Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The East Riding Girls Football League provides organized football opportunities for girls aged 6 to 18 throughout the East Riding County. Games typically take place on Saturday mornings, with competitions structured across various age groups including under-8s, under-10s, under-12s, under-14s, and under-16s. The league serves as a vital platform for developing young female football talent in the region while promoting teamwork, physical fitness, and competitive spirit.
For younger players just beginning their football journey, the league connects with initiatives like Weetabix Wildcats, which introduces girls aged 5-11 to the fundamentals of the sport. This creates a clear pathway for female players to progress from introductory sessions through competitive league play as they develop their skills and passion for the game.
Parents and clubs participating in the league can provide feedback on match officiating, with specific processes in place for reviewing referee performances that receive ratings of 60 or below. This commitment to quality officiating helps maintain high standards throughout the competition structure and ensures positive experiences for all participants.
History
The East Riding Girls Football League has established itself as a vital platform for female football in the historic East Riding of Yorkshire area. The league provides opportunities for girls aged 6 to 18 years old to participate in organized football competitions.
Before specific league formations, football in the East Riding area was governed by the Hull & District FA. This oversight continued until the formation of the East Riding County Football Association, which took responsibility for football governance in the region.
The East Riding County Football Association serves as the governing body for football in the historic East Riding of Yorkshire. This organization has been instrumental in developing grassroots football, including the girls' league.
The development of girls' football in East Riding has been supported by various initiatives and partnerships through the County FA. These programs have helped encourage participation and development of female players throughout the region.
Current league competition includes teams such as Pelican Rangers AFC, Hull United AFC Whites, Hessle Sporting Club Ravens, and Kingswood United in their respective age groups. These clubs represent communities across the East Riding region.
The league structure allows for teams to compete at different age levels, ensuring appropriate development pathways for young female footballers. This progressive approach has contributed to the growth of women's football in the region over recent years.
Age Groups and Divisions
The East Riding Girls Football League offers competitive football opportunities across multiple age brackets, from U8 to U17. The league is structured to ensure appropriate competition levels for girls of different ages and abilities.
Each age group is typically divided into color-coded divisions - primarily Greens and Whites. This division system allows teams to compete against others of similar skill levels, promoting fair and enjoyable matches.
For the youngest participants, the U8 and U9 categories provide an introduction to organized football. The U9 group features both Greens and Whites divisions to accommodate varying skill levels.
In the middle age range, U10 through U13 groups each offer multiple divisions. These age groups represent a critical development period where technical skills and tactical understanding are rapidly advancing.
The older age groups include U14, U15, U16, and U17 divisions. These categories feature more advanced play as players refine their skills and tactical knowledge.
The league structure may adjust slightly each season based on team registrations and competitive balance needs. Some age groups might have additional cup competitions running alongside regular league fixtures.
This comprehensive age group structure ensures that girls from ages 6 to 18 can find appropriate competitive football opportunities within the East Riding region.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The East Riding Girls Football League is managed by a dedicated committee that oversees operations for all age groups. John Blades serves as the Chairman and can be reached at 07546064645 or via email at bladesy1989@googlemail.com.
Liz Shipp holds a key position in the League administration, though her specific title isn't specified in the available information. Together, they coordinate league activities for girls' football across the East Riding area.
For general inquiries, the East Riding FA office is located at The Roy West Centre, 220 Inglemire Lane, Hull HU6 7TS. They can be contacted by telephone at 01482 221158 or via email at info@eastridingfa.com.
The league organizes competitions for various age groups including U8s, U10s, U12s, U14s, and U16s, with games typically played on Saturday mornings. Club contacts are maintained and updated regularly, with a comprehensive list last updated on July 14th.
Key Contacts:
- Chairman: John Blades (07546064645, bladesy1989@googlemail.com)
- League Official: Liz Shipp
- General Inquiries: 01482 221158, info@eastridingfa.com
For the 2024-25 season, these officials continue to coordinate league activities, ensuring smooth operations of girls' football throughout the East Riding county.
Teams
The East Riding Girls Football League features numerous teams across various age groups, providing competitive opportunities for girls aged 6 to 18 years old. Matches typically take place on Saturday mornings.
The league structure includes several age categories: U8, U10, U12, U14, and U16. Some teams competing in the league include Cottingham Rangers AFC U8 Girls Pandas and Elloughton Blackburn U8 Girls at the youngest level.
AFC Tickton U8 Nightingales Girls also participate in the competition, helping to develop grassroots talent in the region.
In the U13 category, Pelican Rangers AFC U13 Girls, Hull United AFC U13 Whites Girls, and Hessle Sporting Club U13 Ravens Girls are among the top competitors. Kingswood United also fields a team in this age group.
The U14 division includes teams such as Cleethorpes Town Ladies U14 Girls, Hull United AFC U14 Whites Girls, Malet Lambert YC U14 Girls, and Barton Junior Football.
Each team provides valuable opportunities for young female players to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of competitive football. The league serves as an important pathway for talent development in East Riding.
Players
The East Riding Girls Football League provides opportunities for female players aged 6 to 18 years old across the region. The league is structured to accommodate various age groups, including under-8s, under-10s, under-12s, under-14s, and under-16s.
Girls typically play matches on Saturday mornings, allowing young athletes to develop their skills in a competitive yet supportive environment. The league serves as an important pathway for female football development in the East Riding area.
The Weetabix Wildcats program operates alongside the league, specifically designed for girls aged 5 to 11 years old. This initiative helps introduce younger players to the sport and builds a pipeline of talent for the league's competitive age groups.
Player registration is managed through official channels, with teams across the East Riding region participating. Many players develop lasting friendships and valuable teamwork skills while competing in the league.
The league has seen a steady growth in player numbers over recent years, reflecting the increasing popularity of girls' football in the UK. This expansion has allowed for more competitive fixtures and development opportunities.
