The new league is designed to allow U21 players to develop alongside their own peer groups of the same age, to help retain more players that would usually have to move on to open-age football.

It will be played on Sunday mornings with flexible kick-off times between 10am and 2pm.

The idea of introducing U21s football in North Derbyshire is part of a national remit to address the decline in players within the 16-21 age group.

The FA has identified the step from youth to adult football as a possible obstacle in the player participation pathway.

Derbyshire currently has no provision for this age group and existing football pathways finish at U18 level before jumping straight into senior football.

For some players the immediate jump from youth to senior football is too big and has an impact on participation figures.

Andy Bush, Secretary of the North Derbyshire Youth Football League Secretary, said: “To ensure the smooth transition from youth to adult football the U21s league will help these players to flourish.

“It will allow us to increase the number of players within the county, and hopefully have a positive effect on the number of players participating in adult football in years to come.”

Please note all affiliated football clubs must be within a 30-mile radius of the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield.

To register your interest and join the league, please contact Andy Bush on 07516 729421 or email secretary@ndyfl.co.uk.