Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL) stands as the largest female football organization in Hertfordshire County, proudly serving approximately 6,000 players. This grassroots league provides valuable opportunities for girls and young women who are passionate about the beautiful game, offering competitive divisions from under-7s through to under-18s.
The HGFPL operates as an FA Charter Standard football league, ensuring high-quality organization, coaching standards, and player development across all age groups. The league's structure includes specialized divisions like the U7 Pink Division, demonstrating their commitment to age-appropriate competition that fosters skill development and enjoyment.
For the 2024-25 season, the HGFPL continues to expand its offerings with organized match days, cup competitions, and even a January intake program for new teams. The league maintains active communication with teams and supporters through various social media platforms, creating a vibrant community that celebrates female football achievement throughout Hertfordshire.
History
The Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL) stands as a significant organization promoting girls' football in the region. Established as an FA Charter Standard football league, it creates opportunities for girls and young women to engage with "the beautiful game."
The league has grown substantially since its inception, now featuring multiple age groups including Under-14 and Under-16 divisions. The U14 Group B represents one of several competitive tiers within the organization's structure.
A notable milestone in the league's development came when Watford Ladies FC U18 Warriors made history by defeating Harvesters FC to win the inaugural Hertfordshire championship. This victory established them as trailblazers in the regional girls' football scene.
The league operates within the broader context of the Hertfordshire Football Association, which was founded many years ago with just 20 affiliated clubs in its first season. Over time, this number increased substantially year after year.
Today, the Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League continues to provide structured competition for young female players across various age groups. Its popularity is evident in engagement metrics, with over 4 million hits on its digital platforms.
The league's organization into different competitive groups ensures appropriate development opportunities for players of varying skill levels and age brackets.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL) provides structured competition across multiple age groups, allowing young female players to develop their skills in appropriate environments. Based on the 2024-25 season information, the league accommodates players from Under 7 (U7) through to Under 16 (U16) age groups.
Each age group typically features multiple divisions based on team ability and geographical considerations. Teams like Arlesey Town Youth U7 Lionesses, Bedwell Rangers Youth U7 Dragons, Bedwell Rangers Youth U7 Phoenix, and Bury Rangers Youth U7 Lions represent the youngest category of players.
The league follows specific age eligibility rules in accordance with FA guidelines. Players must be within the designated age bracket for their registered team during the playing season.
Interestingly, the HGFPL allows girls in all-female teams to play down an age group in certain circumstances, providing flexibility for player development and team formation. This accommodation helps support clubs with varying player populations.
For the 2024-25 season, the league introduced an updated rulebook that governs competition across all age divisions. This information is accessible to club contacts through digital platforms.
The structure of divisions promotes fair competition while supporting player development. Teams are generally placed in divisions that match their competitive level, ensuring meaningful matches throughout the season.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL) is managed by a dedicated committee of football administrators. Michelle Chandler has been serving on the committee since 2019 according to FA records, playing a key role in the league's operations.
For the 2024-25 season, the HGFPL administrative structure remains consistent with previous arrangements. The league works closely with the Hertfordshire FA's Football Development Team.
Key Contacts:
| Name | Position | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Chandler | Committee Member (since 2019) | Email available via Hertfordshire FA |
| Steve Maker | Head of Football Development and Investment & Deputy Senior Safeguarding Lead | steve.maker@hertfordshirefa.com |
The HGFPL maintains communication with clubs through official channels. According to the 2024-25 HGFPL Handbook, the league utilizes the Robin Road app to contact all club representatives with important updates and information.
For general inquiries about girls' football in Hertfordshire, the county FA office can be reached Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm:
- Phone: 01462 677622
- Email: Available via the Hertfordshire FA website
The league operates under the governance structure of the Hertfordshire FA, alongside other competitions like the Hertfordshire Youth League, which has Andy Ellis (joined 2021) as a committee member.
Teams
The Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL) hosts a variety of teams across different age groups. This league has become the largest female football organization in the county, supporting approximately 6000 players at the grassroots level.
At the U7 level, teams include Arlesey Town Youth U7 Lionesses Girls, Bedwell Rangers Youth U7 Dragons Girls, Bedwell Rangers Youth U7 Phoenix Girls, and Bury Rangers Youth U7 Lions Girls. These teams provide opportunities for the youngest players to develop their skills.
The U12 division features teams such as Bedwell Rangers Youth U12 Phoenix Girls, Berkhamsted Raiders Youth U12 Blue Girl, Garston Ladies Junior Section U12 Jaguar, and Garston Ladies Junior Section U12.
In the U14 category, the league tables show competitive teams including Elite Feet U14 Royals, Watford Ladies Youth U14 Wasps, Bedwell Rangers U14 Girls Amazons, and Wormley Rovers Youth U14 Robins. These teams play regular fixtures throughout the season.
The league maintains FA Charter Standard status, demonstrating its commitment to providing quality football experiences for girls and young women. Teams participate in organized competitions that help develop both individual skills and team dynamics.
Many clubs field multiple teams across different age groups, with Bedwell Rangers and Garston Ladies Junior Section being particularly well-represented throughout the league structure.
Players
The Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL) is home to approximately 6,000 female players across the county, making it the largest female football organization in Hertfordshire.
The league offers competitive opportunities for girls from Under-8 to Under-18 age groups, providing various formats appropriate for different developmental stages.
Players in the HGFPL benefit from a structured pathway that evolves from small-sided games in younger age groups to full 11v11 matches as they progress through the age categories.
The league structure includes multiple divisions at each age level, such as the U7 Pink Division and U14 divisions featuring teams like Elite Feet U14 Royals, Watford Ladies Youth U14 Wasps, and Bedwell Rangers U14 Girls Amazons.
Many clubs within the league maintain multiple teams at different age levels, allowing players to develop within a consistent club environment throughout their youth careers.
The HGFPL focuses on grassroots development, providing competitive opportunities while maintaining an inclusive approach that welcomes players of varying skill levels.
Teams like Wormley Rovers Youth U14 Robins demonstrate the community-based nature of the league, with local clubs creating opportunities for girls throughout Hertfordshire to participate in organized football.
