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YEL Update – 31st October 2025
This Update has FOUR important messages this week, which we would ask you to please read.

  • Guidance for use of shin pads in grassroots football
  • Power Play – Not used in official YEL games
  • YEL Community Fund
  • Comments on Match Returns on Full-Time

Guidance for use of shin pads in grassroots football
Message from The FA which we fully support

‘Why should shin pads be worn in football and which shin pads should you wear?

Safety is a key consideration for our game and the Laws of the Game state that shin-guards/pads are a compulsory piece of equipment.

Shin pads play an important role in injury prevention as they are intended to protect the shin from injury.
The amount of shin physically covered is an important consideration, as any part of the shin that is not covered is not as well protected. “Micro” or “Mini” shin pads may therefore increase the risk of injury due to the smaller amount of shin covered compared to larger sized shin pads.

We advise that when considering the protection offered by shin pads, safety is prioritised by ensuring a good proportion of the shin area is covered and therefore protected.
The materials used are also an important factor. Always look for a CE mark which means the shin guards achieve minimum standards. We suggest that shin pads not carrying such a mark should not be worn as they may present an increased risk of injury to players.
Please give these protection levels serious consideration when deciding what is the right shin pad for you or for your child.’

Power Play – Not used in official YEL games
To be clear, the YEL has NOT adopted Power Play. The reason is that it can distort the results which we rely on heavily to determine the ability level of each team. Unlike other leagues, we monitor the results of U7/U8 football very closely over a four/six week period. The results give us a strong indication of the ability level of each team and allows us to move teams around into development groups of similar ability teams.

Recommendation: In a game where the score is becoming excessive eg seven clear goal advantage to one team and little prospect of it turning round, coaches should discuss what is happening between themselves and then, if in agreement, decide to call the game at that point and record that score with the league. Teams can then have an additional (non YEL) game during the remaining time where Power Play can be used to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for the team that is losing. It also gives the other team different development challenges.

To clarify, Power Play should NOT be used during the ‘official’ YEL game until the score that is being submitted to the league has been agreed. When you email the office, please include the stage of the game the score was recorded ie half time, mid way through the second half etc so we can gauge whether it would have been 14-0 or 9-0. You CANNOT make up a random score eg 5-0 when it was significantly worse as it will distort our view on the teams’ ability levels and we will have to report both teams to The FA for creating a fictitious result which will be dealt with through their disciplinary procedures.

YEL Community Fund
All YEL clubs are eligible to apply to the YEL Community fund for a grant. Clubs can apply for a grant of up to £250 as many times as they wish but can only be successful once during the course of the season due to the size of fund that’s available. Grants can be for any number of different projects from supporting coaches getting their FA qualifications through to club wide development projects. Applications for Period 2 close on 30th November and can be made via Scoreline. Simply select YEL Community from the left hand menu and follow the instructions. Applications can only be made by Club Officials, so, if you’re a manager and have a project in mind, speak to your club secretary and get your application in now.

Comments on Match Returns on Full-Time
A few teams leave comments in the comments box on Match Returns. Having 700+ games each weekend, these may get missed. If it is a serious Respect case that you feel needs bringing to the attention of the league, please speak to your Club Welfare Officer or Club Secretary immediately after the game and ask them to upload a Respect case onto Scoreline. These are seen immediately as they are constantly being monitored.

We would like to hear about any inappropriate behaviour, aggravated language or abuse of any type – by parents, players or coaches towards each other or towards match officials. On field incidents during the course of the game come under the remit of the referee.

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

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