YEL Update - 3rd October 2025 - Young Elizabethan League

This Update has FIVE important messages this week, which we would ask you to please read.

Respect issues so far
Join the YEL Board and make a difference
Referee fees for YEL games
Recruiting – YEL Respect Field Officers (RFOs)
Assistant referees

RESPECT issues so far

We are getting way too many Respect cases reported surrounding undesirable conduct. 99% are caused by adults who should be role models to the young players. Most of these issues, sadly, relate to the behaviour of coaches. With two coaches being present at each game we hoped that one would be able to provide a calming influence when the other was getting overly vociferous. Unfortunately, a high percentage of these Respect cases suggest that only one coach was taking the team. The circumstances of each of these will be investigated. There are always unexpected circumstances where, on occasion, two coaches can’t be present. If this is the case, please email the office to notify us of the reason and we’ll give you appropriate advice

QUICK REMINDER

DO NOT criticise refereeing decisions – many are still learning, just like your players

DO NOT get involved with disagreements with opposition coaches. If there is an issue REPORT IT and we will deal with it

DO make sure your parents/spectators are aware of what is expected of them. It is your responsibility to control the match day environment

Join the YEL Board and make a difference

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the largest youth football league for U7-U14 in the country. Young Elizabethan Youth Football League Ltd is a not for profit organisation creating lasting memories for over 19,000 players every weekend. The league was recognised for its innovation and professionalism by The FA when we won the prestigious national League of the Year award in 2023 out of over 1,000 leagues across the country. The YEL is now looking to strengthen the YEL Board with new members.

This is a voluntary role and open to anyone aged 18 or over who has a genuine interest in football. We are looking for people that reflect the diverse and inclusive nature of the league. Successful applicants could be someone with just a keen interest in football or, through their work, be able to bring valuable skills such as an accountancy/financial background, marketing and social media skills, legal/HR knowledge, event management etc

The board of Young Elizabethan Youth Football League Ltd meets a minimum of four times a year for a couple of hours normally, to discuss how the business is performing and help shape the future direction of the league. We would also be looking for two/three additional hours a month outside of the statutory board meetings for members to join discussion/working groups around specific topics/ongoing projects.

This will be a two stage process where we first review all applications. Those that make it through the review will then be invited to attend an interview.
Does this sound like something you would be interested in? If so, please click the link below and complete the application form. Remember – this is open to EVERYONE 18 or older.

Closing date for applications: 10th October 2025 at 5pm

Link to application form: https://forms.office.com/e/F0JefTamf8

Recruiting – YEL Respect Field Officers (RFOs)

Want to help make a difference at grassroots football? We are looking to recruit additional YEL Respect Field Officers (RFOs) to join our current army of undercover RFOs. RFOs fulfil a valuable, behind the scenes role in the league. This hidden army of volunteers are the league’s eyes and ears at YEL games. Most of the time they are undercover and teams do not know they have been present at their game. They do not get involved in any incidents. They are there to simply observe behaviour of players, spectators and managers and report back to the league. RFOs are assigned to YEL games by the league. They are paid expenses of £10 per report completed. RFOs are independent observers and should not be associated with any participants in a game inc referees. They can report on other games either before or after the game they are involved in provided they have no connection to any of the participants. We are looking for anyone over the age of 18 – mums, dads, grans, grandads, carers, referees – anyone who can be objective and blend in. Interested in becoming an RFO? Email safeguarding@yelonline.com for further details and an application form.

Referee fees for YEL games

Quick reminder of Referee fees in the YEL

Mini soccer U9 & U10 (7v7) £15
U11& U12 (9v9) £25
U13 & U14 (11v11) £30

Can we also remind you that it is not permitted for any team to offer more than these specified amounts to officiate YEL organised games. We have had reports of incidents on social media where enticements in excess of these amounts have been offered. These will always be investigated and any team/club found doing this will receive a fine from the league for failing to follow a management instruction.

Assistant referees

Firstly, massive thanks on behalf of the league, players and teams go to all those who volunteer to run the line on our U11-U14 games week in week out.

Next, there are a few of DOs and DON’Ts that we ask you to abide by

DO – assist the referee with balls out of play and offside decisions

DON’T – flag for anything else unless specifically requested to do so by the referee on the day (extremely rare). The referee will make all decisions and their decision is final.

DON’T – coach the players at all. Your role is assistant referee for that particular game, nothing else. The coach/coaches are there to coach the players. Please concentrate on you role on the day – assisting the referee – NOT the players

DON’T – get involved/react to any adverse comments from spectators/parents/players/other coaches. Everyone has an opinion but yours and the referees are the ones that count – No one else’s!

Finally….

DO – make sure you act impartially. If you don’t, you could end up ruining the game as others are likely to follow your example!

YEL Game day hotline

Anyone that has a query relating to their game on the day of the game only on either Sat/Sun can contact a league representative for advice between 9am and 12.30pm. Only match day queries will be dealt with – nothing else

Contacting the YEL

If you email the YEL OFFICE – office@yelonline.com – please ensure you state the team name, age group and playing day so we can quickly deal with the enquiry

Rob Harwood CEO
YEL OFFICE

YEL Update – 3rd October 2025