Disability football in Hertfordshire has taken a huge step forward with the formation of the Hertfordshire Inclusive Football League (HIFL)
The league will aim to provide regular competitive activity for footballers with a disability around the county and is the culmination of over a years worth of planning and hard work by some of Hertfordshire's largest youth clubs.
The league will hold fixtures on the second Sunday of every month throughout the season and is held at a central venue (host club), and all teams play each other once in each division on that day which will result in teams playing up to twenty four games per season.
The first fixture date is Sunday 13th December and will be held at Highfield Park in St Albans which is home to FA Charter Standard Community Club, St Albans City Youth FC.
At the end of the season all the points are totalled up and the champions are crowned.
Clubs play 7v7 at adults and U16's and 5v5 at U12's and games are 8 minutes each way.
Gareth Jones (Disability Development Manager, Watford FC) was involved from the start and had this to say, “We are really pleased to be involved in the formation of the Hertfordshire Inclusive league; this league will give playing opportunities for adults and children with disabilities and the chance to take part in a structured competition on a regular basis”
Karl Lingham (County Development Manager, Hertfordshire FA) also commented on the news, "This is a significant stage in the development of the disability game in the County. The league format provides structured opportunities for not only the teams and their players but also the clubs and their disability provision".
He added "We hope that this will be the catalyst for more clubs and players to get involved with this part of the game"
Founding Members:
Bedwell Rangers FC
FC Comets
Harvesters FC
Hitchin Town FC
St Albans City Youth
The league currently runs three divisions:
Adult Male
U16 Boys
U12 Mixed
The league is always looking for new clubs and if you are interested in entering a team into the league then please contact Gareth Jones at Watford FC on 01923 496356.
If you would like to contact the league regarding a press matter please contact Joe Goude on 01462 650210 or by email, click here.