With around 12,000 games played each year…
…by over 17,000 registered players…
…for upwards of 1,400 teams…
…representing more than 180 clubs…

WE ARE THE BIGGEST U7 TO U14 YOUTH LEAGUE IN THE COUNTRY

CLICK HERE TO JOIN YEL 2021/22 SEASON

Diary Dates

Blog

Referees Info

Managers and Coaches Info

Parents and Players Info

Rules

JOIN THE YEL – Click here for more information about how to Join the YEL

Latest news from the YEL

Click here for archived news

Click here

for new YEL Advance 2021/22 sessions

YEL Community – a new initiative by your league to help support YOU, our YEL member clubs and teams

Click for more details

As the largest youth league in the country, the YEL has agreed, once again, to take part in the national FA pilot study to remove heading from football – we have agreed to trial no heading for YEL U7s, U8s & U9s organised matches

Referees

Coaches

Parents

Leagues

Clubs

Click to open PDF

Football For All

Founded as the Young Elizabethan league, and now affectionately known as the YEL, our mission is to create opportunities for boys and girls to enjoy the game at every level. From playing in organised, safe environments, to upholding the highest level of respect for referees, teammates and opposition alike, we strive to be the very best youth football league in the UK. 

Whilst we are moving forward with a modern 21st Century image and an upgraded management system for running the league efficiently and professionally, our footballing ethos has not changed and is still underpinned by the simple message of

‘Sportsmanship above all’

‘Powerful and very poignant’

RESPECT video

MY CHILD – The Referee

Click here to watch

A NEW YEL IDENTITY
– INSPIRED BY YOUTH

As part of our continual drive to provide the most consistent, professional and relevant service to our members, we have undertaken an rebranding exercise that delivers a fresh look, feel and tone that is more representative of our most important asset… young players!

Read More

DIARY DATES

2023

  • 1st – – 2024/25 season applications opens for new clubs/teams
  • 16th – Deadline day for player registration/transfers for 2023/24 season
  • 1st – Re-applications open for existing YEL teams/clubs for 2024/25 season
  • 30th – Spring season ends for League games (unless extended by the league)
  • 11th/12th – U9&U10 Cup Finals at Clifton FC
  • 18th/19th – U11-U14 Cup Finals at Bottesford FC
  • 31st – Applications officially close for new clubs/teams for 2024/25 season
  • 31st – All outstanding 2023/24 invoices must be settled in order for clubs to be eligible to join the new season
  • 8th/9th – Spring Season YEL Awards at the Royal Concert Hall
  • 13th – ONLINE AGM 8pm start – Club Secretaries to attend

  • 1st – Last day for U9-U14 team applications to be received to guarantee inclusion in 2024/25 season season to club affiliation being completed
  • TBC – 7pm Online club meeting
  • TBC – 8pm Online meeting for all new managers for the 2024/25 season. All existing YEL managers are also welcome to join.
  • 24th – Deadline for minimum number of players to be registered on FA systems
  • 24th – Deadline for all outstanding team league fees invoices to be settled
  • 24th – last day for free withdrawals from the league
  • 24th – Last day for entering a U9-U14 team for season 2024-25

  • 7th/8th – Winter season starts

–

–

  • 20th/21st – Winter season ends

2024

  • 4th/5th – Spring season starts

  • TBC – YEL Awards – Winter season at the Royal Concert Hall
  • TBC – YEL Awards – Winter season at the Royal Concert Hall

1st – 2025/26 season applications opens for new clubs/teams

16th – Deadline day for player registration/transfers for 2024/25 season

1st – Re-applications open for existing YEL teams/clubs for 2025/26 season

30th – Spring season ends for League games (unless extended by the league)

  • 31st – Applications officially close for new clubs/teams for 2024/25 season
  • 31st – Deadline for all outstanding 2023/24 invoices must be settled in order for clubs to be eligible to join the new season

USEFUL INFORMATION

Useful information for Managers and Coaches

Useful information, tips, guides and rules for Managers and Coaches…

Read more

Useful information for Players and Parents

Useful information, tips, guides and rules for Parents and Players…

Read more

Useful information and Advice for Referees

Useful information, tips, guides and rules for Referees…

Read more

FA WHOLE GAME SYSTEM (WGS) PLAYER PHOTO REQUIREMENT

We need a good, clear, head and shoulders, portrait image, where the player’s head is at least half the height of the picture. Please ensure your images match what is required to avoid rejection.

THINK!
RESPECT THE GAME!

Most parents get it; Most coaches get it; Most players get it. SOME DON’T and when they don’t EVERYBODY SUFFERS.

If you don’t get it WATCH THE VIDEO and put yourself in their position.

Read more about YELs approach to Safeguarding and Respect

“SAFETY, RESPECT AND FUN WILL ALWAYS BE AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO”

The YEL’s executive team is led by Chief Executive, Robert Harwood, who has outstanding credentials and working knowledge in both sport and business. His passion for promoting fairness and respect at every level of development is well documented.