Last updated : Monday, 01 July 2024
Russell Foster Youth League
The Russell Foster Youth League (RFYL) is an amateur football league for boys and girls aged 7-18 in the North East of England.
The league was founded in 1972 by Russell Foster, a local businessman and football enthusiast. The league started with just 12 clubs, but it has grown steadily over the years and now has over 100 clubs affiliated to it.
Divisions

The RFYL is divided into a number of divisions, based on age and ability. The divisions are:
- Under-7s
- Under-8s
- Under-9s
- Under-10s
- Under-11s
- Under-12s
- Under-13s
- Under-14s
- Under-15s
- Under-16s
- Under-17s
- Under-18s
The top teams in each division are promoted at the end of the season, while the bottom teams are relegated.
Season

The RFYL season runs from September to May. Each team plays each other twice, once at home and once away.
Trophies
The RFYL awards trophies to the winners of each division, as well as to the top scorers and the best players in each age group.
Sources
- Russell Foster Youth Leagues
- Russell Foster Youth League | League Details
- County Leagues - Durham FA
