How to Join Leyton | AFC Leyton

Proper Football, For Girls Only

About AFC Leyton

AFC Leyton is a FA Charter Standard non-profit community football club that operates exclusively for:

girls aged between 3 and 17 years,
and women aged 18+.

There are a number of ways to get involved in training and playing for AFC Leyton from absolute beginners to FA registered league players.

Arsenal Sister Club
2018-20

Sports Club of the Year
Waltham Forest Feel Good Awards

Essex League Winners
2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18

Essex League Cup Winners
2017/18

FOUNDATION LEVEL

Saturday Football Development Centre:

We operate 3 Saturday programmes: – Leyton Active Minis & Wildcats from the age of 3 – 6 years, Leyton Active Juniors & Wildcats for girls aged 7 to 11 and Leyton Active Seniors for secondary aged children aged 11 to 17 years.

During the football season, new players wishing to join AFC Leyton should attend the Saturday morning development sessions. From there, players can move to both the Development or League Teams outside of our annual trials. If you are joining AFC Leyton at the end of season or moving from another club to AFC Leyton, new players can attend our new player trial sessions and/or attend the development sessions for assessment.

The first 2 sessions are completely free! After that monthly payments are required from as little as £16 per month cancel anytime. These are fun sessions, that have a good balance of skills training and exercise and are open to girls aged between 3 to 17 years.

Leyton Active (Mini's & Wildcats) 3 to 6 years

Girls who are aged between 3 & 6 years should attend the Leyton Active Mini's or Wildcats sessions. These sessions are developed specifically for younger girls at primary school age, who may have no experience in football to those with moderate skills. The sessions focus on basic football skills, fitness and fun games. These sessions are currently FREE! Talented players are able to move from these sessions to the Development Teams.

Leyton Active (Juniors)- 7 to 11 years

The Leyton Active Junior session is for non-contracted players as well as contracted development and league players who are aged between 6 to 11 years (school years 2 to 6). The session allows players of all abilities to advance their technical skills in a team environment. These sessions are created specifically for younger girls with a special focus on advancing ball control and ball manipulation skills as well as fitness. Pay monthly £16 per month. First 2 sessions are free.

Leyton Active (Seniors)- 11 to 17 years

Secondary school girls who are aged between 11 and 16 years (school years 7+) should attend the "Leyton Active" Sessions. Developed specifically for older girls, the sessions are an opportunity to get fit, make new friends and learn good football skills. Players of all abilities are welcome to attend these sessions. Pay monthly £16 per month. First 2 sessions are free. Talented players are able to move from these sessions to the Development and League Teams.

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HIGHER LEVEL

Development and League Teams:

Our development and league players are selected for the next season through new player trials as well as Wildcats and Leyton Active sessions.

New Player Trials

3 new player trial sessions are held each year in the spring/early summer. We encourage trialists to attend all 3 where possible. Trial sessions usually last between 60 and 90 minutes and consist of skills and agility tests as well as mini matches. Our coaches will assess players on the day. Players completing trials may be invited to join the development squad, league teams or referred to the drop-in sessions for further development. New player trials are free to attend.

Development Squads

Girls that are invited to join the development squads have been selected by the coaches through new player trials or the Saturday morning development sessions. These players will have moderate football skills that they are looking to develop further. Development players are placed on a contract with an annual fee of £180. This can be paid in full or in 12 equal monthly payments. Development players train for a minimum of 90 minutes per week (U11s and lower) and 120 minutes (12s and above). Development players may also be invited to play competitively in friendly matches to further develop their skills. Development players do not need to purchase an AFC Leyton kit.

Benefits of joining as a contract development player:

Dedicated female only football club
Access to Leyton development sessions
Access to league team squad training
Invitation to play competitively at friendlies and tournaments
Invitation to Club events
Invitation to Arsenal events
Free Arsenal match tickets

League Teams

Our league players are selected through new player trials and both the Saturday morning and squad development sessions. Players who are selected for the league are skilful and consistently demonstrate strong football skills, are physically fit and match ready. League players are placed on a contract with an annual fee of £280 per year. This can be paid in full or in 9 equal monthly payments. League Players train for a minimum of 90 minutes a week for U11s and below and 120 minutes for U12s and above. Players in this category are registered with the FA and eligible to play competitively in League games and Cup games. League players will also be invited to attend tournaments across the UK and abroad. League players need to purchase a home and away AFC Leyton kit from the club shop.

Benefits of joining as a league player:

Dedicated female only football club
Access to Leyton Development Sessions
Access to league team squad training
Attendance at League matches and cup matches
Invitation to play competitively at friendlies and tournaments
End of season presentations and awards
Invitation to Club events
Invitation to Arsenal events
Free Arsenal match tickets

FEES AND PAYMENTS:

When it comes to fees and charges, as a community football club, AFC Leyton is very different. We offer payment plans and various ways to pay to make it easier to cover the costs of playing. If you are a low-income family on free school meals or a single parent, please let us know as discounts and bursaries are available. <MORE INFORMATION>

New Player Trials

If you are currently signed to another club, please use this form to register your interest with AFC Leyton when you come out of contract at the end of the season. Players who are unsigned can simply drop into our foundation sessions for assessment at any time of the year.