Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Selby & District Junior Football League stands as a cornerstone of youth football development across Yorkshire, encompassing over 400 teams from areas including Castleford, Garforth, Goole, Leeds, Selby, Tadcaster, Wakefield, and York. The league provides structured competitive opportunities for various age groups, from Under-8s to older junior divisions, organizing both spring and winter fixtures that keep young players engaged throughout the year.
Behind this extensive network of youth football is a well-organized system of clubs, fixtures, and results that creates meaningful sporting experiences for children across the region. The league maintains an official website where parents, coaches, and players can access the latest information about upcoming matches, recent results, and important announcements.
For those looking to get involved, the Selby & District Junior Football League offers connections to numerous affiliated clubs and provides access to resources through partnerships with organizations like the West Riding FA. This creates a supportive environment where young footballers can develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of the beautiful game in a structured competitive setting.
History
The Selby & District Junior Football League was founded in 1963. In its inaugural season, the league began with 10 teams competing against each other in grassroots football.
Over the decades, the league has experienced steady growth and expansion. What started as a modest local competition has transformed into a significant youth football organization in the region.
Today, the league boasts impressive participation numbers with over 5,800 children playing across various age groups. The competition structure spans from Under-7s to Under-18s, providing a comprehensive development pathway for young footballers.
The league maintains affiliation with the West Riding County Football Association, ensuring proper governance and connection to the broader football pyramid in England.
This growth reflects the league's commitment to grassroots football development and community engagement over its 60+ year history. From its humble beginnings, it has become an important sporting institution in the Selby area.
The expansion of the league mirrors the growing popularity of youth football across the region, with thousands of matches played each season across numerous venues.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Selby & District Junior Football League organizes competitions across multiple age groups, ensuring children have appropriate playing opportunities as they develop. The league structure spans from Under-7s through to Under-18s, covering primary and secondary school ages.
Players are grouped according to their school year, with specific designations for each age category. Year 8 students compete in Under-13 divisions, Year 9 in Under-14, Year 10 in Under-15, and Year 11 in Under-16 competitions. Sixth form students participate in the Under-18 category.
The league is impressively comprehensive, featuring 11 age groups across 81 clubs. These are organized into 117 divisions accommodating 432 teams and providing playing opportunities for approximately 5,824 young footballers.
Each age group is further divided into multiple divisions using color designations. For example, the Under-9 category includes Black, Pink, and Purple divisions during the spring season, allowing teams to compete against others of similar ability levels.
For younger age groups (U7-U10), the focus remains on development and enjoyment rather than competitive outcomes. As players progress to older age groups (U11-U18), more competitive structures are introduced while maintaining appropriate developmental standards.
Clubs interested in joining the Selby & District Junior Football League are encouraged to contact league officials, as they actively welcome new participants to their established youth football community.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Selby & District Junior Football League is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who oversee various aspects of league operations. Current committee members are available to handle queries from clubs, parents, and officials.
The committee is led by Gareth Bowers, who serves as the Interim Chair. Alistair Watson currently holds the Interim Secretary position, handling administrative duties for the league.
Graham Barker fills the important role of League Treasurer, managing the financial aspects of the organization. Tim Holt serves as the Welfare Officer, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
Key Committee Contacts:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chair (Interim) | Gareth Bowers |
| Secretary (Interim) | Alistair Watson |
| Treasurer | Graham Barker |
| Welfare Officer | Tim Holt |
Committee members can be reached via email for any questions or concerns related to their specific areas of responsibility. It's recommended to contact the relevant committee member directly for the most efficient response.
The league encourages open communication between clubs, officials, and the committee to ensure smooth operations throughout the season. This includes matters related to fixtures, referee concerns, and general league administration.
Teams
The Selby & District Junior Football League boasts an impressive roster of over 400 teams across its coverage area. This extensive network spans multiple regions including Castleford, Garforth, Goole, Leeds, Selby, Tadcaster, Wakefield, and York.
Each participating club typically fields multiple teams across different age groups and divisions. The league provides structured competition for youth players, helping to develop football talent in the region.
Clubs interested in joining the Selby & District Junior Football League can find application information through the league's official channels. The organization welcomes new teams that meet their criteria and are committed to youth football development.
For support and additional guidance, clubs can access resources through the West Riding FA website. This partnership ensures teams receive proper instruction on league regulations and development opportunities.
Team participation in the league offers young players the chance to engage in regular, organized competition. Matches are typically held on weekends throughout the football season, with fixtures, results, and standings available through the league's online platforms.
Players
The Selby & District Junior Football League serves a large community of young footballers, with over 5,800 children participating in grassroots football each weekend. These players range from Under-7s to Under-18s, representing the future of football in the region.
Players come from a wide geographical area including Castleford, Garforth, Goole, Leeds, Selby, and Tadcaster. This diversity brings together young athletes from different backgrounds and communities, creating a rich competitive environment.
The league structure accommodates various age groups with specific adaptations for each level of development. For example, the U8 Pink division represents just one of many carefully organized competitions designed for appropriate skill progression.
Player Development Focus:
- Technical skills improvement
- Teamwork and sportsmanship
- Physical fitness and coordination
- Understanding of game rules
- Enjoyment of the sport
Over 400 teams participate across all divisions, providing ample opportunities for players to develop their abilities. Each weekend, thousands of young footballers take to the pitch, demonstrating their growing talents.
The league maintains a strong emphasis on fair play and respect among players. Recent initiatives have focused on supporting referees and creating positive playing environments where young athletes can thrive while learning valuable life skills through football.
