The Dorset Youth Football League was founded in May 2001, and was formally know as the Dorset Divisional Youth League, with the aim to administer youth football in the Under 11 to Under 16 age groups. The competition is sanctioned by the Dorset County Football Association.

The League now consists of 49 clubs and 222 teams spread over 10 ages groups, with approximately 3,000 registered players. Although the majority of the clubs registered with the Dorset County Football Association, there are also clubs who are registered with Hampshire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Devon. As the Football Association allows mixed gender teams up to U16 age group, we have girls playing in the league in our teams playing since Season 2017/2018. As of Season 2019/2020 the League now runs the Dorset Girls football leagues.

In line with the Football Association’s directive for Youth Football, the U9 & U11 leagues are non-competitive and all other age groups are competitive.

The Dorset Youth Football League is affiliated with Dorset FA in the South West of England offering opportunities for junior grassroots football.