MORE THAN A GAME
At Hackney and Leyton League, we have a rich history and a deep-rooted passion for the beautiful game but it's more than that.
OUR LEAGUE
The Hackney and Leyton Sunday Football League has always been much more than a local league. Born out of the storied fields of Hackney Marshes in 1946, just after the smoke of World War II cleared, our League emerged as a beacon of community, resilience, and the unifying power of sport.
The Marshes, affectionately known as the spiritual home of grassroots football, have always been fertile ground for dreams and talent. Sprawling over 80 full-sized football pitches, it’s said that no other place in the world has hosted more football games. The grounds have fostered generations of athletes and seen countless epic battles, becoming an iconic symbol of London’s passion for the beautiful game.
VISION
To be a unifying force within the community, using the power of football to inspire, connect, and empower individuals of all ages, fostering a lifelong love for the game.
At Hackney and Leyton League, our mission is to create a vibrant football community that transcends boundaries, enriches lives, and cultivates a sense of belonging. We aim to provide exceptional football experiences, foster inclusivity, and nurture talent, while making a positive impact within our local community.
PURPOSE
Our purpose is to bring people together through the beautiful game of football, using our platform to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. By embracing diversity, encouraging participation, and investing in the development of individuals, we strive to create a legacy of passion, unity, and lifelong connections within the Hackney and Leyton community.
About
The Hackney and Leyton Sunday Football League has always been much more than a local league. Born out of the storied fields of Hackney Marshes in 1946, just after the smoke of World War II cleared, our League emerged as a beacon of community, resilience, and the unifying power of sport.
The Marshes, affectionately known as the spiritual home of grassroots football, have always been fertile ground for dreams and talent. Sprawling over 80 full-sized football pitches, it’s said that no other place in the world has hosted more football games. The grounds have fostered generations of athletes and seen countless epic battles, becoming an iconic symbol of London’s passion for the beautiful game.
VISION
To be a unifying force within the community, using the power of football to inspire, connect, and empower individuals of all ages, fostering a lifelong love for the game.
At Hackney and Leyton League, our mission is to create a vibrant football community that transcends boundaries, enriches lives, and cultivates a sense of belonging. We aim to provide exceptional football experiences, foster inclusivity, and nurture talent, while making a positive impact within our local community.
PURPOSE
Our purpose is to bring people together through the beautiful game of football, using our platform to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. By embracing diversity, encouraging participation, and investing in the development of individuals, we strive to create a legacy of passion, unity, and lifelong connections within the Hackney and Leyton community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We value our connection to the Hackney and Leyton communities and strive to serve as a positive and inspiring force within them. Our league reflects the community’s diversity, resilience, and collective spirit.
INCLUSIVITY
We are committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of background, age, or skill level, feels welcome, respected, and valued. We champion the power of football to bring people together and break down barriers.
INTEGRITY
We uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, both on and off the pitch. Fair play, respect, and honesty guide our actions and decisions.
EMPOWERMENT
We believe in the power of football to foster personal growth and self-confidence. We aim to empower our players to reach their full potential as athletes, individuals, and community leaders.
EXCELLENCE
We pursue excellence in every aspect of our work—from the quality of our competitions to the support we provide our players and teams to our commitment to improving the local football ecosystem.
SUSTAINABILTY
We are dedicated to ensuring the longterm health and sustainability of the Hackney and Leyton League. This includes responsible stewardship of our resources and a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
INNOVATION
We embrace change, continually evolving and improving our league to serve our players and our community better. We value creativity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore new ideas and approaches.
COLLABORATION
We believe teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of a successful football league. We foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation where everyone’s contribution is recognized and appreciated football ecosystem.
VALUES
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We value our connection to the Hackney and Leyton communities and strive to serve as a positive and inspiring force within them. Our league reflects the community’s diversity, resilience, and collective spirit.
INCLUSIVITY
We are committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of background, age, or skill level, feels welcome, respected, and valued. We champion the power of football to bring people together and break down barriers.
INTEGRITY
We uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, both on and off the pitch. Fair play, respect, and honesty guide our actions and decisions.
EMPOWERMENT
We believe in the power of football to foster personal growth and self-confidence. We aim to empower our players to reach their full potential as athletes, individuals, and community leaders.
EXCELLENCE
We pursue excellence in every aspect of our work—from the quality of our competitions to the support we provide our players and teams to our commitment to improving the local football ecosystem.
SUSTAINABILITY
We are dedicated to ensuring the longterm health and sustainability of the Hackney and Leyton League. This includes responsible stewardship of our resources and a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
INNOVATION
We embrace change, continually evolving and improving our league to serve our players and our community better. We value creativity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore new ideas and approaches.
COLLABORATION
We believe teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of a successful football league. We foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation where everyone’s contribution is recognized and appreciated football ecosystem.
MOMENTS IN OUR HISTORY
MARSH
BEGINNINGS
Hackney Marshes, originally known as Hackney Common, started to take its modern form in the mid-19th century. In 1865, the area was officially designated as common land.
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1865
1
A MILITARY CAMP
During World War I, Hackney Marshes served as an important military training ground and camp for British troops. Trenches and other training facilities were established on the marshes.
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World War I
2
LEGENDARY FOOTBALL PITCHES
In the 1930s, Hackney Marshes underwent a transformation. The marshland was drained, and numerous football pitches were laid out. Today, it's renowned for having one of the largest concentrations of grass football pitches in the world.
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1930
3
AMATEUR FOOTBALL HUB
Over the years, Hackney Marshes has become a hub for amateur football in East London. It's the home of the Hackney and Leyton Football League and hosts countless local matches, tournaments, and community events, carrying forward a rich sporting legacy.
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OVER THE YEARS
4
We're a tight-knit community that believes in the power of football to transform lives.
