Spirit of Youth JFC was founded in 1977 by Alf Hearsum, with a group of boys from the local area. Since those early days the club has established itself as one of the largest youth football organisations in Blackpool, with more than 170 boys and girls playing in 14 teams and development squads.

Today, Spirit of Youth JFC is run by a management committee, which appoints managers and coaches to offer football for players from 3 year old right though to adulthood. We offer football for all those in the area that want to play, regardless of ability, as far as space and facilities allow. Our challenge is to help all those that want to play to have fun, make friends, learn to play the game and learn to love playing the game, in a safe and progressive environment.

We fully support the FA Respect program and require all parents and players to sign up to our codes of conduct when joining the club. Our coaching staff are focused on a clear footballing philosophy of playing through the three-thirds of the pitch, quality of passing, quality of receiving, intelligent movement and support off the ball, penetrative/ incisive attacking play, and counter attacking. Our aim is to bring out the best in all our players, creating opportunities to play football for each player from 4 year old right through to adult football, whatever their standard and is why the club was awarded the coveted FA Charter in 2006, 2009 and renewed in 2014.

Those with potential to play at a higher standard often get the opportunity to spend time at academies, in 2014 we partnered with Preston North End with their fantastic opportunities. As a club we want to see our players making the transition to adult football and many have moved through the various local teams in Lancashire FA. We are also very proud to have our partnership with Nike and look forward to be able to work closely with them to further improve the standards of football in the community through their support.

We encourage participation in the game in ways other than just playing, with a thriving youth coaching program helping those that want to go on and do the FA Level 1 coaching qualification sponsored by the club. We also run a series of events during the year to help secure further fundraising in order to keep membership fees low so everyone has the chance to join and play the game.

But the club is about more than just football. With both youth and open age young adult football and a long tradition of football participation we are at the heart of community life, serving as a social conduit for both players and parents alike, often the start of friendships for life. None of this would be possible without the help and support of so many volunteers who give their time for free to help run the club, and as we continue to expand we need more and more support. What we do is hugely worthwhile and benefits many. If you think you might be able to give a little time to help us to continue to maintain and develop our club, or require further information about the club, please e-mail our general secretary at soyfcsecretary@sky.com.