As a new committee for the ADFL league it is essential we ensure our activities and processes meet the needs of our members. We think our first year has been very successful and have been asking member clubs about their thoughts too. Here are a few…
“The Aldershot & District Football League is run with outstanding professionalism. Nigel and David are always available to offer support and answer any questions, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. A top-class league, both on and off the field.”
– Kyle Whitehead, Hart United FC.
Q1 What advice would give anyone contemplating U23, merging teams or starting a new U23 team when U18 is completed.
“You probably need a bigger squad than you think! Even with over 20 players in the squad, there have been weeks when, due to illness, injury, or trips away, we have arrived at games with only one or two substitutes!”
Q2 How have you found U23 so far?
“It has all been very positive. The lads have all enjoyed the season so far, and it’s good for them to come up against some older players and different teams. They adapted quickly to the more physical side of the game when playing against more experienced players.”
Q3 Can you share one or two key positives on why you think this is a good initiative?
“As a club, we see U23s football as a stepping stone to the full adult game, and I am very pleased has been available to us. Without the ADFL U23 initiative, I think the team would have folded. The progression of the team has been huge, and we had no problems in attracting new players, who otherwise would have been lost to the game.
The ADFL has been very supportive and helpful throughout the season.
The ADFL U23 initiative has been a fantastic opportunity for Crookham Rovers, providing a vital bridge between youth football and the full adult game. It has allowed our players to develop their skills, face new challenges, and grow as a squad while keeping them engaged in the sport.
The support and structure offered by the ADFL have been invaluable, and we’re excited to see this initiative continue to benefit clubs like ours.“
– Andrew Barber, Crookham Rovers FC.
Q1 What advice would give anyone contemplating U23, merging teams or starting a new U23 team when U18 is completed.
“The first thing I’d say is if your a coach or coaching team that’s taken your players as far as u18s why stop? Your clearly passionate about football and if your players want to continue or you can keep a squad going and take them into u23s, I highly recommend doing so.
I’ve had the pleasure of coaching many of my players from the age of 11 and to still be coaching them into u23s is very special to me as I’ve not only seen them grow and develop as footballers but grow into young adults as well.
There seems to be this mindset that there’s nothing left for youth coaches and their teams beyond u18s. The ADFL have changed that not only for us at Bramley utd but the other teams in the u23s league as well. The brand new committee are fantastic and very well organized and all of the coaches in the u23s are top guys, I’ve enjoyed talking to them before and after games. We’re all passionate about our teams and are on our own journeys but we all have one thing In common, we love the beautiful game.
I’d highly recommend contacting the league and finding out more about the ADFL u23s division before deciding there’s no where to go after u18s.“
Q2 How have you found U23 so far?
“We’ve really enjoyed this season so far the league has been very well run and we’ve been involved in some fantastic games of football. The players have come on leaps and bounds and id say playing the best football since I’ve started coaching them.
We always keep an eye on the senior league as that’s where we want to be playing eventually, It’s great that there’s a senior league waiting for us to move into when we’re ready and that both the u23s and senior divisions are run side by side and by the same dedicated committee.
We’re really looking forward the mike smith memorial cup where the u23s and senior division will compete together in a champions league style tournament.
Another great way for the u23s teams to get a taste of senior football.“
Q3 Can you share one or two key positives on why you think this is a good initiative?
“The ADFL u23s division is a great stepping stone and fantastic way of introducing young players into senior football. Already this season we’ve found that some players are more than ready to step into senior football whilst others need a little bit more time.
The inclusion of up to 4 senior players for each team allowed on the pitch at a time is a great way of introducing young players to adult football.
Although we’re u23s most of our players are 18/19 with a few 17 year olds We then have 3 senior players that regularly play for us which the youngsters have already learned so much from.
The players and coaches have really enjoyed this season so far
Not only is the u23s division a great introduction to adult football for the players it’s also a great opportunity for any coaches looking to move into adult football and keep learning and developing their own coaching skills.
Moving into u23s this season has been a great learning curve for me adapting and dealing with situations that I’ve never had to deal with in youth football. Something that I’ve really enjoyed and hope will make me a better coach in the long run.”
– Bramley United FC.
Aldershot & District Football League 