YEL League Sunday

The league is based in Nottinghamshire and covers parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire as well. Teams are regionalised across this East Midlands footprint, and the YEL advertises a home-and-away fixture format throughout its age range.

From small-sided games to 11-a-side football

The playing format develops in defined stages. Under-7 teams play 3v3, under-8 and under-9 teams play 5v5, and the under-10 and under-11 sections use 7v7. The format then moves to 9v9 at under-12 and under-13 before reaching 11v11 at under-14.

This structure gives parents, players and coaches a clear view of how match football changes as children get older. The official YEL website has a dedicated section for each age group, bringing together team listings and practical information relevant to that stage.

Development, leagues and cups

The character of the competition changes across the age groups. At under-7, YEL-organised games are friendlies and teams are placed in development groups that can be adjusted to help provide an appropriate challenge. For older children, the programme introduces more formal competition. The under-12 section, for example, describes ability-based winter and spring divisions with promotion and relegation.

Cup football forms another part of the YEL offer from under-10 to under-14. The league uses ability-based cup competitions alongside its league programme, creating a different route through the season from ordinary divisional fixtures.

A long-standing emphasis on respect

The YEL says it has provided youth football in the East Midlands for more than 60 years. Founded as the Young Elizabethan League, it describes its purpose as creating opportunities for boys and girls to enjoy the game in organised, safe surroundings.

Its public ethos is summed up by the phrase “Sportsmanship above all”. The league also promotes a discipline and Respect policy covering behaviour towards referees, teammates and opponents.

Official information

Use the official YEL teams pages to browse age groups and clubs, or read the official joining guidance if your club is considering YEL football. Current Sunday fixtures, results and tables are published on FA Full-Time.

TeamStats is an independent football directory. It is not the Young Elizabethan League or The Football Association.

Reviewed August 2026.