National Football Youth League

Last updated : Monday, 15 April 2024

National Football Youth League

The National Football Youth League (NFYL) is an amateur football league in England for players aged 19 and under.

The NFYL was founded in 2009 by the Football Association (FA) to provide a competitive environment for talented young players who have not gained scholarships at 16, have been released from clubs, or are late developers.

The NFYL has three divisions: North, South, and Midlands. Each division has 12 teams, playing each other home and away. The top two teams in each division at the end of the season are promoted, and the bottom two teams are relegated.

Season structure

The NFYL season runs from September to April. Each team plays 22 games in the league, plus up to 6 cup games.

The league cup is the main cup competition in the NFYL. It is a knockout competition, with the winners of each division qualifying for the semi-finals.

The league also has a trophy competition for teams who do not qualify for the league cup. It is a league format, with the top team at the end of the season winning the trophy.

All-Star Programme

The NFYL also runs an All-Star Programme for the most talented players in the league. The All-Star Programme provides players with additional training and coaching, as well as the opportunity to play in international matches.

The All-Star Programme is open to players in all three divisions of the NFYL. Players are selected for the All-Star Programme based on their performances in the league and cup competitions.