NEHYL Awarded League of the Year by Hampshire FA

The Hampshire FA Grassroots Football Awards recognises and celebrates the people and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to grassroots football in Hampshire as nominated by their grassroots workforce and communities. North East Hampshire Youth league is delighted to attend this year’s awards at the Hilton Southampton on the 27th July to receive the coveted award, League of the Year from Hampshire FA.

Founded back in 1970 with teams in just three age groups, North East Hampshire Youth League has come a long way since and now offer a full football pathway for boys and girls aged U7 right the way through to U18's in the north east of Hampshire. They now support over 800 teams – and well over 10,000 football players. But they believe strongly that there is still more that they can and will be doing – including improving the transition from youth to adult football with the creation of an U23's division in a local Saturday League and maximising the opportunities for more girls to be playing football locally with the launch of a new Sunday Girls league.

In nominating NEHYL for Grassroots League of the Year, it was noted that they are a proactive England Football Accredited league who engage with, and lead on, a number of Hampshire FA/ FA initiatives (including “No Heading Trial” and “Play Safe & Silent Weekends”); they are always trying to innovate and do new things to improve the football on offer in their area; and their communication is always excellent, with divisional secretaries having regular constructive contact regarding both Hampshire cup fixtures, player registration queries, and areas around discipline.

“Everyone here at NEHYL is excited at our winning the Hampshire FA League of the Season award”, said Nigel Welch League Chair. “It’s testament to the hard work of our committee and the fantastic support we get from all our member clubs. They and our committee of volunteers make this League all that it is. Our members back what we are trying to do and together we just want our young players to be able to safely enjoy the beautiful game”.

North East Hampshire Youth League now go to the national grassroots awards which will be announced later this year at Wembley.

Nigel Welch, Phil Rush, Duncan and Suzanne Swan and Rhys Culverhouse will attend the awards evening for NEHYL

A Hampshire FA Service to Football Award is made for 25 years’ continuous or aggregated voluntary service to the county and each winner is nominated by their Local Divisional Football Association.

Our very own Nigel Welch has been involved in the NEHYL since 2004/5 and is currently the League Chair, Treasurer & IT Co-ordinator as well as holding several other voluntary roles including LWO & Manager at Wey Valley (since 1993) and Chair, Treasurer and LWO at ADFL. A well deserved award for Service to Football presented by Hampshire FA.