Lydney Town AFC Youth

Lydney Town AFC Youth is a charitable football club dedicated to providing amateur youth football opportunities to children of all ages and abilities. Registered as a charitable incorporated organisation in England and Wales under the charity number 1198391, the club focuses on nurturing young talent and promoting participation in football within the Forest of Dean area.

History and Purpose

The organisation aims to create more chances for children to play football by offering age-appropriate training and competitive play through recognised FA leagues and competitions. The club is FA accredited and supports a comprehensive Player Pathway, engaging over 350 children across multiple age groups from under-5s to under-18s.

Player Development and Pathways

Lydney Town AFC Youth provides FA-qualified coaching that begins with free training sessions for the youngest players (under-5s to under-6s, known as the Lions), fostering early engagement with the sport. The club maintains at least one team in every age category from under-7s to under-18s, ensuring consistent competitive opportunities.

A key feature of the club is its affiliation with Lydney Town AFC senior teams, which compete in the Hellenic Premier League. This relationship facilitates a smooth transition for youth players into adult football, offering a clear development pathway from youth to senior football. The senior football organisation fields four teams, providing high-standard playing opportunities for graduates of the youth system.

Community and Charitable Activities

As a registered charity, Lydney Town AFC Youth operates with a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, supporting children regardless of skill level. The club’s income and expenditure for the financial year ending March 2024 was approximately £45,203, reflecting active participation and community support.

The club also runs initiatives such as the FAN (FA Number) registration, enabling players to participate in official football structures. Partnerships, including recent kit sponsorship deals (e.g., with Nike for the 2023/24 season), demonstrate the club’s commitment to providing quality resources to its players.

Governance

As a charitable incorporated organisation, Lydney Town AFC Youth operates under the regulatory frameworks set out by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, ensuring transparency and accountability in its activities and financial management.

Lydney Town AFC Youth is a cornerstone of youth football in the Forest of Dean, combining grassroots development with a strong pathway into competitive adult football, fostering sporting skills and community spirit among local youth.

[1] https://lydneytownafcyouth.co.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5196339 [3] https://lydneytownafcyouth.co.uk/registrations [4] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/CE028705 [5] https://givingisgreat.org/charity-factsheet/?regNo=1198391