Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Mid Sussex Youth Football League (MSYFL) is a vibrant grassroots football organization serving over 330 teams across East and West Sussex. Providing competitive opportunities for young players from under-7 to under-21 age groups, the league has established itself as a cornerstone of youth football development in the region. The MSYFL creates structured pathways for young athletes to develop their skills while fostering community connections through the beautiful game.
Currently in its 2024-2025 season, the league features multiple divisions across various age groups, including Under-12 Division Two and Under-18 Division One. Teams like ASC Strikers, Lewes Juniors, Montpelier Villa AFC, Steyning Town Community, and Withdean Youth regularly compete in weekly fixtures, building sporting rivalries and friendships alike.
The league maintains an active online presence through social media, where it shares updates, results, and celebrates the achievements of its young players. With its comprehensive structure and community focus, the MSYFL continues to nurture the next generation of football talent across Sussex while promoting values of teamwork, fair play, and sporting excellence.
History
The Mid Sussex Youth Football League has established itself as a significant platform for youth football development in the Sussex region. The league operates alongside the main Mid Sussex Football League, which was formed in 1900 in the railway town of Haywards Heath.
While specific founding details of the youth league aren't explicitly mentioned in the available information, it follows the tradition of organized football in Sussex that dates back to the late 19th century.
Sussex has a rich football heritage, with the Sussex Football Association being founded in 1882. This organization has provided governance and structure for football development throughout the region, including youth competitions.
The youth league currently features various age divisions, including the Under 18 Division One, providing competitive opportunities for young players throughout the Mid Sussex area.
Youth football in Sussex has benefited from the established infrastructure of local clubs and leagues, creating pathways for player development and community engagement.
Similar to other youth leagues, the Mid Sussex Youth Football League likely aims to promote sportsmanship, skill development, and enjoyment of the game among younger generations of players.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Mid Sussex Youth Football League offers competitive football across multiple age groups, ranging from Under 7 (U7) to Under 18 (U18). This comprehensive structure ensures that young players have appropriate platforms for development at every stage of their youth football journey.
For the older age brackets, the league maintains multiple divisions to accommodate different skill levels. The Under 17 category features both Division One and Division Two, allowing for competitive balance among participating teams.
Similarly, the Under 18 category is organized into Division One and Division Two. Some seasons may feature a combined Under 18/19 Division One, providing flexibility for clubs with players in this transitional age range.
The league structure covers all youth development phases with dedicated divisions for U7, U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18 teams. This pyramid approach ensures appropriate competition at each level.
Teams are typically grouped based on geographical location and competitive ability, helping to minimize travel time while maintaining fair competition. This approach supports player development and ensures enjoyable match experiences.
The league works closely with approximately 50 clubs fielding over 260 teams across these various age groups and divisions. This robust participation demonstrates the league's important role in youth football development across the Sussex region.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Mid Sussex Youth Football League is run by a dedicated committee who oversee all operations of the league. Based on available information, key officials include the General Secretary, Mike Brown, who can be reached at secretary@midsussexfl.co.uk or by phone at 07810 406875.
The league Chairman is Duncan Brooker, contactable at chairman@midsussexfl.co.uk or 07977 241357. These officials manage the administrative functions necessary for running youth football across the Mid Sussex region.
While the youth division has specific coordinators, they work under the umbrella of the Mid Sussex Football League's main committee structure. This ensures consistent governance across all age groups from junior to senior levels.
The committee is responsible for fixture scheduling, rule enforcement, and maintaining communications with participating clubs and teams. They also coordinate with county football associations to ensure compliance with regional and national standards.
For specific youth division inquiries, teams and parents are advised to contact the appropriate age group coordinator. Contact information for these coordinators is typically provided to team managers at the beginning of each season.
Regular committee meetings are held throughout the season to address ongoing matters and plan for upcoming tournaments and events within the youth football calendar.
Teams
The Mid Sussex Youth Football League (MSYFL) features a diverse range of youth football teams across various age groups. Based on available information, the league accommodates teams from under-7 to under-21 categories, providing structured competition for young players throughout their development years.
In the Under-18 division, several prominent teams compete regularly. These include Withdean Youth U18 Black, ASC Strikers U18, Lewes Juniors U18, and Montpelier Villa AFC U18. Current standings show Withdean Youth U18 Black leading the table with 11 games played.
The Under-14 category features teams such as Seagulls U14, Eastbourne United Youth U14, Montpelier Villa AFC Youth White U14, and Withdean Youth U14. Each of these teams has played 6 matches in the current season.
Additional U18 teams participating in the league include:
- Cuckfield Cosmos U18
- Haywards Heath Town Youth U18
- Horsham U18
- Hurstpierpoint U18
- Patcham United U18
- Ringmer AFC U18
The MSYFL represents a significant grassroots football organization in the region, supporting more than 330 teams across age groups. This extensive network provides competitive opportunities for youth players throughout Sussex.
Teams typically compete on a weekly basis during the season, with matches predominantly held on weekends to accommodate school schedules and maximize participation.
Players
The Mid Sussex Youth Football League offers numerous opportunities for young football talents to develop their skills and passion for the game. Players from various age groups, ranging from under 7s to under 18s, participate in competitive matches throughout the season.
AFC Crawley's U19/21 team represents one of the pathways for older youth players in the league. The league organizes divisions based on age groups, with specific divisions such as Under 14 Division One and Under 18 Division One creating appropriate competitive environments.
Player development is a key focus across the league. Teams track player statistics including season totals, helping coaches monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
Currently, several clubs actively recruit new talent. For example, Ifield FC Under 11s is seeking players for the 2024/25 season, competing in Mid Sussex group B (Division 2).
The league operates primarily on Sundays, aligning with the broader Sussex Sunday Youth Football structure that encompasses approximately 50 clubs and over 260 teams across various age categories.
Players benefit from the league's affiliation with Sussex County FA, ensuring matches are properly regulated and follow appropriate youth football guidelines. This structured environment helps young players develop not only technical skills but also sportsmanship and teamwork.
