The big kick off has arrived after a long wait. Not all strips arrived on time, some players still on holiday, teams playing without training and some arriving at the last minute.

We have thirty one sides playing youth football this year. The Gateshead Youth League and the Russell Foster Youth League kicked off over the weekend with plenty of the Consett YMCA Juniors teams involved.

Next week as managers are hopefully less stressed we should have some more info and match reports.

The small sided Russell Foster Youth League and South of Tyne Youth League sides, up to under 10's commence their campaign on Saturday 8th September. Friendly games are still taking place to get players into shape after six weeks of holidays and ice creams!

Consett Missiles under 10's did very well in the St Mary's tournament on Saturday and only went out on penalties even though they conceded no goals in the group stage. That's football! Well done lads and keep up the good work.

Some of the results so far :- Under 9s Consett Flames 3 - 0 Felling Whites, Consett Sharks 1 - 5 Newcastle Independent.

Under 10s Consett Rockets 1 - 3 Felling Blacks.

Under 11s Sheriff Hill 9 - 0 Consett, Consett Galaxy 2 - 11 Monkton Juniors.

Under 12s Consett 5 - 3 Redheugh.

Under 13s Real Winlaton 4 - 0 Consett Reds, Felling 2 - 8 Consett Phoenix, Cleveland Hall Yellows 3 - 7 Consett Vipers, Shiny Row 5 - 3 Consett Cobras.

Under 14s Consett 5 - 1 Catchgate.

Under 15s Redheugh Whites 1 - 0 Consett.

Under 16s Consett 0 - 1 Cleveland Hall.

Under 17s Consett Blues 3 - 0 Whickham Fellside, Temple Park Rangers 2 - 3 Consett Reds.