Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Notts Youth Football League (Saturday division) stands as one of the premier youth football competitions in Nottinghamshire, providing structured league play for young athletes from U15s through U19s. With over 1.4 million hits on their digital platform, the league has established itself as a cornerstone of youth football development in the region. The organization maintains comprehensive tracking of fixtures, results, and tables, ensuring teams and supporters stay informed throughout the season.
Beyond just organizing matches, the Notts Youth Football League promotes initiatives like the "Silent Support weekend" and emphasizes their Respect campaign, demonstrating their commitment to creating a positive environment for young players. The league serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring footballers, offering a competitive structure that helps develop both technical skills and sportsmanship among participants.
History
The Notts Youth Football League has a rich heritage dating back to 1926, when it was established as the Notts Minor League. This organization was created to provide structured football competitions for young players in Nottinghamshire.
In 1971, the league underwent a significant name change, becoming officially known as the Notts Youth Football League. This rebranding reflected its dedicated focus on youth development and competitive opportunities for children and teenagers.
Over the decades, the league has experienced steady growth in both participation and reach. It has expanded its divisions to accommodate various age groups, ensuring that young footballers at different developmental stages have appropriate competitive environments.
Saturday matches have been a cornerstone of the league's schedule, creating a weekend tradition for many families across Nottinghamshire. The league has maintained its commitment to grassroots football development throughout its existence.
Notable clubs like Attenborough Colts, Carlton Town, Beeston Rylands, and Ravenshead have participated in the league's competitions. These and many other teams have contributed to the league's legacy of youth football excellence.
The league continues to serve as an important pathway for young footballers in the region, providing them with valuable competitive experience and development opportunities.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Notts Youth Football League (Saturday) caters to older youth players, providing structured football competitions across multiple age categories. The league primarily focuses on U15, U16, and U18 age groups, offering competitive opportunities for youth development.
For the U18 category, the league is particularly extensive with six divisions. These range from U18's Division 1 through to U18's Division 6, allowing for appropriate skill-level matching and competitive balance.
The U16 age group also features multiple divisions, ensuring teams compete against others of similar ability. This tiered approach helps develop players according to their current skill level.
U15 teams participate in their own structured divisions, though fewer than the U18 category. This organization allows younger players to develop within appropriate competitive environments.
The Saturday league operates alongside a Sunday league option, giving clubs flexibility in scheduling. Both leagues maintain similar age structures but may have different division arrangements.
Beyond the standard weekend competitions, the organization also supports U19 players through a midweek floodlit league. This additional option provides extended playing opportunities for older youth athletes.
Teams are placed in divisions based on skill level, promoting fair competition and appropriate player development. This structured approach ensures youth footballers can enjoy the game at a suitable competitive level.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Notts Youth Football League (NYFL) is managed by a dedicated committee of officials who oversee both Saturday and Sunday youth football operations. Geoff Brown serves as the Chairman and can be reached at 0115 854 4941 or via email at geoff@nyfl.co.uk.
David Worley holds dual roles as Vice Chairman and another position within the organization. He can be contacted at 0115 916 4907, by mobile at 07733 977342, or through email at david@nyfl.co.uk.
Martin Beardsley is another key contact for the Saturday league operations and can be reached via email at martin@nyfl.co.uk. The league maintains strict protocols to protect personal information of team contacts.
Key Committee Contacts:
- Chairman: Geoff Brown (geoff@nyfl.co.uk)
- Vice Chairman: David Worley (david@nyfl.co.uk)
- League Contact: Martin Beardsley (martin@nyfl.co.uk)
All team contact details are password protected as part of the league's safeguarding measures. This ensures personal information remains secure while still allowing necessary communication between clubs, referees, and league officials.
The NYFL maintains an online presence including Facebook, where participants can engage in appropriate discussions related to league activities and updates.
Teams
The Notts Youth Football League (Saturday division) features various youth football teams organized into different age groups. Based on the search results, several key teams participate in this league.
Some of the prominent teams include AFC Warriors Saxons, Clay Cross Town Dynamos, and Eastwood CFC Red. These clubs represent different communities across Nottinghamshire and neighboring areas.
Other notable participating teams are Grantham Town Yellow, Ilkeston Town Jnrs Juventus, and Long Eaton Utd Yellow. These teams provide competitive opportunities for young players to develop their skills in a structured environment.
Mansfield Town also fields youth teams in the Saturday league, giving young talents a pathway to potentially progress to higher levels of football.
Additional teams mentioned in the search results include:
- Bottesford Blue
- Dunkirk Colts
- Long Bennington
- West Bridgford Cosmos
- West Bridgford Mods
The league appears to have good geographical coverage, with teams from various towns and communities across Nottinghamshire and surrounding counties. This provides young players with diverse competitive experiences against different styles of play.
All these teams contribute to the vibrant youth football culture in the Nottinghamshire region, helping develop the next generation of footballers.
Players
The Notts Youth Football League (Saturday division) showcases talented young footballers ranging primarily from U15s to U19s. Players develop their skills through regular competitive matches in a structured environment.
Registration is required for all players participating in the league. This ensures proper organization and adherence to age group regulations that create fair competition.
Many players in the league demonstrate exceptional potential, with some going on to join academies or semi-professional clubs. The league serves as an important stepping stone in their football development journey.
Training typically occurs during weekdays, with matches scheduled on Saturdays. This routine helps players build discipline and commitment to their sporting development.
Youth players benefit from qualified coaching and proper officiating. Referees ensure that matches are conducted fairly and safely, allowing players to focus on performance.
The league emphasizes both individual skill development and team collaboration. Players learn valuable lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, and tactical awareness.
Parents and supporters regularly attend matches to encourage players. This community aspect creates a positive atmosphere for youth development.
For exceptional performers, representative opportunities may become available. These selections recognize standout talent within the league structure.
