Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The York and District Youth Football League stands as one of the premier youth football organizations in the region, providing competitive opportunities for approximately 300 teams across multiple age groups. From Under 7s to Under 16s, the league creates structured environments where young players can develop their skills and passion for the beautiful game. The league operates with a seasonal format, including both Winter and Spring Groups, ensuring year-round football development for thousands of young athletes across the York district.
As the 2024/2025 season progresses, clubs and teams are actively participating in weekly fixtures designed to foster fair competition and player growth. The league organizes special events throughout the season, including numerous finals that showcase the talents of these dedicated young footballers. These matches represent the culmination of months of training and competitive play, bringing communities together to celebrate youth sport.
Parents, coaches, and football enthusiasts can follow team progress throughout the season, with results regularly updated and upcoming fixtures announced. For clubs interested in joining this thriving football community, the league maintains an open channel through its secretary, welcoming new teams to become part of this established youth football tradition in York.
History
The York and District Youth Football League stands as one of the largest junior boys' football leagues in the North Yorkshire region. Established to promote youth football development, the league has grown significantly over the years.
The league operates under the affiliation of the North Riding Football Association, providing structured competition for young players from Under 7 to Under 18 age groups. This broad age range has helped establish the league as a cornerstone of youth football in the York area.
While the York Football League itself was founded in 1897, the youth division emerged later as interest in organized youth sports expanded across the region. The development of the youth system has played a crucial role in nurturing football talent in North Yorkshire.
Over time, the league has adapted to changing football regulations and youth development philosophies. The organization maintains comprehensive fixtures, results, and tables to ensure fair competition across all age groups.
The league's growth is evident in its expanding participation numbers and geographical reach throughout the York district. Its long-standing presence has created a football tradition that spans generations of young players.
Today, the York and District Youth Football League continues to provide competitive opportunities while emphasizing positive sporting environments for thousands of young footballers each season.
Age Groups and Divisions
The York and District Youth Football League offers comprehensive competitive opportunities for young players across multiple age categories. The league structure accommodates children from Under 7s through to Under 16s, creating a progressive pathway for youth development.
With over 300 teams participating across all age groups, the league represents a significant sporting community in the York district. Each age group is carefully organized into multiple divisions to ensure fair competition between teams of similar abilities.
The league typically divides most age categories into multiple divisions - commonly Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. This tiered approach allows for appropriate competitive balance and gives teams the opportunity to play against others of comparable skill levels.
Promotion and relegation between divisions occurs as teams move up to the next age level. For example, the Under 12 league tables determine the Under 13 divisional placements for the following season.
The youngest age groups (U7-U10) focus primarily on skill development and enjoyment, while the older categories (U11-U16) introduce more competitive elements. This progressive structure aligns with recommended youth development practices.
League administrators carefully organize fixtures and results for each age group and division. Parents, players and coaches can easily access division tables, fixtures and results through the league's official platforms.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The York and District Youth Football League is managed by a dedicated committee responsible for all day-to-day operations of the league. This group oversees the various functions necessary to run a successful youth football program across York and surrounding areas.
Key leadership positions within the organization include the Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Based on available information, Dave Morrill serves as the Chairman and can be reached at dave.morrill@hotmail.com.
The league's Secretary position is held by Geoff Hartley, who manages administrative duties. For financial matters, Treasurer Dip Patel handles the league's accounts and can be contacted at dlpatel@hotmail.co.uk.
Referee coordination is managed by Paul Ballantyne, who serves as the Referee Secretary. This role is crucial for ensuring proper officiating across all league matches.
The current committee structure was formed when two former leagues merged to create the York and District Youth Football League. Committee members from both original organizations were integrated to ensure continuity and comprehensive management.
For organizations interested in participating in league meetings, there is typically a limit of 2 representatives per organization. This ensures efficient communication while allowing adequate representation from each member club.
Parents, coaches, and players can reach out to the appropriate committee member with specific questions or concerns related to league operations, scheduling, or other youth football matters.
Teams
The York and District Youth Football League boasts approximately 300 teams across various age groups. The league structure spans from Under 7s through to Under 16s, providing competitive opportunities for youth players throughout their development journey.
Registered clubs for the 2024/2025 playing season include Bishopthorpe White Rose FC, Brayton FC, Brooklyn FC, Carr Vikings JFC, Clifford AFC, and Copmanthorpe. These clubs field multiple teams across different age categories, contributing to the robust competition within the league.
Teams compete in structured league tables throughout the season. For example, in the Under 16s division, clubs like Bishopthorpe W.R. U16 Blacks, Thorpe United U16, Dringhouses U16 Eagles, and Kirkbymoorside U16 battle for league standings.
The league organizes fixtures for both boys and mixed teams across all age groups. This inclusive approach ensures opportunities for various skill levels and team compositions.
The competitive season culminates in 29 Finals across different divisions, showcasing the top-performing teams from each age group. These finals represent the pinnacle of achievement for youth teams in the York and District area.
Team participation in the league provides young players with consistent match experience, technical development, and the opportunity to represent their local communities in organized football competition.
Players
The York and District Youth Football League requires all players to be registered through the FA Competition Portal. This registration process ensures that all participants meet the necessary requirements to compete in the league.
Player registration typically takes place before the start of each season. Teams must submit the required documentation for each player to be eligible to participate in league fixtures.
The league accommodates players across multiple age groups ranging from Under 7s through to Under 16s. This wide range allows young footballers to develop their skills as they progress through the age groups.
All players must adhere to the league's code of conduct and rules. These guidelines are in place to ensure fair play and a positive environment for youth development.
Teams in the league feature both boys and mixed teams across all age categories. This inclusive approach provides opportunities for many young players in the York and District area to participate in organized football.
Player development is a key focus of the league, with the competitive structure designed to help young footballers improve their skills and understanding of the game.
