Frequently Asked Questions

To register your club, visit our registration page and complete the online application form. You will need to provide your club name, age groups, estimated squad sizes and a primary contact. Our team will review your application and be in touch within 3 working days.

Registration fees vary depending on the competition and age group you are entering. Full fee details are provided during the registration process. Fees cover league administration, referee coordination, fixtures management and end-of-season awards.

EYFL currently caters for age groups from U7 through to U16. The Development League is ideal for clubs entering their first competitive season, while the main YFL runs divisions across all age groups. The Youth Premier League is open to clubs by invitation or promotion.

Yes. Clubs may register multiple teams within the same age group, subject to availability within divisions. Each team must be registered separately and will be placed into the most appropriate division based on ability assessment.

The main registration window typically opens in July ahead of the September season start. A mid-season window may be available for the Development League. Specific dates are announced on our website and social media channels. We recommend registering early to secure your preferred division placement.

Player transfers between clubs during the season are subject to EYFL transfer regulations. Requests must be submitted in writing by both clubs and are subject to a clearance period. Players cannot represent two clubs in the same competition during the same season.

The Development League is our entry-level competition focused entirely on player development and enjoyment — ideal for newer clubs or younger age groups competing for the first time. The Equiti Youth Football League (YFL) is our flagship competition with six divisions per age group offering structured competitive football. The Youth Premier League (YPL) is the elite tier for the top clubs in the region, featuring scout-attended fixtures and a higher level of competition.

The majority of EYFL matches are played on Sundays. Some cup competitions and rescheduled fixtures may be played on Saturdays or weekday evenings, subject to agreement between both clubs and availability of officials.

If a match is postponed due to weather or an unplayable pitch, the home club must notify EYFL and the visiting club as soon as possible. The fixture must be rescheduled and played within the timeframe specified in competition rules. Clubs are responsible for arranging a suitable rescheduled date in agreement with the opposing club.

At the end of each season, the top teams in each division are promoted and the bottom teams are relegated, in accordance with competition rules. The number of promotion and relegation places per division is confirmed at the start of each season. Promotion to the Youth Premier League is subject to club assessment in addition to league position.

EYFL follows FA recommended formats: U7–U8 play 5-a-side, U9–U10 play 7-a-side, U11–U12 play 9-a-side, and U13 and above play 11-a-side. Pitch sizes, ball sizes and match durations are adjusted accordingly for each age group.

Yes. EYFL runs cup competitions throughout the season, open to registered clubs across all tiers. Cup draws are published on the website and all registered clubs receive notifications via email.

EYFL competitions are governed by the Laws of the Game as set by IFAB, modified in line with FA youth football guidelines for each age group. Competition-specific rules (e.g. rolling substitutions, heading restrictions, minimum playing time) are detailed in the EYFL Rules & Regulations document provided to all registered clubs.

EYFL follows FA guidance on heading. Heading in training is not permitted as part of planned coaching activity at U12 and below. In matches, heading is permitted at all age groups in line with current IFAB laws, though we encourage coaches and referees to promote player welfare at all times.

EYFL uses rolling (unlimited) substitutions at all age groups up to and including U12. From U13 upwards, substitution rules follow standard competition rules as detailed in the seasonal handbook. Rolling substitutions allow any player to return to the pitch after being substituted, ensuring maximum participation.

EYFL strongly supports the FA's guidance that all registered players should receive meaningful playing time in every match. At U7–U12, a minimum playing time requirement is in place. Clubs consistently failing to adhere to this principle may face disciplinary action.

Fielding an ineligible player is a serious breach of competition rules. Depending on the circumstances, sanctions may include forfeiture of the match result, points deductions, fines or suspension from the competition. All eligibility queries should be raised with EYFL before the match.

EYFL coordinates referee appointments for all YFL and Youth Premier League fixtures. Clubs are notified of their assigned referee in advance of each matchday. For Development League fixtures, clubs may be required to provide a parent or volunteer referee where a qualified official is not available.

If a referee fails to arrive, both clubs should attempt to contact EYFL match officials immediately. If a replacement cannot be appointed in time, both clubs may mutually agree on a volunteer official to allow the match to proceed. The result of such a match stands as long as both clubs agree before kick-off.

Concerns about referee conduct should be submitted in writing to EYFL within 48 hours of the fixture. Please include the match details, a factual account of the incident and any witness names. EYFL will investigate all formal complaints fairly. Abusive behaviour toward referees is taken extremely seriously and may result in the suspension of the club or individual involved.

A home club referee is permitted only in circumstances where EYFL cannot appoint a neutral official, and only with the agreement of the opposing club. The home club referee must declare their affiliation before the match and both clubs must confirm agreement in writing to EYFL.

The EYFL Courses is a free online education platform for everyone involved in youth football — parents, players, coaches, referees and anyone who wants to learn. It offers 10 courses covering topics from the Laws of the Game to safeguarding, concussion awareness, nutrition and player development.

Yes. Every course on the EYFL Academy is completely free to access with no registration required. All you need is a browser and the willingness to learn.

Yes. All 10 courses on the EYFL Academy offer a printable certificate upon successful completion. You must score 80% or above on the course quiz to pass. Certificates display your name, the course title, your score and the date of completion.

Each Academy course contains 50 multiple-choice questions drawn from FA teaching methods, IFAB Laws of the Game, FA Safeguarding guidelines and sports science research. The pass mark is 80% (40 out of 50 correct). You can retake a course as many times as you like.

Yes. Your progress is automatically saved in your browser as you complete each question. If you close the page and return later on the same device and browser, you can resume from where you left off. Note that progress is stored locally and will not carry across different devices or browsers.

EYFL is run by a team of football administrators, coaches and former players committed to raising the standard of youth football in the region. Find out more on our About page.

You can reach us via our Contact page. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 2 working days.

Yes. EYFL operates in accordance with FA rules and guidelines. All clubs participating in EYFL competitions must be affiliated to their County FA and hold the relevant FA club affiliation.

Safeguarding concerns should always be reported to your club's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in the first instance. If the concern involves a club official, contact your County FA or the FA's Safeguarding team directly. For match-day misconduct, submit a written report to EYFL within 48 hours. Our Academy safeguarding course provides guidance on recognising and reporting concerns.

The full EYFL Rules & Regulations document is distributed to all registered clubs at the start of each season. If you require a copy, please contact us and we will send it to you.