Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Sussex Sunday Youth Football League stands as a cornerstone of junior football in Sussex County, providing competitive opportunities for young players from Under 7 to Under 15 age groups. With approximately 50 clubs and over 260 teams participating, this league creates valuable sporting experiences for thousands of youth players across the region. The league's official affiliation with the Sussex County FA ensures proper governance and standardized procedures that maintain quality and fairness across all competitions.
Teams like AS Eastbourne, Bognor Regis Town Youth, Haywards Heath Town Youth, and Peacehaven & Telscombe Youth regularly compete across various divisions structured by age and geography. This organizational approach allows for appropriate competition levels while minimizing travel demands on young players and their families.
The league emphasizes positive sporting values through initiatives like the Respect campaign and Silent Support weekends, demonstrating commitment to player development beyond mere competition. These programs help create supportive environments where young footballers can develop their skills and passion for the game while learning important life lessons about teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
History
The Sussex Sunday Youth League has been a significant part of youth football in Sussex County for many years. The league is affiliated with the Sussex County Football Association, providing a structured competitive environment for young players.
The league has grown substantially over time, now hosting approximately 50 clubs and more than 260 teams. These teams compete across age groups ranging from Under 7 to Under 15 categories.
While specific founding dates aren't mentioned in the available information, the league has established itself as an important development platform for youth football in the region. Its connection to the broader Sussex football community is evident.
In 1977, there are records of friendly matches being played between teams during the close season, indicating the league's presence during this period. These friendships helped build the community aspect of youth football in Sussex.
The league has faced challenges throughout its history, including temporary postponements of fixtures during difficult situations. These adaptations demonstrate the league's resilience and commitment to youth football.
The league's extensive reach is reflected in its hit counter of over 10 million views, showing significant engagement with the community. This digital footprint highlights the league's evolution into the modern era while maintaining its focus on youth development.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Sussex Sunday Youth Football League offers competitive and developmental football for young players across multiple age categories. The league accommodates children from Under-7s through to Under-16s, providing appropriate playing environments for each developmental stage.
Age groups are typically organized into separate divisions based on skill level and geographical location. For younger players (U7-U10), the focus remains on skill development and enjoyment rather than competitive standings.
The U11-U16 age brackets feature more structured competition with multiple divisions. For example, the U13s and U14s are organized into Division 1, Division 2 East, and Division 2 West, allowing teams to compete against others of similar ability levels.
Some age groups like U12s are divided into East and West divisions to reduce travel time for young players and families. This geographical split helps maintain local rivalries while ensuring reasonable journey times to matches.
The U15 and U16 divisions represent the most advanced youth levels in the league. Teams in these divisions often feature players preparing for potential transition to adult football in subsequent seasons.
With approximately 50 clubs and over 260 teams participating across all age groups, the league provides structured football opportunities for thousands of young players throughout Sussex.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Sussex Sunday Youth Football League is managed by a dedicated committee that oversees all aspects of league operations. This group of volunteers works tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of youth football across Sussex.
Key leadership positions within the league include Deborah Lawson, who serves as Chair and can be reached at 07912 414731. Richard Pearson holds dual roles as Vice Chair and Fixtures Secretary, available at 07896 364935 or 01273 277308 for fixture-related inquiries.
The committee also includes a General Secretary who handles administrative matters for the league. Together, these officials coordinate matches, manage team registrations, and address any issues that arise during the season.
Teams interested in joining the Sussex Sunday Youth League can contact committee members directly using the provided phone numbers. The league welcomes new teams and provides competitive football opportunities for youth from U7 to U15 age groups.
For specific inquiries about particular divisions or age groups, the appropriate committee member can direct teams to the correct resources and information.
Teams
The Sussex Sunday Youth League encompasses approximately 50 clubs with over 260 teams participating across age groups from Under 7 to Under 15. This substantial number of teams highlights the league's significance in youth football development across Sussex.
Various clubs field multiple teams in different age categories. For example, clubs like AS Eastbourne, Ifield Eagles, Haywards Heath Town Youth, and Bognor Regis Town Youth White compete at the U15 level.
The league structure typically organizes teams into divisions based on age groups and sometimes skill levels. This format ensures competitive matches while providing appropriate development opportunities for young players.
Team standings are tracked throughout the season with points accumulated for wins and draws. As seen in search results, the U15 division shows AS Eastbourne leading with 7 points, followed by Ifield Eagles, Haywards Heath Town Youth, and Bognor Regis Town Youth White tied with 9 points each.
The league is formally affiliated with the Sussex County FA, ensuring proper governance and standards across all participating teams. This affiliation provides an official framework for youth football competition in the region.
Local communities across Sussex are well-represented within the league, giving young players opportunities to develop their skills in a structured competitive environment close to home.
Players
The Sussex Sunday Youth League boasts a diverse range of young footballers across multiple age groups from Under 7 to Under 15. These players represent approximately 50 clubs and participate in over 260 teams throughout the league.
Youth players develop their skills in a structured environment that promotes fair play and sportsmanship. The league emphasizes player development rather than just competitive results, especially in the younger age groups.
Many players begin their journey in the U7 category and progress through the age groups as they grow. This continuity allows for long-term technical and tactical development within a familiar league structure.
The league implements a Silent Support initiative during designated weekends, creating an environment where young players can make decisions without excessive sideline pressure from adults.
Weekly fixtures provide regular opportunities for match play, with players typically competing on Sunday mornings across various venues in Sussex. This consistent schedule helps establish routine and commitment for young athletes.
Players benefit from official County FA affiliation, ensuring proper governance and safeguarding throughout their football experience. This professional structure mirrors adult leagues while maintaining youth-appropriate modifications.
The most dedicated players often advance to higher levels of competitive football, with the Sussex Sunday Youth League serving as an important foundation for their football journey.
