Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Capital Girls League stands as the largest girls football community in Greater London, creating opportunities for young female athletes to develop their skills and passion for the sport. Founded with the mission to increase girls' participation in football throughout the capital, the league has become a cornerstone for female football development in the region.
The Capital Girls League forms the foundation of the women's pathway in London, connecting grassroots play to higher levels of competition. Through its extensive network of teams and competitions, the league provides structured environments where girls can experience both the joy of the game and the benefits of competitive play.
Beyond London, similar initiatives like the Capital Girls Lacrosse League in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) demonstrate how these specialized leagues create valuable sporting opportunities for female athletes across different communities. With social media presence and community engagement, these leagues continue to grow their influence and impact on girls' sports participation.
History
The Capital Girls League (CGL) was established to promote and develop grassroots football for girls in Greater London. Since its inception, the league has been committed to increasing the number of girls playing football in the capital region.
Today, the Capital Girls League has grown significantly, now hosting 134 teams and counting. This impressive growth demonstrates the league's success in fulfilling its primary mission of expanding girls' participation in football throughout London.
The league has achieved recognition for its contributions to women's sports, earning awards for its grassroots football program. This acknowledgment highlights the CGL's positive impact on the development of girls' football in the region.
As a formal organization, the Capital Girls League requires participating clubs to maintain membership in the competition, as outlined in their league handbook. This structure has helped maintain consistency and quality across the league's operations.
Throughout its history, the Capital Girls League has emphasized storytelling as part of its approach, likely to highlight player journeys and team achievements. This focus on personal narratives has helped build community among participants and supporters.
The league continues to serve as an important platform for developing female football talent in London, providing competitive opportunities for girls across the capital.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Capital Girls League offers various age groups to accommodate young female players at different developmental stages. According to available information, the league structures its divisions based on player age and skill level.
Games in the Capital Girls League are typically played on Saturdays between 9:30am and 1:30pm, making it accessible for young players and their families.
The league follows strict age grouping protocols to ensure fair competition. This approach allows players to develop alongside peers of similar physical and technical abilities.
While specific age brackets may vary by season, the league generally follows standard youth football age classifications. These groups are determined by birth years, similar to how Capital Futbol Club organizes its Girls Academy for players born between 2006 and 2012.
The Capital Girls League has grown significantly, now hosting 134+ teams across Greater London. This expansion demonstrates the increasing popularity of girls' grassroots football in the region.
Different formats of play may be implemented depending on the age group, allowing appropriate field sizes and rules that match players' developmental needs. The league adjusts these formats season by season to optimize player experience.
Age groups and available divisions depend partly on demand, allowing the league to remain responsive to community needs and participation levels.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Capital Girls League is managed by a dedicated team of individuals who oversee its operations and ensure the smooth running of competitions. The committee consists of several key positions filled by experienced football administrators.
Kayleigh Saunders serves as the Chair (Chairperson) of the league, providing leadership and direction. For inquiries, she can be reached at kayleigh.saunders@middlesexfa.com.
Oliver Ellery holds the position of League Secretary, handling administrative responsibilities and communications. He can be contacted via oliver.ellery@middlesexfa.com.
The financial aspects of the league are managed by Middlesex FA, which acts as the League Treasurer, ensuring proper financial governance.
Rebecca Chapman serves as the League Welfare Officer, focusing on safeguarding and player wellbeing throughout the competition.
Ken Harrington is also part of the committee, contributing to the league's management structure.
Simon Reid holds the position of Vice Chair of the Capital Girls League. He is also noted as a co-founder of Barnet Nightingales FC and serves as their Honorary President.
This committee works collaboratively to maintain the standards of the Capital Girls League, which operates as a platform for girls' football teams to compete in various age divisions.
Teams
The Capital Girls League hosts a remarkable 134 teams spread across 40 clubs throughout Greater London. This extensive network provides numerous opportunities for female players to participate in organized football.
Several prominent teams compete in the league, including Charlton Athletic U13, who have shown strong performance in their division. Ruislip Rangers Blues and Alexandra Park U13 also feature as competitive teams in the same age bracket.
Enfield Town Ladies Youth maintains teams in multiple divisions, demonstrating the club's commitment to girls' football development. Other notable teams include Pro Elite Football Club U13 Chiefs Girls and Young's Football Club U13 Girls.
The league accommodates various clubs with different backgrounds and community roots. Teams like Hearts Of Teddlothian, Kensington Dragons, and Limehouse represent diverse areas of London, enhancing the league's inclusive nature.
Alexandra Park Youth, Bloomsbury, and Brent Schools FA also participate in the Capital Girls League, contributing to its reputation as London's award-winning grassroots football league for girls.
The competitive structure allows teams to find appropriate playing levels, with clear divisional organization ensuring fair and enjoyable competition for all participants regardless of skill level or experience.
Players
The Capital Girls League showcases talented young female footballers across its extensive network of 134 teams. Players range from beginners to advanced skill levels, providing opportunities for girls of various ages to develop their football abilities.
Each month, the league recognizes standout performers through their "Club Players of the Month" program. This initiative highlights exceptional talent and dedication shown on the pitch, motivating players to continually improve their skills.
The league is structured into multiple divisions, including the MJM Sport U18 Division 2, allowing players to compete against others of similar skill and age levels. This divisional organization helps create balanced competition and appropriate development pathways.
Players in the Capital Girls League benefit from matches held at various venues throughout Greater London. This accessibility ensures that girls from different neighborhoods can participate in the sport without excessive travel requirements.
Many graduates of the Capital Girls League progress to play in the Greater London Women's Football League, demonstrating the effective player development pathway the league provides. This progression shows the league's success in nurturing talent for women's football.
The league's primary mission focuses on increasing female participation in football across the capital region. Since its establishment, it has successfully created more opportunities for girls to engage with the sport, developing both technical skills and teamwork abilities.
