Despite Yorkshire having a representative schoolboy team for many years, there was no formal senior equivalent until 1924 when the West Riding County Football Association put together a men’s side as part of the jubilee of the University of Leeds.

[4] Officially established on 16 July 2017, YIFA held a foundation meeting in October of the same year at the Square Chapel, Halifax, to sign off its constitution and formalise its existence as a footballing body.

While organising a senior Yorkshire international football team was its primary focus, YIFA also gave notice of its intention to seek membership of CONIFA.

On 13 November 2017, YIFA announced that Ryan Farrell, assisted by Micky Long, had been appointed as Yorkshire's first ever head coach.

The following week, Matt Bradley of Dinnington Town was the first player revealed to have been called up to the national side, while Paddy McGuire, who plays for Thackley, was named the first captain.