# SEASON 2026-2027 WDYFL NEWSLETTER NUMBER 2 > Witney & District Youth Football League Season 2026-2027 — Newsletter Number 2 :fa[solid triangle-exclamation #f5a623] This newsletter contains a lot of… - Site: Witney and District Youth Football League (https://wdyfl.co.uk/) - Canonical: https://wdyfl.co.uk/post/season-2026-2027-wdyfl-newsletter-number-2 - Published: 2026-09-22 - Updated: 2026-09-22 - More: https://wdyfl.co.uk/llms.txt --- ## Witney & District Youth Football League ### Season 2026-2027 — Newsletter Number 2 :fa[solid triangle-exclamation #f5a623] This newsletter contains a lot of important information — please take the time to read it, it could make your life easier this season. ## Introduction I hope all your plans are falling into place. Future Fit has been the big difference this season, and I want to thank everyone who has had to adapt to the new formats for doing so without any issues. I recently took part in an U7 3v3 session and, I'll admit, I had my own thoughts about it beforehand. However, once it got started, it was pretty amazing to see the kids just playing football, getting plenty of touches on the ball and enjoying themselves. A big thank you to **Ducklington** and **Tower Hill** for showing me how well it can work in practice. If you have any queries regarding anything league related, contact me on secretary@wdyfl.org or call 07500 284693. --- ## :fa[solid shield-halved #d32f2f] Abuse — Zero Tolerance Zero Tolerance Policy It is sad we must start this newsletter about abuse. However, there have been several serious incidents across the age groups this season — starting from week 1, with one game abandoned and at least five further reports of abuse towards referees, mainly from parents and coaches. We have **zero tolerance** to this and take **ALL** reports seriously. These reports are escalated to the OFA and their Sport Integrity Matters (SIM) partners, who deal with these more serious cases. Referees bear the brunt of this abuse. Many are U18, and some are just school children who are newly trained and finding their feet. **Managers are responsible for their spectators and coaches' conduct towards referees.** If we feel it necessary, we will **NOT allocate referees** to clubs who abuse officials. If you witness any abuse, safeguarding or welfare concerns, please report it to your **Club Welfare Officer (CWO)**, who will escalate to the **League Welfare Officer (LWO)**: lwo@wdyfl.org --- ## :fa[solid mobile-screen] WDYFL App All referee and manager contact details are available on the app — it saves emailing the league. If the information you're asking for is on the app, we will direct you to it. :fa[solid download] ### 1. Download Get the Robin Road app (Android & Apple) --- :fa[solid magnifying-glass] ### 2. Search Search for "Witney" in the app --- :fa[solid futbol] ### 3. Select Choose "Witney & District Youth Football League" **Login details (required to view contact info):** | Field | Value | |---|---| | Username | wdyfl@wdyfl.com | | Password | wdyfl | --- ## :fa[solid envelope] Your League's Fixtures Secretaries | Age Group | Secretary | Email | |---|---|---| | U7, U8 & U9 | Connor Rose | fixtures@wdyfl.org | | U10 & U11 | Jon Dowell | fixtures@wdyfl.org | | U12 & U13 | Rachel Beynon | fixtures@wdyfl.org | | U14 & U15/U16 | Chris Wales | fixtures@wdyfl.org | ⚠️ **They all use the same email address.** You must put the secretary's **NAME & AGE GROUP** in the subject line of your email. Do **NOT** email the League Secretary about fixtures — send only to fixtures@wdyfl.org, as they all receive it. --- ## :fa[solid clipboard-check] Results ## U7 Teams Text in a score of **0-0** simply to confirm the game has been played. ## U8 to U10 Text in results, or enter manually on Full Time, **before 8pm on the Tuesday** after the game. ## U11 to U16 Text in results or enter manually on Full Time **before 6pm on the Sunday** of the game weekend. U11 to U16 must also **mark the referee** and complete player stats and fair play/respect marks **before 8pm on the Tuesday** after the game. U11 must mark the referee too. ## Referee Contact Referees must be contacted **at least 4 days prior** to your game. Failure to do so will result in a fine being levied in accordance with the Fines Tariff. ### Honeymoon Period You are currently in a **4-week honeymoon period** where fines are not given for lateness. This runs out on **27th September 2026**, after which fines will apply. Secretaries — please check Full Time entries to avoid fines. --- ## Pitch Congestion Where pitch congestion occurs and games cannot be moved by the league, teams are expected to **reverse games or stagger kick-off times**. --- ![372fc93fea910c04e61b1901](https://wdyfl.co.uk/m/372fc93fea910c04e61b1901.jpg){size=md} ## :fa[solid smoking-ban #d32f2f] No Smoking or Vaping There have unfortunately been a number of cases reported this season involving spectators and coaches smoking, vaping or using e-cigarettes on the sidelines. One of the requirements of joining the League is that clubs sign up to and support our **Smoke-Free Sidelines** policy. Please remind all managers, coaches and spectators that smoking, vaping and e-cigarettes are **not permitted at the pitch side**. Anyone wishing to smoke or vape must move well away from the playing area and sidelines. Adopting smoke-free sidelines is not about targeting smokers unfairly, but asking current smokers to be aware of their visibility to children who may see them smoking. The idea is to encourage smokers to either refrain from smoking during the match or move away from the sidelines. As a club creating a positive environment for wellbeing, you are providing a cleaner, safer area for young players. We ask all clubs to help us enforce this and provide the right environment and example for our young players. --- ![a9aa9a773247ee14d0472a46](https://wdyfl.co.uk/m/a9aa9a773247ee14d0472a46.jpg){size=md} ## :fa[solid ban #d32f2f] Micro Shin Pads Are Banned — Reminder Mandatory Requirement **Official Statement: Ban on Micro/Mini Shin Pads** Date: 22nd September 2026 To: All Players, Parents, Coaches, and Club Members of WDYFL Subject: Mandatory requirement for adequate shin protection in all football activities In the WDYFL, player safety and welfare are our utmost priorities. We are committed to ensuring all participants can enjoy the game in the safest possible environment. Following an increase in the use of "micro" or "mini" shin pads across football, and recent guidance from The FA on this matter, the League Committee has **unanimously voted to prohibit their use**. This came into effect from **1st January 2026**. **Reason for this decision:** The FA guidance states that "micro" or "mini" shin pads may increase the risk of injury due to the smaller amount of the shin covered compared to larger-sized shin pads. The Law of the Game requires shin guards to provide a "reasonable degree of protection." We do not believe micro shin pads meet this requirement or offer sufficient protection to prevent serious injuries. There have been reports of serious lower leg fractures in grassroots football involving the use of these pads. All clubs must adopt this policy to remain a member of the WDYFL. It has been noticed that some parents, and sadly some coaches, are choosing to ignore or forget this. It is up to everyone to uphold this rule. --- ## :fa[solid heart-pulse #d32f2f] Defibrillator Following a medical emergency we had two seasons ago, where a defibrillator was required at a match, it is a very good time to remind clubs how important defibrillators are. The defibrillator is a large part of the FA emergency aid course, which is a requirement for all managers. Defibs are easy to use, however, with panic setting in it can become hard to remember all the training. Defibs need to be checked periodically, as batteries and pads have a shelf life. An easy way to keep them updated is to use **The Circuit**, the online National Defibrillator Network. [Visit The Circuit](https://www.thecircuit.uk/) ### Please make a point of knowing where the defibrillator is — and tell parents too. --- ## Your League's Fixtures Secretaries | Age Group | Secretary | Email | |---|---|---| | U7, U8 & U9 | Connor Rose | fixtures@wdyfl.org | | U10 & U11 | Jon Dowell | fixtures@wdyfl.org | | U12 & U13 | Rachel Beynon | fixtures@wdyfl.org | | U14 & U15/U16 | Chris Wales | fixtures@wdyfl.org | As you can see, they all use the same email address, so you must put their **NAME & AGE GROUP** in the subject heading of your email. Do **NOT** email the League Secretary about fixtures — just fixtures@wdyfl.org, they all receive it. --- Regards, **Edward Todd** League Secretary 07500 284693 secretary@wdyfl.org