Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) has been nurturing young football talent in Kent since its establishment in 1999. As an England Football Accredited League affiliated with the Kent FA, it provides structured opportunities for youth players across multiple age groups, from Under 7s to Under 13s and beyond.
The league organizes regular fixtures and maintains comprehensive records of results, upcoming matches, and team information, creating a supportive environment for youth football development. Recent activities include matches in various divisions, such as the U7 La Liga and U13 competitions featuring teams like Dawes Hernhill Herons, East Kent FC, and Ramsgate FC Red.
Behind the scenes, the FDYFL is run by dedicated volunteers who coordinate and maintain all aspects of the league operations. These committed individuals give their time to ensure young players have the chance to participate in organized football, developing skills and fostering a love for the sport throughout the Faversham district and surrounding areas in Kent.
History
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) was established in 1999, marking the beginning of a structured youth football organization in the Faversham area. The league quickly gained recognition for its commitment to youth development through football.
As an England Football Accredited League, FDYFL operates under official standards and guidelines that ensure quality experiences for young players. The league maintains affiliation with the Kent Football Association, which provides governance support and resources.
The development of youth football in Faversham actually predates the league itself. In 1997, local fathers Ted Dowdall and John Bayford laid important groundwork by establishing Luddenham School Football Club with just a small group of children.
Around the same time, Faversham Strike Force FC was founded in 1999 by Club Manager Gary Axford. This club has since grown into one of Kent's largest and most recognized youth football organizations.
Over the years, the FDYFL has expanded its reach and influence, becoming an essential part of the community's sporting infrastructure. The league has served thousands of young players, providing competitive opportunities and fostering skill development.
The league's growth is reflected in its visitor statistics, with over one million recorded visits to its digital platforms. This demonstrates the sustained community interest and engagement with youth football in the Faversham district.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Faversham & District Youth Football League provides structured competition across multiple age groups ranging from Under-7s to Under-18s. The league features a comprehensive structure that accommodates young players at different stages of development.
The youngest participants compete in the Under-7 category, which is divided into several groups including La Liga format and numbered groups such as Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4. This division allows young players to develop fundamental skills in appropriately matched competitions.
As children progress, they can move through Under-8, Under-9, and Under-10 divisions, each designed to accommodate growing skill levels and understanding of the game. These younger age groups focus on developmental aspects while introducing competitive elements.
The league structure becomes more sophisticated in the older age brackets. Under-11 through Under-15 categories typically feature multiple divisions (Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3) to ensure appropriate competitive balance based on team abilities.
Founded in 1968, the league has grown substantially and now hosts over 200 teams across its various age groups. This broad participation demonstrates the organization's significant role in Kent youth football development.
The league operates within Kent FA's framework of affiliated and sanctioned competitions, ensuring proper governance and standardized play across all age groups and divisions.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) operates with a dedicated committee structure to ensure smooth administration of youth football in the region. Founded in 1999, this England Football Accredited League works in partnership with Kent FA.
Communication protocol within the league is clearly established. All contact between clubs and League Committee Members must be made through Club Chairpersons, Club Secretaries, or Club Welfare Officers (CWO).
For administrative matters, the league has designated points of contact. Keith Chilvers handles minutes sheets, which should be sent to his address at 87 Preston Park, Faversham, Kent ME13 8LH or via email at keith@gillandrobinson.co.uk.
Paul Gates serves as a divisional administrator based at 20 Saxon Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8QB. He can be reached by telephone at 01795 539568 for division-specific matters.
The FDYFL maintains an updated Club Contact Handbook containing essential information about league officials and club representatives. As of October 16, 2024, the latest version is available on the League website for reference.
This structured approach to communication helps maintain organization across the various age groups and divisions within the youth football ecosystem in Faversham and surrounding districts.
Teams
The Faversham & District Youth Football League (FDYFL) features various youth football teams across different age groups. Established in 1999, the league has grown to include numerous teams from the Faversham area and surrounding districts.
Some notable teams in the league include Chartham Sports Club U7, Dawes Hernhill Herons U7 Yellow, and Deal Town Rangers U7 Rangers. Faversham Town Youth is particularly prominent within the league structure.
Sturry Kings U7 is another team participating in the younger age categories of the FDYFL. The league provides competitive opportunities for youth players across various age groups.
The league structure includes several successful teams such as Faversham Town Youth, Herne Bay Harriers, and Whitstable Town Youth. These teams have built strong reputations within the youth football community in Kent.
Teams in the FDYFL benefit from the league's England Football Accreditation and affiliation with the Kent FA. This ensures proper governance and standards across all participating clubs.
The league is managed by volunteers who coordinate fixtures and maintain operations to support youth football development. Their commitment ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for young players.
Players
Player registration in the Faversham & District Youth Football League follows specific guidelines to ensure fair competition across all age groups. Registration cutoff occurs at 9pm every Thursday, allowing league administrators time to process applications before weekend matches.
Players are not permitted to register for more than one team in the same age group. This rule prevents potential conflicts of interest and ensures competitive balance throughout the league.
For youth leagues, player names are no longer publicly displayed on league websites and official documentation. This privacy measure protects young athletes while still allowing for proper league administration.
The registration process enables clubs and referees to effectively manage their day-to-day activities. Teams must ensure all players are properly registered before they can participate in official matches.
Each age group has specific eligibility requirements that determine which players can participate. Teams must adhere to these guidelines when registering players for the season.
Registration status can be verified through team administrators who have access to the league's management system. Parents and guardians should contact their team's officials with any registration questions.
The league maintains comprehensive records of all registered players to ensure compliance with youth football regulations. This system helps maintain the integrity of competitions across all age groups.
