Hopes raised for revival of Mansfield Youth Football League

Organisers hope to resurrect the defunct Mansfield Youth Football League in time for next september, with games played on Saturdays.

The plan would initially see the creation of an U13’s league before an expansion of age groups if successful.

Iain Peet, who is one of the committee organisers, said it would be brilliant to have organised youth football back in the area.

“It is two seasons since the league last ran,”he explained. “There is most interest in the U13’s at the moment.

“The format will depend on how many teams we get. At the moment we are looking at one league, but it depends on the numbers and if we could get more teams then we may run two leagues.

“We have good feedback. A lot of teams want local football here and not having to travel to the other side of Nottingham.

“Some teams are facing 30-40 mile round trips to play football in the Notts YEL. A lot of teams moved into Nottingham, but the grass is not always greener. There is a lot of moaning about the Nottingham league, but there is nowhere else for them to go.

“If we can get Saturday football running with a 25 mile radius it will be beneficial for everyone.”

The former league produced a number of pro players down the years with Kris Commons and Alex Baptiste amongst the youngsters to make it big.

Interested teams are being asked to get in touch with the league by the end of April.

Get more information on how you can get involved here