Real Rosehill FC

Sussex Sunday Football League sees huge influx

SSFL thriving on increase in teams

The Sussex Sunday Football League (SSFL) has seen a vast increase in new teams for the 2020/21 season with just two teams dropping out and an impressive 30 teams welcomed in.

The SSFL was formed in 1960 and is run by a committee of players, ex-players, officials and volunteers for the benefit and enjoyment of players who are looking to play Grassroots Football in Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Adur and other areas within East and West Sussex.

Despite recent success, back in 2015 things weren’t as positive, but a new era started with a new Chairman, Treasurer and Fixtures Secretary appointed to create a fresher outlook within the league. 

It’s been a big building process from the new committee and after 14 new teams in 2017/18, the league saw an increase to 19 the following year, then 21 in 2019/20, before this season’s huge influx of 30 new teams including 7 new veterans’ sides.

Ian South, the league’s Fixtures Secretary, claims the success has all been down to communication: “We are on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are always there to help people with any queries. 

“Clubs always get a quick answer to their question I think it attracts new sides.

“All our semi-finals are played under lights on 3G and we believe we are one of the most approachable and forward-thinking leagues around.

“We were one of the first leagues to fully utilise Whole Game System & Full Time. The first to use sin bins and the first to use rolling subs.”

The SSFL are also always looking for new initiatives to attract new players and teams and they did so this season with a great idea for their 60th anniversary: “With this year being our 60th anniversary, we gave away kit bags, balls, first aid bags and other gifts to all clubs from 19/20 that reregistered.”

They were once one of the largest Sunday Leagues in the world boasting over 150 teams. Currently there are eight divisions with 80 teams and Ian South has aspirations for the growth to keep on coming: “To see 38 games take place on our opening weekend of the season after all that’s gone on in 2020 was a brilliant buzz and great for all of us to see.

“We don’t want to stop here, and the aim of the league now is to have 100 teams in 2021.”

For more information about the SSFL please contact:

Football Services
T: 01903 753547
E: Info@SussexFA.com

Related News

View All