Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The M&S Water Services Chiltern Youth Football League stands as a cornerstone of youth football development in the Chiltern area. Organizing competitive football for young players from Under-11s through to Under-18s, the league operates under the guidance and rules established by the Bedfordshire FA. With over 4.3 million hits on their official platform, this league has clearly established itself as a significant presence in youth football across the region.
Currently in the 2022/2023 season, the league benefits from sponsorship by M&S Water Services (Utilities) Ltd, demonstrating the community support behind youth sports development. The league's structure includes various divisions based on age groups, such as the Under-12 Division 1, providing appropriate competitive environments for different skill levels.
For parents, players, and supporters, the Chiltern Youth Football League offers comprehensive resources including fixtures, results, tables, and statistics. The league also emphasizes the importance of respect in sports, featuring this value prominently in their communications and organizational structure.
History
The Chiltern Youth Football League has a rich history in youth football within Bedfordshire. The league organizes competitive football for young players ranging from Under-11s to Under-18s.
In recent years, the league underwent a significant change in sponsorship. M&S Water Services (Utilities) Ltd became the official sponsor of the league for the 2022/2023 season.
This partnership marked an important development for what was previously known simply as the "Chiltern Youth League." Following the sponsorship agreement, the league was renamed to the "M&S Water Services Chiltern Youth Football League."
M&S Water Services' sponsorship represented a major commitment to youth sports in the region. The company's support helped maintain and develop what is recognized as the largest youth football league in Bedfordshire.
The league operates under the guidance and rules established by the Bedfordshire Football Association. This ensures that all competitive matches follow proper standards and regulations.
Through this structured approach, the league has maintained its position as an important platform for youth football development in the region. The continued support from sponsors like M&S Water Services has been vital to its ongoing success.
Age Groups and Divisions
The M&S Water Services Chiltern Youth Football League organizes competitive football across multiple age groups ranging from U11 to U18. This comprehensive structure allows for youth development across different stages of childhood and adolescence.
Each age group is further divided into multiple divisions to ensure fair competition. The league currently offers divisions for U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18 age categories.
The U15 and U16 age groups feature at least two divisions each (Division 1 and Division 2), allowing teams to compete at appropriate skill levels. Similarly, the U18 category also operates with multiple divisions, including Division 1 and Division 2.
This tiered structure helps create balanced competitions where teams can face opponents of similar abilities. The league operates under the guidance and rules established by Bedfordshire FA, ensuring proper governance and standardization.
Teams progress through these age groups and divisions as players develop, providing a continuous pathway for youth footballers in the Chiltern region. The league's organization allows clubs to field multiple teams across different age categories.
The competitive nature of the divisions helps young players develop their skills in match situations appropriate to their development stage. This structured approach has made the league a vital part of youth football development in the area.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Chiltern Youth Football League is managed by a dedicated committee whose members oversee league operations and ensure smooth functioning of youth football in the Chiltern area.
Victor Shekle serves as a Management Committee Member and brings extensive experience, having joined the committee in 1992. He can be contacted at 07805 328189 for league-related inquiries.
Gary Wilson is also a Management Committee Member who joined more recently in 2017. Both committee members play vital roles in the league's administration and development.
The league holds regular committee meetings to discuss ongoing matters. Meeting minutes are maintained and were previously published on April 6, 2020.
For general inquiries about the M&S Water Services Chiltern Youth Football League, interested parties can reach out to the league via the following contact details:
League Contact Information:
- Phone: 01582 736317 (M&S Water Services)
- Email: Available through the league website
- Website: Provides additional contact options
The committee welcomes feedback from clubs, players, parents, and referees to continually improve the league experience for all participants.
Teams
The Chiltern Youth Football League features numerous youth teams across various age groups ranging from Under-11s to Under-18s. These teams primarily come from areas within Bedfordshire and surrounding counties.
Each team participates in competitive football organized under the guidance and rules established by the Bedfordshire Football Association. The league provides structured competition for youth development.
Teams are typically divided into divisions based on age groups and skill levels. This division system ensures fair competition and appropriate developmental opportunities for players at different stages.
Many local clubs field multiple teams across different age categories in the league. This creates pathways for young players to progress through age groups while staying with their local club.
The 2022/2023 season saw continued sponsorship from M&S Water Services (Utilities) Ltd, supporting the teams' competitive activities. This sponsorship has been renewed multiple times, showing ongoing commitment to youth football in the region.
Registration for teams typically occurs before each season begins. Clubs must ensure their players meet eligibility requirements for their respective age groups.
Match days usually take place on weekends, with teams competing according to fixtures set by the league administration. Teams play home and away matches throughout the season.
Players
The M&S Water Services Chiltern Youth Football League caters to youth footballers from Under-11s to Under-18s age groups. Player development remains a central focus of the league's mission, providing competitive opportunities for young talent.
Player transfers within the league follow strict deadlines. According to recent announcements, the transfer deadline for the current season is approaching, giving clubs limited time to finalize their squad adjustments.
Registration procedures ensure all participants meet age requirements and eligibility criteria. The league maintains comprehensive player statistics throughout the season, tracking performance metrics like goals scored and appearances.
Youth development pathways are established to help talented players progress to higher levels of competition. Many former Chiltern Youth Football League players have gone on to represent regional academies and professional club youth systems.
The league emphasizes player welfare and respect as core values. All participants must adhere to codes of conduct designed to create a positive playing environment.
Age Groups Available:
- Under-11s
- Under-12s
- Under-13s
- Under-14s
- Under-15s
- Under-16s
- Under-18s
Player engagement extends beyond match days, with many clubs offering additional training sessions and development opportunities. Seasonal recognition comes through awards for outstanding performances, celebrating individual achievement within the team context.
