Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Greater Manchester Women's Football League represents a vibrant community of female footballers across Greater Manchester, England. Overseen by a dedicated league committee, it provides structured competition across multiple divisions, from grassroots to higher levels of play.
The league features a pyramid structure with the Premier Division serving as the highest tier, acting as an entry point into the broader women's football pyramid in England. Below the Premier Division are additional competitive levels, including Division Three, offering opportunities for teams of varying abilities and experience to participate in organized football.
Since its establishment, the GMWFL has become an essential platform for women's football development in the region, with regular match days, comprehensive league tables, and community engagement. The league continues to grow in popularity, reflecting the increasing interest in women's football throughout Greater Manchester and beyond.
History
The Greater Manchester Women's Football League (GMWFL) was established in 2011 with a clear mission to promote and develop women's football across the Greater Manchester region. From its inception, the league has been committed to providing competitive football opportunities for female players of various skill levels.
The league is administered by a dedicated committee who oversee all operations, fixtures, and development initiatives. This organizational structure has helped maintain consistency and growth throughout the league's existence.
Prior to the GMWFL's formation, women's teams in the area often participated in broader competitions like the North West Women's League, which has been in existence since 1970. This historical context shows the progression of women's football organization in the region.
The North West Women's League initially consisted of eight teams, including notable clubs such as Fodens Ladies F.C. and later St Helens W.F.C. This established a foundation for women's football in the broader region.
Manchester United Ladies team, one of the prominent clubs in the area, was originally formed through the United Supporters' Club and played its first match in October 1977. This represents the deep-rooted history of women's football in Manchester that predates the GMWFL.
The GMWFL has expanded since its founding, now featuring multiple divisions that accommodate teams of varying competitive levels. This growth reflects the increasing popularity and acceptance of women's football in Greater Manchester.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Greater Manchester Women's Football League (GMWFL) is structured to accommodate players across different age groups and skill levels. The league features two main age categories: Open Age and Under-18s.
The Open Age section is organized into four tiers. These include the Premier Division at the top level, followed by Division One, Division Two, and Division Three. This structure allows for competitive balance and progression between divisions.
Teams like Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies and Athletico Middleton Ladies currently compete in the Premier Division. AFC Bolton is among the clubs participating in Division One for the 2023-24 season.
For younger players, the U18 section offers four divisions: Division A (Walsh), Division B (Toone), Division C (Stanway), and Division D. These divisions are named after prominent women footballers, recognizing their contributions to the sport.
The league's multi-tier structure enables clubs to field teams at appropriate competitive levels. This organization allows for promotion and relegation between divisions, creating pathways for team development and progression.
Teams can move between divisions based on their performance each season. This system ensures that matches remain competitive and challenging for all participants across Greater Manchester.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Greater Manchester Women's Football League (GMWFL) is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who oversee league operations. Based on current information, the committee includes several key positions filled by individuals committed to women's football in the region.
Lee Sutton serves as the Chairman and can be contacted at chairman@gmwfl.co.uk. Alternative information suggests Alan Tomlinson may also hold a chairman role, with a contact number of 0161 6439634.
Christopher Morton fills the position of Secretary and handles administrative duties for the league. He can be reached at secretary@gmwfl.co.uk. Another source indicates Owen Dyce may serve as Secretary, with a phone number 07434 436778.
Referee coordination is managed by Lee Robinson, who serves as Referee Secretary. Officials and clubs can contact him at refsec@gmwfl.co.uk for matters related to match officials.
The committee structure ensures proper governance of league activities including fixtures, disciplinary matters, and competition organization. These volunteers work together to promote and develop women's football across Greater Manchester.
For general inquiries, teams and players are encouraged to contact the appropriate committee member based on the nature of their question or concern.
Teams
The Greater Manchester Women's Football League features a diverse range of teams across multiple divisions. Based on the search results, several prominent clubs participate in the league structure.
FC United of Manchester Women's Development team is among the top-performing sides in the league. They were ranked second in their division according to recent standings.
Manchester Laces FC Yellow Squad and Mancunian Unity Women B also feature prominently in the league table, highlighting the competitive nature of women's football in the region.
Rochdale AFC Women's team is active in the league structure, along with other established clubs like Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies and Droylsden FC Ladies.
The league also includes teams like:
- Sale Ladies FC
- Salford City Lionesses
- Urmston Meadowside
- Bolton Lads & Girls Club
- Langho Ladies
- Barr Hill Ladies
Newer or development sides are also well-represented, including:
- AFC Oldham Development
- AFC Stockport Lionesses Women
- Ashton Pumas Women
- Bury FC Women's Development
- East Leigh Juniors Ladies
- JPS FC Ladies
- Leigh Genesis
The league provides opportunities for teams at various competitive levels, from established clubs with dedicated women's programs to developing sides looking to progress through the football pyramid.
Players
The Greater Manchester Women's Football League attracts a diverse range of players across its multiple divisions. From experienced footballers to newcomers to the sport, the league provides competitive opportunities for women of all skill levels.
Many clubs in the league, such as Manchester Laces FC Yellow Squad and AFC Bolton Ladies, have developed strong squads that consistently perform well in their respective divisions. These teams often feature a mix of veteran players and promising young talent.
The league serves as a development pathway for talented players in the Greater Manchester region. Some standout performers from the league have gone on to join higher-tier clubs in the women's football pyramid.
Player registration follows standard Football Association guidelines, with transfers typically occurring during designated windows. Most teams conduct regular training sessions throughout the week to prepare for weekend fixtures.
The league's diverse participant base reflects the growing popularity of women's football in Greater Manchester. Players come from various backgrounds, with many balancing their football commitments with work, education, or family responsibilities.
Teams like Crompton FC Ladies and Bury FC Women's Reserves have cultivated strong team chemistry, which has contributed to their competitive performances in league play. Player retention remains strong across many clubs in the league.
