A Brief History of the East Yorkshire Junior Football League.
In 1972 a group of Bridlington football enthusiasts formed a League for the young players in the East Yorkshire area. Six teams entered the new league which was named the Wolds League by its founders. Each team comprised players who covered a number of age groups. The limiting factor was the total aggregate of the ages in the team : – this could not exceed a number stipulated by the league. The demand for places in the league steadily increased in different age groups; so much so that divisions at Under10, 12, 14, and 16 were introduced.
In 1983 it was decided that the name of the League be changed to the East Yorkshire Junior Football League. The popularity of the league was apparent with a growing number of teams keen to join. At one stage in its history the league had divisions at all age groups from Under 10’s to Under 16’s. The league embraced mini soccer with enthusiasm when it was introduced by the FA in 2002.
The league shifted to the mini soccer format at U7, U8, U9, U10, and U11 age groups. Only the older two age groups played for league placings. The younger groups played friendly games. The older age groups continued to play 11 a side football. At its peak the league had 78 teams registered. Sadly at the end of the 2008/9 season this had fallen to 43 teams and these were all in the younger sections playing mini soccer.
The present officials have put in many years of service. The secretary, John Gibson MBE has completed 31 years of service since his appointment in 1978. Ken Johnston was appointed Chairman in 1993 and the Treasurer David Naylor in 1991. They have played their part in developing a league which is well regarded and noted for its friendly approach to the game and high standards of football and administration.
The league can boast three England Under 21 Internationals – Richard Cresswell, Curtis Woodhouse and Lee Morris – all former Bridlington Rangers players. Jonathen Greening , captain of West Bromwich Albion developed his skills in this league and many others entered the semi professional ranks. Its main achievement though has been to enable thousands of young people from the East Yorkshire area to develop their skills and learn to love this game.
It is sad that such a fine league will end at the end of this current season. The consolation is that it is merging with the Hull Boys Sunday League with its proud 50 years history of achievement.
John Gibson (secretary ) said “ It is sad that the league I have been associated with for 31 years should no longer exist. However the steady reduction in numbers of teams in recent seasons and the lack of volunteers to share the heavy workload has been the major reasons behind the decision to merge the two leagues. I would have liked to continue but it was not to be.
Ken Johnston the chairman said “ There has been a gradual drift of teams joining the Hull Boys League at the younger age groups in order to obtain a footing on the promotion ladder as soon as possible. I too am sorry that the league could not continue but the merger is amicable and inevitable. The fact that the Hull Boys League has been awarded Charter League Status this season – the first league in the country to achieve this - shows what a good league this is. The teams and players from this region will continue to compete well and enjoy their football within the new organisation.