Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Hampshire Girls Youth Football League stands as a cornerstone for female youth football in Hampshire, having been established in 2018. Since its founding, the league has experienced remarkable growth, now featuring nearly 200 teams and approximately 4,000 players as of the 2019/2020 season. The HGYFL provides essential competitive opportunities for thousands of young female players across Hampshire, contributing significantly to the development and expansion of girls' football in the region.
Led by Co-Chairs Steve Elkins and Graham Moores, the league continues to foster talent and create pathways for young female footballers. The organization maintains an active presence on social media platforms, sharing updates and news about the female youth game in Hampshire to their growing follower base.
Each year, the league opens applications for teams wishing to participate in the upcoming season, with forms typically becoming available well in advance. This structured approach helps maintain the league's organization while accommodating its expanding roster of teams and players.
History
The Hampshire Girls Youth Football League was officially launched in 2018, marking a significant milestone for girls' football in the region. This achievement came after years of dedicated work by former committees of various youth football organizations.
The league was established to provide structured competitive opportunities specifically for girls in Hampshire. Prior to its formation, girls' teams had fewer dedicated leagues available to them compared to boys' teams.
Hampshire FA, founded in 1887, serves as the governing body for all football activities in the county and played a crucial role in supporting the development of the girls' league. As a non-profit organization, Hampshire FA has consistently worked to expand football opportunities across all demographics.
The Hampshire Girls Youth Football League initially began with limited age groups but has since expanded. Teams like Hythe & Dibden Youth Lionesses, Clanfield Youth, Winchester City Flyers, and Whiteley now regularly compete in various divisions.
The league represents part of a broader movement in youth football in Hampshire. Testway Youth Football League, for example, pioneered mini-soccer formats in the county and introduced 9-a-side football as part of innovations in youth development.
Today, the league continues to grow in participation and competitiveness, offering structured football opportunities for girls across multiple age groups throughout Hampshire.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Hampshire Girls Youth Football League (HGYFL) offers competitive football opportunities for girls across a wide range of age groups. The league structure spans from Under-7 to Under-18 levels, providing a comprehensive pathway for young female players.
For the youngest participants, development begins in the U7 County division, which focuses on building fundamental skills in a supportive environment. As players progress, they move through U8, U9, U10, U11, and U12 age groups.
The U9 age group features multiple competitive tiers: Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. This tiered structure ensures teams compete against others of similar ability, allowing appropriate challenges for all skill levels.
Similarly, the U10 category offers Division 1 competition, while U11 includes Division 2 matches. The league also has regional considerations, with divisions like U8 South East creating more localized competition opportunities.
Teams participating in the 2024-2025 season include:
- City Ladies U12 Rubies
- Clanfield Youth U12 Girls
- Down Grange Youth U12 Azure Girls
- Hythe & Dibden Youth U12 Lionesses Girls
- Ringwood Town Youth U12 Panthers
This structured approach provides clear progression opportunities from youth football into adult competition, with strong connections to the Hampshire County Women's League for older players.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Hampshire Girls Youth Football League (HGYFL) is managed by a dedicated team of staff and committee members who ensure the smooth operation of youth football activities across the region. For general inquiries about the league, contacting the appropriate staff member is essential.
Football operations for Hampshire are overseen by Darren Parker, who serves as Operations Manager. He can be reached at Darren.Parker@HampshireFA.com or by phone at 01256 853001 for operational matters.
Club and team contacts within the league include managers, assistants, qualified first aiders (QFAs), administrators, and committee members. All of these individuals are required to register or renew their previous season's registration to maintain current contact information.
For clubs looking to join the league, application forms are typically released well in advance of the upcoming season. These forms can be downloaded from the league's official platforms.
Teams seeking to recruit new players often post opportunities through the league's social media channels. For example, Money's FC actively recruits for their girls' youth teams, with interested players able to contact them via womens@moneysfc.co.uk.
The league also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where they share important announcements, recruitment opportunities, and other relevant information for players, parents, and clubs.
Teams
The Hampshire Girls Youth Football League features a diverse range of teams across various age groups. Based on the search results, the league boasts nearly 200 teams with approximately 4,000 players as of the 2019/20 season.
Several clubs participate in the league, including notable names such as:
- Gosport Porchester AFC
- Bournemouth
- Alderbury
- Aldershot
- Alresford
- Alton
- Bashley
- Bedhampton
In the Under-12 category, multiple teams compete regularly. These include:
- City Ladies U12 Rubies
- Clanfield Youth U12 Girls
- Down Grange Youth U12 Azure Girls
- Hythe & Dibden Youth U12 Lionesses Girls
- Ringwood Town Youth U12 Panthers
The league structure allows for teams to progress through different tiers. Some clubs have expanded to include Reserve teams and First teams, creating pathways for players as they develop.
Many clubs field teams across multiple age groups, creating a comprehensive development structure within the Hampshire region. This approach has contributed significantly to the growth of girls' football in the area.
The league continues to expand, with clubs actively recruiting new players to strengthen their squads and further develop the women's game in Hampshire.
Players
The Hampshire Girls Youth Football League has seen tremendous growth in recent years, hosting approximately 4,000 players across nearly 200 teams as of the 2019/20 season. This remarkable participation level highlights the league's contribution to female football development in the region.
Player registration follows specific protocols, with the league implementing a Match Day Player Registration system. This allows teams to register a maximum of 2 additional players per game, providing flexibility while maintaining competitive balance.
The league operates under official rules updated as of August 2024, ensuring consistent standards across all competitions. These regulations help create a structured environment where young female players can develop their skills and passion for the sport.
Many clubs actively recruit throughout the season, seeking talented and dedicated players who aim to reach their potential. As one team notes, they're "always looking for players that aspire to be the best they can be."
The league's impressive player numbers reflect the broader growth of girls' football in Hampshire. With thousands of participants across various age groups, the league provides crucial competitive opportunities that support the development pathway for female footballers.
Registration documents and current league rules are made available to teams and players, ensuring everyone understands the guidelines and requirements for participation.
