Where it all begins.
More than 30 years of junior and youth football in Ilkeston — helping local boys and girls enjoy the game, develop as people and see a pathway towards senior football.
Football rooted in the town.
The junior section has supported football in Ilkeston for more than three decades. The club describes a provision of more than 400 children and young adults aged 4–18, for boys and girls, supported by over 100 volunteers.
The aim is bigger than winning junior matches: give young people a positive place to learn the game, build confidence and — for those who progress — see a genuine route towards senior football.
From first kick to first team.
A simple pathway built around development, enjoyment and opportunity.
Mini Robins
The FUNdamental stage for ages 4–6 — an introduction to football built around enjoyment, movement, confidence and learning.
Junior football
Boys and girls progress into age-group football, with Ilkeston Town Juniors represented across a wide range of local youth leagues.
Older youth
The pathway continues through the teenage age groups, with FA Full-Time currently listing Ilkeston teams into the older youth and U19 level.
Senior pathway
The club's stated ambition is to give homegrown players a route towards senior football when they are ready, with safeguarding built into first-team involvement.
Dozens of teams. One pathway.
The FA's Full-Time directory currently returns 37 teams under the Ilkeston Town Juniors club record, showing the scale and breadth of football connected to the junior setup across different ages and competitions.
That includes boys' and girls' football and teams competing across YEL East Midlands, Derby junior and girls' football, Nottinghamshire youth competitions and the National League U19 Alliance.
See current teams on FA Full-TimeStart with fun.
The youngest stage is deliberately about the fundamentals: giving children a positive first experience of football before the pressure of competitive age-group teams.
Safeguarding comes first.
The club states that junior volunteers hold enhanced DBS clearance and are required to complete first aid and safeguarding training, with FA education supporting the coaching pathway.
A safe route through the club.
Ilkeston Town also publishes safeguarding guidance for young people moving towards senior football, including first appearances and travel. The principle is clear: development opportunities should never come at the expense of welfare.
View Safeguarding & PoliciesNeed to speak to someone?
Volunteer with the Robins.
More than 100 volunteers underpin the junior provision. Coaching, team support and the wider football operation all depend on local people giving their time and developing their own skills along the way.
The pathway belongs to Ilkeston.
The club's junior philosophy is built around homegrown players and local opportunity. Whether a child plays for enjoyment or develops towards higher-level football, the aim is to keep a clear connection to the town and the senior club.
Meet the first team