The Kent Youth League

Ken Brooke
Chief Executive

CEO UPDATE - Season 2023 - 2024

Welcome to season 2023 – 2024 as we enter our 43^rd season as a League.

I want to start by thanking all my Committee and Officers who continue to work tirelessly across the season and to bring you a product which we believe is the best around. This was evidenced this year as we were heavily over subscribed with teams and clubs wanting to join the League which is something that we can be very proud of.

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The only real negative thing was sadly the behavior of some Managers, Coaches and Parents, often towards our match officials and this will be our main focus for the coming season.

Each week it becomes harder and harder to cover matches as Referees decide enough is enough and walk away from youth football. The constant bemoaning of officials has to stop. We need the silent majority to step up and the league will be focusing heavily on all areas of discipline for the coming season.

We have asked the FA to consider the league being a pilot scheme for points deduction for proven cases of poor behavior. If we are granted the ability to deduct points we hope to stem the tide.

We will also enforce a compulsory attendance across the summer for all Managers, Coaches and Club Secretaries so we can appeal directly for a level of support for reducing poor behavior. We hope this will be work.

There is also a change to the league structures. Our clubs wanted a change which has been granted by a vote that U14s, U15s and U16s will see the merger of North and Central Divisions (top half from each and bottom half from each) and the South and East divisions as well – a major change which will be a “pilot” and reviewed at the end of the season.

As a League we always point out it is the clubs league and we only administer. I hope the new set up works.

The league will commence on Sunday 11th September and fixtures will be set for every Sunday apart from Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Easter Sunday. Teams will be expected to be ready to play each Sunday.

May I end by thanking my officers who have committed to another season, the real unsung heroes of our League, and to ask you all to report to the League any poor or bad behavior so we can try to take back control. It is so important that the players can play and express themselves in a positive manner.

I hope we can all have a great season and look forward to every Sunday and speak about the quality of football being played.

Ken