures proper coordination of the approximately 250 teams across age groups from U7 to U16.
With over 65 clubs and 4,200 registered players, the committee works diligently to facilitate recreational football opportunities throughout the Lichfield and surrounding district areas. The organizational structure allows for efficient management of this substantial sporting community.
Teams
The Lichfield & District Recreational League encompasses a diverse range of youth football teams across various age groups. According to available information, the league supports over 65 clubs with approximately 250 teams competing regularly.
These teams range from U7 to U16 age groups, providing organized football opportunities for more than 4,200 registered young players in the Lichfield and surrounding areas.
Some of the current U17 teams in the league include:
- Bustleholme U17 Colts
- F.C. Perton U17 Devils
- Hednesford Town FC Youth U17
- Parkfield Juniors U17
The U18 division features teams such as:
- AFC Willenhall U17 Lions
- Bloxwich Town FC (Juniors) U18
- Burntwood Dragons U18 Thunder
- Chasetown Youth U18 Diamonds
- Four Oaks Club U18 Bulldogs
- Great Barr (not fully specified in search results)
Teams in the league participate in regular league matches as well as cup competitions. The league organizes various cups and shields for teams to compete for throughout the season.
The structure of the league allows for competitive yet recreational football, fostering player development and community engagement across the Lichfield district.
Players
The Lichfield & District Recreational League encompasses a large player base across various age groups. According to the search results, the league has over 4,200 registered players participating in competitive football.
These players are distributed across more than 65 clubs and 250 teams, ranging from Under-7s to Under-16s. This demonstrates the league's significant contribution to youth football development in the Lichfield area.
Individual player statistics are tracked throughout the season. For example, player profiles like those from Total Football C.F U18's show match appearances, goals scored, and special recognitions such as Captain or Player of Match designations.
Players like Alexander Christoforou have recorded statistics including 3 appearances, 1 goal, and 3 Player of Match awards, highlighting how the league monitors individual performance and contributions.
The league's structure allows young footballers to develop their skills in a competitive environment while representing their local clubs. Through organized competition, these players gain valuable experience and improve their footballing abilities.
Team and individual statistics provide motivation for players and create healthy competition within the league. These metrics help showcase talent and track progress throughout the season.
