Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Sussex Sunday Football League (SSFL) stands as one of the prominent amateur football competitions in the Sussex region, offering competitive matches across multiple divisions including the Premiership and Divisions 3 and 5. The league provides a structured platform for local teams to compete weekly, with comprehensive fixtures, results, and standings available for players and supporters to follow throughout the season. This community-focused competition has built a strong reputation within local football circles.
The SSFL has also made its mark in county-level competitions, with teams from the league competing in prestigious tournaments such as the Sunday Challenge Trophy. These county cup competitions add another dimension to the league's appeal, creating opportunities for SSFL sides to test themselves against teams from other leagues and potentially bring home silverware for their clubs.
History
The Sussex Sunday Football League (SSFL) has deep roots in local football culture. Founded in 1960, according to its Facebook presence, the league has become an important part of the Sussex football landscape.
The league operates with multiple divisions to accommodate teams of varying skill levels. Currently, the league structure includes a Veterans Division (Division 9 VETS) and regular divisions for adult teams.
Top-performing teams in recent competitions include BN Dons First, Hassocks Fatboys, Preston Dynamos 1958, and Stone Cross Royals Mens. These clubs have been competing strongly in their respective divisions.
The league has grown substantially since its founding. What likely began with a small number of teams has expanded to include numerous clubs across Sussex.
League operations are organized to support weekend football, giving players who work during the week an opportunity to participate in structured competition. The Sunday format has proven popular over the decades.
The SSFL remains active in community engagement, maintaining a social media presence to connect with players and supporters. With nearly 600 followers on Facebook, the league continues to be relevant in local football circles.
St. George's Park appears to have some connection to the league's operations or history, though the exact relationship isn't specified in the available information.
Age Groups and Divisions
The SSFL Sussex Sunday Football League offers competition across multiple age categories and divisional levels. The league is structured around two primary age groups: Open (for adult players) and Veterans (for older participants).
The Open age group features a comprehensive divisional structure with the Premiership serving as the top tier. Below this sit Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, Division 4, Division 5, and Division 6, creating a clear promotion and relegation pathway.
For younger players, the league incorporates junior divisions, including Junior Division 7. This provides development opportunities for youth players transitioning toward adult football.
The Veterans division, sponsored by Vita Risk Solutions, caters specifically to older players who wish to continue competitive football. This division maintains the competitive spirit while acknowledging different physical capabilities.
The Sussex region also supports the Sussex Sunday Youth Football League, which operates separately but complements the adult structure. This youth system encompasses age groups from Under 7 to Under 15, with approximately 50 clubs fielding over 260 teams.
All divisions within the league structure operate under the governance of the Sussex County FA. This affiliation ensures standardized rules, proper officiating, and integration with the broader English football pyramid.
Teams can move between divisions based on their performance, creating a dynamic competitive environment that rewards success and development at all levels of the game.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The SSFL Sussex Sunday Football League is managed by a dedicated committee that oversees all league operations. Deborah Lawson serves as the Chair and can be reached at 07912 414731.
Richard Pearson holds two important positions within the league. He functions as both the Vice Chair and the Fixtures Secretary. For fixture-related inquiries, he can be contacted at 01273 277308 or via mobile at 07896 364935.
The league also has a General Secretary position, though specific contact details beyond the role title aren't provided in the available information.
Teams interested in joining the SSFL Sussex Sunday Football League for upcoming seasons are encouraged to contact the league directly. The organization actively recruits new teams and maintains open communication channels for prospective members.
For more detailed information about joining the league or other administrative queries, teams can reach out to any of the committee members listed above.
Teams
The SSFL Sussex Sunday Football League encompasses multiple divisions with teams from across Sussex. Based on the search results, several teams participate across different categories of play.
AFC Goring First, Aldrington Rangers, B Town First, BN Dons First, BN Dons Reserves, Hassocks Fatboys, and Heathfield & Horam compete in one division of the league.
Another division features teams such as AFC Romans First, East Grinstead Meads U23, Ferring Sunday, Hangleton Sunday FC, Hove Lions, Hove Park Rangers, Shorewick United, and Whitehawk Rangers.
The league also includes AFC Manor First, Charlwood Village 1st, FC Grinstead First, Forest Recommission First, Haywards Heath Hammers First, Hillside Rangers First, and Rudgwick Panthers in a separate division.
There is a veterans' section within the SSFL featuring teams like AFC Aymer Veterans, Amici Athletic Veterans, Charlwood Village Veterans, Eastbourne Warriors Veterans, Heathfield & Horam Veterans, Patcham United Vets, and Sussex Veterans.
The league has seen success in county competitions. Real Rosehill defeated White Hart 2-1 in the Challenge Cup, highlighting the competitive nature of the teams within the Sussex Sunday Football League.
Players
The SSFL Sussex Sunday Football League features numerous talented players across its various divisions. Teams like BN Dons First, Hassocks Fatboys, Preston Dynamos 1958, and Stone Cross Royals Mens are currently leading competitors in the league.
AFC Manor First includes players such as Walid Abouzikry, Max Allum, Adrian Avery, Erion Basha, and Ricky Betsworth among their squad members. These players contribute to the team's performance in their respective division.
West Sussex Wanderers, another team in the league, has a roster featuring Alex Bellingham, Ollie Bellingham, Zach Bradbury, Benjamin Brown, and Sven. Each player brings their own skills and abilities to strengthen their team's competitive edge.
The league operates across multiple divisions, including a Veterans Division 9, providing opportunities for players of different ages and skill levels to participate. This inclusive structure allows for broad participation across Sussex.
Players in the SSFL compete weekly in Sunday fixtures, developing strong team bonds and local rivalries. The competitive nature of the league helps develop player skills while maintaining the community aspect of Sunday league football.
The league's players also compete in county cup competitions, with teams like Real Rosehill participating in prestigious tournaments such as the Challenge Cup.
