Leeds UFCA Achieve Promotion to Step 6

Ultimate Football Coaching Academy are delighted to announce that Leeds UFCA have achieved promotion to the Northern Counties East League, marking a huge milestone in the club’s journey.

After finishing third with 54 points from our 28 games in the Yorkshire Amateur League Premier Division, our application for promotion has now been formally accepted - meaning we will compete at Step 6 from the 2025/26 season.

Since our launch in 2012, UFCA has always had a clear vision to build a footballing structure that supports and develops talented young players in their footballing journey - and eventually into the senior game. 

That long-term ambition has now become a reality, and we are proud to be providing a direct and unrivalled pathway into semi-professional football for players across our academy and scholarship programmes.

Steve Grime commented: “Today is a very proud day. To earn promotion with the youngest squad in the league speaks volumes about the character and talent of these lads. This promotion gives all of the players across our academy and scholarship a direct pathway into semi professional football. We can’t wait for the challenge in front of us.”

Steve Hart commented: “This promotion is a game-changer - not just for UFCA, but for all young players across Leeds. We've now built a genuine, visible pathway from Under 5s through to semi-professional football - all under one roof. For our existing academy players, it means there's now a clear progression route. This is what we set out to build over a decade ago, and it's only going to grow from here.”

The promotion also opens the door for UFCA Scholars to compete in the FA Youth Cup - a huge opportunity to test themselves on one of the biggest youth stages in English football.

We would like to offer a huge congratulations to every player, coach, and member of staff who has contributed to this incredible journey.