Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Saywell International (Arun and Chichester) Youth Football League stands as a cornerstone for youth football development in the South of England. Established to nurture young talent, the league provides structured competition for various age groups, from Under-7 development squads through to older youth divisions. The league's primary mission focuses on improving skill standards and fostering player development, creating opportunities for children throughout the Arun and Chichester regions to participate in organized football.
With multiple divisions across different age categories, the league offers appropriate competitive levels for teams of varying abilities. Recent fixtures, upcoming matches, and league tables keep young players engaged throughout the season, while postponements and cancellations are promptly communicated to ensure smooth operations. The organization maintains a clear administrative structure with dedicated league officers and fixture secretaries who oversee the competition's day-to-day management.
The league represents more than just weekend matches – it embodies a commitment to youth sports in the community. Children participating in the Saywell International Youth Football League gain valuable teamwork skills, physical fitness benefits, and competitive experiences in a supportive environment designed specifically for their developmental needs.
History
The Saywell International (Arun and Chichester) Youth Football League, commonly known as ACYFL, was founded in 1998. It was established by a dedicated group of local football enthusiasts committed to developing youth football in the region.
Originally called the Arun and Chichester Youth Football League, the organization later partnered with Saywell International as its title sponsor. This partnership helped strengthen the league's presence in youth football across Southern England.
The league was created with a clear mission to improve skill standards among young players. Since its inception, it has focused on youth development and providing structured competitive opportunities for children's football in the South of England.
Over the years, the ACYFL has grown significantly in terms of participating teams and age groups. The league now serves as a vital platform for young footballers across the Arun and Chichester districts.
The organization maintains comprehensive records of fixtures, results, and tables. Their match tracking system has recorded over 7 million hits, demonstrating the community's strong engagement with the league.
ACYFL continues to uphold its founding principles of skill development and youth engagement. The league remains an important part of the local sporting landscape, contributing to the football ecosystem in West Sussex.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Saywell International (Arun and Chichester) Youth Football League offers a comprehensive structure for youth players across multiple age categories. The league accommodates children from Under 7s through to Under 18s, providing appropriate competitive environments for each developmental stage.
For the youngest participants, the league organizes Development Groups for U7, U8, and U9 players. These groups focus on skill building and enjoyment rather than intense competition, following youth football best practices.
As players progress to older age groups, the competitive structure becomes more defined. The league features multiple divisions within each age category from U10 through U18, allowing teams to compete against others of similar ability levels.
The league also incorporates cup competitions, such as the U8 Chaffinch League Cup and U8 Falcon competitions, giving young players the experience of knockout tournament football.
For older age groups like U12 and U13, the league organizes placement play-offs, including formats such as 5th/6th and 7th/8th place play-offs, ensuring meaningful competition throughout the season.
Age Groups Available:
- Under 7s (U7)
- Under 8s (U8)
- Under 9s (U9)
- Under 10s (U10)
- Under 11s (U11)
- Under 12s (U12)
- Under 13s (U13)
- Under 14s (U14)
- Under 15s (U15)
- Under 16s (U16)
- Under 18s (U18)
The league is committed to youth football development in Southern England, with a focus on improving skill standards and fostering player development across all age groups and divisions.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Saywell International (Arun and Chichester) Youth Football League is led by a dedicated team of officers who oversee its operations. Peter Saywell serves as the Life President of the organization, highlighting his significant contributions to youth football in the region.
The league also benefits from the expertise of several Life Vice Presidents, including Mrs. Kathy Wilson and Mrs. Vicky Tucker. Their long-term commitment to the development of youth football has been instrumental in the league's success.
The Vice Presidential team consists of Paul Beard, Peter Merritt, Jack Pearce, and Peter Down. These individuals bring valuable experience and guidance to the league's management structure.
For those seeking to contact the league for information or inquiries, the official league website provides various communication channels. Match officials can also find relevant information and resources through the league's online platforms.
The league maintains a club directory that includes contact details for all participating clubs. This comprehensive resource ensures effective communication between the league administration and its member clubs.
Teams
The Saywell International (Arun and Chichester) Youth Football League currently hosts over 100 teams across multiple age groups. The league structure spans from Under-7 to Under-18 divisions, providing competitive opportunities for young players throughout their developmental years.
Teams are organized into appropriate divisions based on age groups, ensuring fair competition among players of similar development stages. The Under-7 division operates as a development group, focusing on building fundamental skills rather than solely on competition.
Local clubs like Worthing Town and East Preston Youth participate in the league, fielding multiple teams across different age categories. For example, Worthing Town has teams designated by colors such as "Worthing Town U7 Black" to distinguish between their multiple entries in the same age group.
The league serves as an important platform for youth football in the South of England. Its structure allows clubs to enter multiple teams in the same age group, providing more opportunities for player participation.
League matches typically take place on weekend mornings, with fixtures scheduled throughout the season. The competition follows standardized formats appropriate to each age group, with modifications for younger players to support their development.
The geographical focus of the league centers around the Arun and Chichester areas, though teams from surrounding districts also participate in the competition.
Players
The Saywell International (Arun and Chichester) Youth Football League prioritizes youth development across various age groups. According to recent information, players' names are no longer displayed for youth leagues, reflecting modern safeguarding practices.
Teams within the league actively recruit new members throughout the season. For example, Felpham Colts Under 9's have been looking for new players to join their squad.
Chichester City Youth U13 and Chichester City Colts U9 White are among the teams participating in the league structure. These teams represent part of the pathway for young footballers in the Arun and Chichester areas.
The league focuses on skill development and creating opportunities for children and youth players in the South of England. This commitment helps nurture talent at grassroots level.
Player registration typically follows FA guidelines, with teams required to maintain proper accreditation. The current accreditation renewal deadline is March 10, 2025, ensuring teams remain compliant with league standards.
Many clubs offer training sessions throughout the week, with competitive matches typically played on weekends. This structure allows young players to develop their abilities in both practice and game environments.
