Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Portsmouth Youth Football League stands as one of the largest youth football organizations in the south of England, serving Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. With a dedication to fostering competitive programs in the sport of football, this not-for-profit charitable organization provides valuable opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and passion for the game.
The League offers a comprehensive platform for youth football development, combining athletic training with valuable life skills that extend beyond the pitch. Through structured competitions and skilled coaching, young players can experience the thrill of competitive sports while learning teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Recently, the organization has demonstrated its commitment to player safety by implementing enhanced safeguarding measures to protect its young participants. The Portsmouth Youth Football League continues to grow its programming, creating pathways for football enthusiasts while maintaining its core mission of serving the community through accessible and well-organized youth sports opportunities.
History
The Portsmouth Youth Football League (PYFL) stands as one of the oldest youth football organizations in the United Kingdom, with roots stretching back over a century. Founded in the early 1900s, the league reached a significant milestone when it celebrated its centenary in 2006.
The league began with modest ambitions to provide organized football opportunities for young players in the Portsmouth area. Initially starting with just a handful of teams, the PYFL gradually expanded its reach throughout the 20th century.
Throughout its history, the PYFL has maintained strong connections with Portsmouth Football Club, which itself was founded on April 5, 1898. This relationship has helped strengthen youth football development in the region.
The league has evolved significantly over the decades, adapting to changes in youth football regulations and expanding its divisions to accommodate different age groups and skill levels. Today's structure includes multiple divisions, including specialized sections like the Under 14 B Division.
Many notable players who began their careers in the Portsmouth Youth Football League have gone on to represent professional clubs. The league has maintained its commitment to youth development despite changing times.
From its early days of local competition to its current status as a well-established youth football organization, the PYFL continues to serve as a cornerstone of community sports in Portsmouth.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Portsmouth Youth Football League offers various age groups and divisions to accommodate young players at different developmental stages. The league structures its divisions primarily by age, ranging from U7 (under 7) up to U18 for youth competitions.
For the youngest participants, divisions are organized into U7, U8, U9, and U10 groups. These early divisions focus on building fundamental skills and introducing children to the game in an age-appropriate environment.
The middle age brackets include U11, U12, U13, and U14 divisions. These groups progressively introduce more advanced techniques and tactical understanding as players develop.
Older youth can participate in U15, U16, and U18 divisions, which feature more competitive play and strategic elements of the game.
Some age groups are further divided into color-coded or named divisions. For example, the U7 group includes Blue, Green, Red, and White divisions, while U8 features divisions named after cricket players like Anderson and Bairstow.
Portsmouth Youth Football also organizes its programs by grade level:
- Youth Clippers: Grades 3 & 4 (Fundamentals)
- Junior Clippers: Grades 5 & 6 (Instructional)
- Senior Clippers: Older grades
For flag football programs in the Portsmouth district, age divisions typically include 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U, and a 14U coed division specifically for girls.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Portsmouth Youth Football League operates with a dedicated team of coaches and staff who manage various age groups and administrative functions. These individuals play a crucial role in the organization's success and the development of young athletes.
For the 2024-2025 season, the Junior Clippers (5th & 6th Grade) are led by Head Coach Mark Lazzaro, who can be reached at 603-953-7220 or abglazzaro@gmail.com.
The Senior Clippers (7th & 8th Grade) program is headed by Bill Mitchell. For the Youth Tackle program (3rd/4th Grade), Rob Curtis serves as Coordinator and can be contacted at robcurtis79@gmail.com or 617-733-7328.
Ken Linchey also works with the Junior Clippers program as a Head Coach for the 5th/6th Grade division. The league is governed by a Management Committee that oversees various competitions and events throughout the season.
For general inquiries about Portsmouth Youth Football, community members can contact the organization via email at pyf.website@gmail.com or send correspondence to:
Portsmouth Youth Football Association
PO Box 4223
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03802
The organization maintains an active social media presence with over 1,000 followers, providing regular updates on games, events, and community activities.
Teams
The Portsmouth Youth Football League hosts a variety of youth teams across different age groups. Currently, the league supports over 4,000 boys and girls participating in competitive football, with an additional 500+ children involved in non-competitive mini-sided matches.
Some of the teams in the U7 category include:
- AFC Southsea U7 Lions
- Fareham Town Youth U7 Creeksiders
- Fleur De Lys Youth U7 Victory
- Havant & Waterlooville Youth PL U7 Hawks P
- Horndean Hawks Youth U7
The league is structured to provide competitive programs for youth footballers while maintaining a focus on skill development and sportsmanship. Teams typically practice weekly and compete against other local clubs in organized fixtures.
Portsmouth Youth Football Association (PYFA) oversees many of these teams as a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to youth football development in the Portsmouth area. The organization works to ensure all participants have access to quality coaching and competition.
Teams are generally organized by age groups, with specialized formats for younger players to ensure appropriate development. Mini-sided matches are particularly important for the youngest participants, allowing them to develop fundamental skills in a less competitive environment.
Players
The Portsmouth Youth Football League provides opportunities for young players across various age groups to develop their football skills in a competitive environment. Player development is a key focus, with emphasis on both technical ability and sportsmanship.
Due to safeguarding policies, youth player names are no longer displayed on public platforms. This important change reflects the league's commitment to protecting the well-being of all participants.
The league accommodates players from different skill levels, ensuring inclusive participation while still maintaining competitive standards. Teams are typically organized by age groups, allowing players to compete against peers of similar physical development.
Players benefit from coaching provided by qualified staff who focus on fundamental skills development. Many participants progress through the age groups, building lasting relationships with teammates while improving their abilities.
Training sessions typically focus on core skills such as passing, shooting, positional awareness, and teamwork. Match play provides valuable experience in applying these skills in competitive situations.
The league serves Portsmouth and surrounding areas, making it accessible to youth players throughout the region. With its status as one of the largest youth football leagues in southern England, it attracts talented players from diverse backgrounds.
Some participants may have opportunities to be scouted by professional academies, providing potential pathways to higher levels of football for exceptional talents.
