Youth football is a brilliant way to keep children active allowing them to let go of some of their energy and keep fit.
Besides exercise, football and being part of a sports club, in general, can enhance social skills, help form friendships, and build confidence in youngsters. Thankfully, Harrow is blessed with many Youth Football Clubs that are amongst the best in the country.
Below is a list showing some of the highest-rated clubs within Harrow and surrounding areas…
Parkfield Youth FC: Probably the biggest club in Harrow, there are over 300 girls and boys registered at Parkfield and it has a long-established history of helping path the way for talent to go onto big things in the game. Former Parkfield players include Jerome Thomas who went on to play for Arsenal and West Brom and Adrian Marriappa who went on to have a long career at Watford. Parkfield teams play in Harrow Youth League and Hendon District League and the season runs from September to April. The club regularly tours and notable countries visited include Germany, Holland, Belgium and Spain. Address: Uxbridge Road Pinner, Harrow HA3 6PU.
Forest United Youth FC: A friendly community-based group aimed at teaching local youngsters to develop their football skills and play competitively. This club enrols children of all ages, all year around. Training is on Saturday morning and matches are on Sunday morning. Address: John Billam Sports Ground, Woodcock Hill, Harrow HA3 0PQ
Bessingby Park Rangers FC: Founded in 1973, Bessingby was originally formed by parents with a passion for football who wanted their children to succeed and enjoy playing the game without the pressure generally associated with big football clubs. It has now flourished with 21 teams of over 200 players from under 5’s through to adult teams. Now proudly having a newly refurbished clubhouse, the club is set to welcome new members allowing them to play in a safe and controlled environment. Since its inception, parents have always been an integral part of the club and that prevails even today as they are encouraged to be part of the club and deliver a community feeling through volunteering and support. Address: Field End Centre, Yeading Avenue, Rayners Lane, Harrow.
Pinner Albion FC: Founded in 1972, Pinner Albion is a volunteer organisation run for the benefit of local people of all ages. The focus of the club is “enjoyment, team participation and development.” The club was created by a group of fathers whose sons belonged to the 7th Pinner Scout/Cub Group based at the Pinner Free Church. Since the 1980s, Pinner Albion FC has fielded teams to play in the Harrow Youth Football League. Address: Headstone Manor Recreation Ground Pinner View, Harrow, Greater London, HA2 6PX
Wealdstone Youth FC: Wealdstone is a grassroots youth football club located in Ruislip, West London (formerly based in Wealdstone). The club provides football training for boys & girls of mixed abilities aged from 4 to 18 years old. Wealdstone Youth FC is a Chartered Status club and a registered charity. The club boasts a number of teams at different levels and each coach is “at least FA Level 1 qualified”. Former Wealdstone FC players who have gone on to have highly credited and established careers in the game include former England captain Stuart Pearce, Vinnie Jones and Jermaine Beckford. The club trains next to their stadium and the facilities are amongst the best in Harrow with a club house with a full bar on site. Address: Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ.
Ruislip Rangers FC: Founded in 1969, Ruislip Rangers are one of the largest Youth Football Clubs in Middlesex offering both girls and boys teams. The club also have a ladies team, a men’s team, an Under 23s team plus an expanding disability section. In total, Ruislip Rangers have 65 teams and over 800 players signed up to the club. The club has recently released a book celebrating its 50-plus years of formation with stories about its history and notable past players. Address: 25 Kings College Rd, Ruislip HA4 7JY.
Harrow St Marys Youth Football Club: This club has been part of the community for over 40 years with hundreds of youngsters currently involved in teams and training sessions. The club runs a Saturday Soccer School for younger members which has an average of 30 children attending on a weekly basis and quickly growing to wider participation. Harrow St Marys is an FA Charter Standard Club with its key focus is developing technical ability as well as good character in a safe fun environment with an emphasis on participation. Address: Roxborough Rd, Harrow HA1 1PB.
