Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Manchester Respect Junior Football League stands as a cornerstone of youth football development in the Manchester area, providing a safe and supportive environment for young players to hone their skills. With a focus on maintaining a calm, fun atmosphere, the league emphasizes respect and proper conduct as fundamental principles in children's sporting education. The league's commitment to these values creates an ideal setting where young footballers can grow both as athletes and individuals.
This well-established youth competition features various age groups, including Under 7s, Under 8s, Under 9s, and Under 11s, each with registered teams competing in organized fixtures throughout the season. Beyond regular league matches, the Manchester Respect Junior Football League also offers futsal opportunities, broadening the sporting experiences available to participating children and enhancing their technical abilities through different formats of the game.
History
The Manchester Respect Junior Football League was founded in 2019 as a safe and supportive environment for young footballers in South Manchester. The league was established with core principles of calm, safe play that would allow children to develop their football skills without excessive pressure.
Paul Kavanagh played a pivotal role in the league's formation. His journey began when his son Adam, at age 6, joined Hazel Grove United. Like many parents, Kavanagh volunteered to help at the club, which eventually led to his involvement in creating the Respect League.
The league was designed specifically to address concerns about the atmosphere in youth football. It emphasizes respectful behavior from players, coaches, and spectators alike, creating a positive environment where young players can thrive.
Since its inception, the Manchester Respect Junior Football League has grown to include multiple age groups. The Under 10s Red Group represents just one division within the broader league structure that serves the South Manchester area.
The organization maintains a strong commitment to its founding values. By prioritizing development over competition, the league continues to provide a nurturing space for children to learn both football skills and important life lessons about sportsmanship and respect.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Manchester Respect Junior Football League caters to children aged 7-11 years old, providing structured football development for both boys and girls. The league organizes teams into specific age groups: Under 7 (U7), Under 8 (U8), Under 9 (U9), Under 10 (U10), and Under 11 (U11).
Each age group has its own registered teams division, ensuring children compete against others at a similar developmental stage. This age-appropriate structure helps foster fair competition and proper skill development.
The playing format varies by age group. U7 teams play in a 5v5 format, which allows younger players more touches on the ball and greater involvement in games. U8 and U9 teams compete in a 6v6 format, gradually introducing children to larger team dynamics.
The focus across all age divisions remains firmly on player development rather than competitive outcomes. This philosophy aligns with modern youth football principles that prioritize skills acquisition and enjoyment over results.
Teams within each division participate in regular fixtures throughout the season. The league structure provides consistent playing opportunities while maintaining a supportive environment for young players to grow their footballing abilities.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Manchester Respect Junior Football League is managed by a dedicated committee who oversee its operations. At the helm of the organization is League Secretary Paul Kavanagh, who serves as the primary point of contact for inquiries about the league.
Paul Kavanagh can be reached directly by phone at 07718 614069 for urgent matters related to league operations, scheduling, or registration concerns. This direct line ensures clubs, coaches, and parents can quickly receive assistance.
For those who prefer written communication, the league offers a contact form on their official website. This form allows individuals to send messages directly to the League Secretary with questions or feedback about league activities.
The league operates as a not-for-profit organization, with committee members volunteering their time to support youth football development. This dedicated group works to create positive football experiences for children across Manchester.
Various club managers within the league structure serve as additional points of contact for team-specific inquiries. These contacts help facilitate communication between the league administration and individual teams.
The committee maintains regular communication with all participating clubs to ensure smooth operations throughout the football season. Their commitment to fostering respect in youth football is reflected in the league's governance structure.
Teams
The Manchester Respect Junior Football League welcomes boys and girls aged 7-11 years old. This inclusive approach ensures that young players of various skill levels can participate and develop their football abilities in a supportive environment.
Teams in the league are organized according to age groups, with specific formats tailored to each level of development. Under-7 teams play in a 5v5 format, which provides more touches on the ball for young players.
Under-8 and Under-9 teams compete in a 6v6 format, allowing for slightly more complex play while still ensuring each child has plenty of involvement in matches. This progression helps children gradually adapt to larger team sizes as they grow.
The league focuses strongly on player development rather than competitive results. This philosophy encourages coaches to prioritize skill-building and enjoyment over win-loss records.
Registered teams participate in a structured season that provides regular playing opportunities in a calm, safe environment. The league takes pride in creating positive experiences for all participants.
Many teams join the league due to its excellent reputation for respect and sportsmanship. In 2014, the league received national recognition as League of the Year in the Community Awards.
Teams are expected to uphold the "Respect" principles that give the league its name, emphasizing good behavior from players, coaches, and spectators alike.
Players
The Manchester Respect Junior Football League focuses on nurturing young talent across various age groups. Players start as young as Under-7, where they begin developing fundamental football skills in a supportive environment.
The league emphasizes player development rather than just competition. Children learn teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship while improving their technical abilities on the field.
Teams like Juno United Lions participate in the U7 category, giving young players their first taste of organized football. Each player's statistics and performance are tracked throughout the season.
The league's RespectMarks scheme evaluates not just player performance but also behavior. This unique approach encourages positive conduct from players during matches.
Players benefit from structured fixtures and results tracking, allowing them to see their progress over time. Individual and team season totals provide valuable metrics for development.
The calm, safe environment promoted by the league allows children to focus on developing their football skills without unnecessary pressure. This philosophy supports both individual growth and team cohesion.
Parents and coaches are expected to model respectful behavior, creating an atmosphere where young players can thrive. This comprehensive approach helps build character alongside athletic ability.
