Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Severn Valley Youth Football League stands as a premier organization for young football enthusiasts ages U8 to U16 across Gloucestershire and surrounding areas. The league creates a positive, pressure-free environment where children can genuinely enjoy football while developing their skills and passion for the game. With participating teams from Gloucester, Stroud, Forest of Dean, and South Gloucestershire, the league offers widespread opportunities for youth players throughout the region.
Since its establishment, the Severn Valley Youth Football League has maintained a simple yet powerful aim: to prioritize enjoyment and development over competitive pressure. This approach has made it the leading league for young people who love football in the area, providing safe and supportive playing opportunities for all participants regardless of skill level.
History
The Severn Valley Youth Football League (SVYFL) is a prominent youth football organization in Gloucestershire, England. Established to provide competitive football opportunities for young players, the league has grown significantly over the years.
The SVYFL has earned recognition for its commitment to youth development, becoming an England Accredited Youth Football League. This accreditation demonstrates the league's dedication to maintaining high standards in youth football.
In recent years, the league achieved a notable milestone by winning the prestigious Gloucestershire FA League of the Year award. This recognition highlights the SVYFL's positive impact on youth football in the region.
The league currently serves multiple age groups, offering football for children from Under-8 to Under-17 categories. This comprehensive age range allows for continuous player development throughout childhood and adolescence.
SVYFL's geographical coverage extends across several areas including Gloucester, Stroud, Forest of Dean, and South Gloucestershire. This wide reach has helped create a diverse competitive environment for participating teams.
Teams like Cotswold Rangers Youth, Abbeymead Rovers Youth, Hucclecote Youth United, and Charfield Juniors represent some of the clubs that have competed in the league. These clubs have helped build the league's reputation for quality youth football.
The league continues to focus on providing accessible football opportunities while maintaining competitive standards across all age groups.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Severn Valley Youth Football League offers organized football competitions across multiple age groups, providing opportunities for young players throughout Gloucestershire and Bristol. The league structure covers children from Under 8 to Under 16 age categories.
For the youngest participants, the league begins at Under 8 level, gradually progressing through Under 9, Under 10, and continuing up to Under 16. Some seasons also include an Under 17 division, expanding opportunities for older teens.
Within certain age groups, particularly at the developmental stages, the league implements a tiered division system. For example, the Under 9 category features both Explorers and Pioneers divisions, allowing for appropriate competitive levels based on skill and experience.
The Under 10 age group operates with three divisions: Discoverers, Explorers, and Pioneers. This three-tier approach helps ensure matches remain competitive and enjoyable for players at different development stages.
As players progress to older age categories (Under 11 through Under 16), the division structure continues, providing appropriate competition levels throughout a young player's football journey. The league maintains its commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for youth football development.
Tournament opportunities are also available within specific age groups, giving teams additional competitive experiences beyond regular league play.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Severn Valley Youth Football League is managed by a dedicated committee that oversees all operations across Gloucestershire and Bristol areas. The league provides football opportunities for youth from U8 to U16 age groups.
Key committee members include Dave Lee, who serves as the League Treasurer. He can be reached at 01453 822 583 or via email at dwtlee01@gmail.com.
Sue Davis holds the dual role of League Secretary and Results Secretary. For any inquiries related to these responsibilities, she can be contacted at 07718 (partial number provided in sources).
For general support and assistance, the Gloucestershire FA remains available to help league participants. They can be reached via email at Support@Gloucestershirefa.com.
The league's management committee works diligently to coordinate matches for teams from various regions including Gloucester, Stroud, Forest of Dean, and South Gloucestershire.
Teams interested in joining the league or seeking more information about upcoming seasons can reach out directly to these committee members for guidance and registration details.
Teams
The Severn Valley Youth Football League includes numerous teams across various age groups from U8 to U16. Based on the search results, there are approximately 45 local clubs affiliated with the league.
Some of the teams participating in the U13 age group include Abbeymead Rovers Youth U13 Mambas, Ashleworth Woodpeckers Youth U13, Broadwell Amateurs Youth U13 Blues, Charfield Juniors Youth U13 Falcons, and Cotswold Rangers.
For the U11 age group, teams include Redmarley Youth U11, Tuffley Rovers Youth U11 Blues, Avonvale United Youth U11, and FC Highnam Youth U11.
The league draws teams from a wide geographic area covering Gloucester, Stroud, Forest of Dean, and South Gloucestershire regions. This creates a diverse competitive environment for youth players.
Each club often fields multiple teams across different age groups, providing development opportunities for players of all skill levels. The structure enables appropriate competition matching as children progress through the age categories.
The league's popularity in Gloucestershire is evident from its large club membership and its recognition as a previous winner of the Gloucestershire FA League of the Year award in 2017.
Players
The Severn Valley Youth Football League offers competitive opportunities for young footballers across various age groups from U8 to U17. Players come from diverse locations including Gloucester, Stroud, Forest of Dean, and South Gloucestershire.
Each season, hundreds of young athletes develop their skills and passion for the game through weekly matches and training sessions. The league structure allows players to compete at appropriate levels for their age and ability.
Player registration typically occurs before the season begins, with teams submitting their squads through official channels. This ensures all participants meet age requirements and safety standards.
The league emphasizes player development alongside competitive play. Many talented youngsters have progressed from SVYFL to academy systems and senior football in the region.
Key Player Statistics:
- Age ranges: U8 to U17
- Geographic areas: Gloucester, Stroud, Forest of Dean, South Gloucestershire
- Season duration: Generally follows standard youth football calendar
Player welfare remains central to the league's philosophy. Match officials and team coaches work together to create a positive environment where young players can thrive both technically and personally.
The SVYFL received recognition for its excellence when winning the Gloucestershire FA League of the Year award in 2017, highlighting the quality experience it provides for its players.
