Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL) has established itself as a cornerstone of youth football development across the Midlands region of England. Running continuously since at least the 2010-11 season, the league provides structured competition for junior teams while emphasizing player development and sporting values.
Applications for the 2025-2026 season are now open, offering clubs the opportunity to join this well-organized youth football competition. The league maintains a professional structure with dedicated officials handling various aspects of operations, including referee coordination, ground sharing arrangements, and player registrations.
The MJPL continues to evolve with the times, maintaining both traditional administrative functions and an online presence to serve its member clubs effectively. This combination of established tradition and forward-thinking approach has helped the league maintain its relevance in developing young football talent throughout the Midlands.
History
The Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL) is a prominent youth football competition in the English Midlands region. While the specific founding date of the MJPL isn't mentioned in the search results, it appears to be part of the broader Junior Premier League structure established in 2011.
The Junior Premier League has grown significantly since its inception, now claiming to be the world's largest youth league with over 3,000 teams participating regularly. This expansion demonstrates the organization's commitment to developing young football talent.
The league structure includes various age groups, with search results specifically mentioning U9 and U10 divisions. Teams like PlayR Pro Football Academy, Racing Club Warwick, Redditch United, Oldbury United, and AFC Telford United compete within these divisions.
It's worth noting that junior football in the Midlands region has deeper historical roots. The Tayside Junior Football League, originally named the Midlands League, has existed since 1969 in the region, though it appears to be a separate organization from the MJPL.
The MJPL operates within the broader framework of English football development, with connections to The Football Association and St. George's Park, the English national football center. This suggests the league plays a role in the official player development pathway.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL) offers comprehensive youth football competitions across multiple age categories. The league accommodates players from Under-9s through to Under-18s, providing structured development pathways for young footballers.
Each age group is carefully organized into specific divisions. Currently, the league supports competitions for U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18 categories.
Many divisions are sponsored by organizations like SCI and Watson, bringing additional support to youth football development. This sponsorship helps maintain high standards of competition and organization throughout the league.
The structure of the MJPL includes two main tiers: the Premier Division and Division One. This tiered approach allows teams of different skill levels to compete appropriately while continuing to develop.
With over 100 teams participating across various divisions, the MJPL has established itself as a significant platform for youth football in the Midlands region. The league's growth since its founding in 2009 demonstrates its importance in the youth football landscape.
Teams compete within their respective age groups and divisions throughout the season. This organization ensures fair competition and appropriate developmental challenges for players at each age level.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL) is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who ensure the smooth operation of the competition across the Midlands region. For the 2024/2025 season, several key contacts are available to assist with league-related inquiries.
Chris Stowe serves as the U18 Divisional contact and can be reached via email at chris@mjpl.org.uk. His expertise helps guide this important age group through their competitive season.
Jennifer Burge holds a committee position within the organization, bringing valuable experience to the league's governance structure. Her role helps maintain the high standards the MJPL is known for.
Matt Dainty also serves on the committee and can be contacted at mldainty@gmail.com. His contribution to league operations is essential for administrative functions.
The league also recognizes Life Members who have made significant contributions over the years. These individuals have helped shape the MJPL into the respected competition it is today.
For player recruitment inquiries or specific team information, Luke Styche can be reached at 07865 621617. He assists with connecting players to appropriate teams within the league structure.
The MJPL maintains active communication channels to support clubs, players, and parents throughout the season. Their organized committee structure ensures that all stakeholders have clear points of contact for various league matters.
Teams
The Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL) hosts numerous youth football teams across various age groups. Teams include AFC Birmingham U9, AFC Gornal U9 East MJPL, and Brinklow Juniors U9 Hawks.
Other notable U9 teams in the league are Alvechurch Foundation, Arden Forest, Berkswich, and Boldmere St Michaels Juniors. Bustleholme United and Chaddesley Ravens Youth also compete at this level.
For the 2022/23 season, Walsall FC Foundation entered six teams in the MJPL. These teams represented age groups from U11 to U16, showing the developmental pathway available within the league.
The league features teams from across the Midlands region, including AFC Telford United, Alvis Junior Saturday, and Coventry Sky Blues Eagles. Coventry Sky Blues Phoenix also participates in the competition.
Applications for the 2025-2026 season are currently open, allowing new teams to join this competitive youth football structure. This continual recruitment ensures the league maintains a fresh and diverse range of participating clubs.
Many teams in the MJPL are affiliated with professional clubs, while others are independent youth organizations. This mix creates a balanced competitive environment for young players to develop their skills at various levels.
Players
The Midland Junior Premier League (MJPL) features talented young players across various age groups. Players participate in divisions ranging from U9 to U15 and beyond, developing their skills in a competitive environment.
Player registrations for the league are managed by Jason Gibbons, who can be contacted at registrations@mjpl.org.uk. This ensures all participants meet eligibility requirements before competing.
The league recognizes outstanding talent through awards such as Player of the Season. For example, Korey Brough was voted U15's Player of the Season for 2020/21 after showing significant improvement in his performance throughout the season.
Teams like Arden Forest, Berkswich, Boldmere St Michaels Juniors, and Bustleholme United field U9 squads in the competition. At older age groups, clubs such as Chasetown Youth Scholars, Rushall Olympic Youth Development, Darley Sports FC Ajax, and Stretton Eagles Junior Green provide development pathways.
For welfare concerns, players and parents can contact Louise Hughes at secretary@mjpl.org.uk. This support ensures a safe environment for all participants.
The U9 divisional contact is John Drinkwater (john@mjpl.org.uk), who oversees competition for the youngest age group in the league.
