Club Information
Spirit of Youth Junior Football Club
Since 1977
Founded in 1977 by Alf Hearsum and a group of local boys, Spirit of Youth JFC has grown significantly over the years. From its humble beginnings, the club has developed into one of the largest youth football organisations in Blackpool, now supporting over 210 boys and girls across 15 teams, alongside a strong focus on youth development.
We encourage everyone to have fun and make friends...
Today, Spirit of Youth JFC is managed by a dedicated committee that appoints qualified managers and coaches, providing football opportunities for players from as young as three years old through to adulthood. The club is committed to being inclusive, offering opportunities for everyone in the local community to play, regardless of ability, as facilities and space allow. Its core mission is to ensure every player enjoys the game, builds friendships, develops skills, and grows a lifelong love of football within a safe, supportive, and progressive environment.
The club fully supports The FA Respect programme, requiring all players and parents to agree to its codes of conduct upon joining. Coaching is built around a clear footballing philosophy that emphasises playing through all areas of the pitch, quality in passing and receiving, intelligent movement, strong support off the ball, and both creative attacking and effective counter-attacking play. The aim is to nurture every player’s potential, offering a pathway in football from early years through to adult level, regardless of ability.
As a 2 Star Lancashire FA Accredited Club, Spirit of Youth JFC continues to demonstrate its commitment to high standards in coaching, development, and the overall experience it provides for its players.
We are a club that's more than just football...
We actively encourage involvement in football beyond just playing, with a thriving youth coaching programme that supports those interested in progressing to the Introduction to Coaching Football qualification, sponsored by the club. Throughout the year, we also organise a range of events to support fundraising efforts, helping to keep membership fees affordable and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to take part.
However, Spirit of Youth JFC is about more than just football. With both youth and open-age teams, and a long-standing tradition within the game, the club plays a central role in the local community. It provides a social hub for players and parents alike, often where lifelong friendships begin.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, who generously give their time to support and run the club. As we continue to grow, we are always in need of additional help. What we do has a meaningful impact on many, and if you feel you could contribute your time or would like more information, please contact our secretary at secretary@spiritofyouthjfc.co.uk


