National Football Youth League

The National Football Youth League was established by Louise Macey who created the first ever partnership back in 2002, between a full time professional football club and education establishment in order to raise standards for and aspirations of talented football players in full time education and outside of the Academy system. This model has now been adopted by the majority of professional clubs across the Country and as the number of “shadow squads” at professional squads grew, Louise saw a need for a standard of competition to bridge the gap between college and academy football and she established the NFYL. The League has been hugely successful and has produced many professional players since its introduction, who were “out of the system”. It has encouraged thousands of young people to continue their education and go on to great things. The League is very much about putting the players first, it was established for them and it will never lose sight of this. It is particularly aimed at talented players who have not gained scholarships at 16, have been released from clubs, late developers or players who just haven’t been noticed yet and need a professional, competitive environment which will allow them time to develop. All NFYL clubs work hard to ensure that their players develop as well rounded individuals with a strong focus on academics and developing other opportunities around their football to give them life skills. The coaching staff and academic staff work very hard together to ensure that all of our players have appropriate career pathways. We are very proud to have former NFYL player Britt Assombalonga as our Ambassador