Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The North Derbyshire Youth Football League stands as a cornerstone of youth football development in the region, providing structured competition for numerous teams across various age groups. Named Derbyshire FA's Grassroots League of the Year for both 2018/19 and 2019/20, the league has established itself as a premier platform for young footballers to develop their skills and passion for the game. The organization maintains a strong community presence, connecting clubs, players, and families throughout North Derbyshire.
With eight teams per group and a comprehensive tournament structure including group games, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals for each age group, the league offers young players valuable competitive experience. Events organized by the league attract significant participation, with reports of up to 256 teams competing over two-weekend tournaments. These gatherings feature amenities such as food vendors and organized parking, creating a welcoming environment for players and supporters alike.
History
The North Derbyshire Youth Football League has a rich heritage dating back to 1947. It was established to address the lack of organized sports activities for young people in the Matlock area.
For over seven decades, the league has provided thousands of youngsters with opportunities to play organized football. The organization began as a solution to fill a significant gap in youth sporting provisions in the North Derbyshire region.
Originally known as the Rowsley & District Youth Football League, it has maintained its core mission throughout its existence—giving young players a chance to participate in structured football competitions.
The league has expanded significantly since its humble beginnings, now encompassing multiple age groups and divisions. The U7, U16, and other age categories compete regularly in organized matches throughout the season.
In recent years, the league formalized its structure by becoming a limited company (NORTH DERBYSHIRE YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE LIMITED), as evidenced by its Companies House registration. This represents its evolution from a local community initiative to an established sporting organization.
Throughout its history, the league has remained committed to youth development through sport. Its longevity—over half a century of continuous operation—speaks to its importance within the community and its successful approach to youth football administration.
Age Groups and Divisions
The North Derbyshire Youth Football League offers competitive football opportunities across multiple age groups ranging from Under-7s to Under-18s. Each age group features different divisions to accommodate varying skill levels and team numbers.
The youngest participants begin in the U7 category, which typically includes Blue and Yellow divisions, with some seasons also featuring an Orange division. Similarly, the U8 age group is organized into Blue, Yellow, and Orange divisions.
For U9 teams, the league maintains the three-division structure with Blue, Yellow, and Orange options. This division format helps ensure competitive balance and appropriate development opportunities for young players.
As children progress to U10 and U11 levels, the league continues with similar division structures. By U12, the competitive format begins to shift, with some age groups organized into numbered divisions such as Division 1.
Players must be at least 6 years old by August 31st at the start of the season to register for U7s. The league operates with a maximum two-year age band to ensure appropriate competition and player development.
Team registration and player transfers are managed through online systems, with specific forms available for different registration needs. This organized approach helps maintain fair competition across all divisions.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The North Derbyshire Youth Football League (NDYFL) is managed by a dedicated committee that oversees all operations. Andy Bagshaw serves as both Chairman and Treasurer, and can be reached at chairman@ndyfl.co.uk or by phone at 07563 017606.
Andy Bush holds the position of League Secretary and can be contacted at secretary@ndyfl.co.uk or 07516 729421. The league also has a Vice Chairman who handles fixtures.
For fixture-related inquiries, teams and clubs can email fixtures@ndyfl.co.uk. This is the appropriate channel for any schedule changes or questions about upcoming matches.
The NDYFL maintains active social media presence on both Facebook and Twitter, where important announcements and updates are regularly shared with member clubs, teams, and supporters.
For child welfare concerns, the league has dedicated resources available through their management structure. This aligns with their commitment to providing a safe environment for youth football.
The league organizes regular meetings for member clubs, with dates available on their website. These meetings provide opportunities for discussing important issues and planning future events.
For additional football administration matters in the region, clubs can contact the Derbyshire County FA, located at 8-9 Stadium Business Court, Millennium Way, Derby DE24 8HP.
Teams
The North Derbyshire Youth Football League features numerous youth football teams across various age groups. According to the search results, the league includes under-7 teams such as Barlborough Junior FC U7 Blast, Bolsover Town FC U7, and Brampton Rovers AFC U7.
Each team has a designated manager responsible for coaching and development. For example, John Wild manages Barlborough Junior FC U7 Blast, while Chris Foden is in charge of Bolsover Town FC U7.
Additional U7 teams in the league include:
- Qualitas Sport U7
- Sleetmoor United FC U7 Raptors
- Somersall Rangers U7 Fury
- Staveley Miners Welfare J.F.C. U7
The league also includes U8 teams such as:
- Chesterfield FC Youth U8 Blue
- Chesterfield FC Youth U8 White
- Darley Dale Juniors U8
- Hollingwood FC U8
Team information is readily accessible through the league's directory system. Fans and parents can view team details, including manager information, fixtures, and results.
The league maintains a structured transfer system with specific deadlines. For the 2024/25 season, the deadline for signing new players and transfers was February 23, 2025.
Players
The North Derbyshire Youth Football League (NDYFL) maintains a structured player registration system that ensures fair competition across all age groups. Players must be properly registered before participating in league matches.
Registration for players is primarily handled through an online system, with separate processes for standard players and mini soccer participants. This streamlined approach helps clubs efficiently manage their squads throughout the season.
Player transfers are also regulated by the league, with specific deadlines enforced. For the 2024/25 season, the deadline for signing new players and processing transfers was February 23, 2025.
The league serves various age groups, including Under 15s, each with their own divisions and competitive structures. This age-based organization ensures players compete against others at similar developmental stages.
Teams must adhere to league regulations regarding squad sizes and player eligibility. These rules help maintain competitive balance and provide appropriate playing opportunities for youth footballers of different abilities.
Player development remains a core focus of the NDYFL, with the competition structure designed to nurture talent and promote enjoyment of the game. The league provides a supportive environment for young players to improve their skills and understanding of football.
