Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Leicestershire Women's and Girls Football League stands as a cornerstone of female football development in the region, bringing together approximately 70 clubs and over 350 teams across various age groups. The league provides competitive opportunities for players ranging from Under 7s through to Under 18s, as well as senior women, creating a comprehensive pathway for female footballers in Leicestershire.
This thriving community extends beyond just match days, serving as a vital network for clubs, players, and coaches throughout the county. Teams regularly use the league's platforms to advertise tournaments and recruitment opportunities, fostering connections between clubs and ensuring the continued growth of women's football in the region.
From recreational kickabouts to structured 11-a-side competition, the league accommodates diverse levels of play and commitment. Its inclusive approach allows girls and women to engage with football in ways that suit their individual aspirations, whether pursuing competitive excellence or simply enjoying the social and physical benefits of team sport.
History
Women's football in Leicestershire has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The first ladies football match in the county took place in October 1895 at the Nottingham-road Athletic Ground in Loughborough between local women's teams.
The development of women's football in Leicestershire faced many challenges throughout the 20th century. Like many regions, the sport struggled for recognition and support during the decades following the FA's 1921 ban on women playing at affiliated grounds.
The Women's Football Association (WFA) established in 1969 helped revitalize the women's game nationally. The FA eventually took over from the WFA in 1993, bringing more structure to women's football across the country.
The Leicestershire Women's and Girls Football League emerged as part of the growing infrastructure for female players in the region. Today, it serves approximately 70 clubs with over 350 teams ranging from Under 7 to Under 18 and Senior Women's divisions.
Leicester City Women's Football Club, founded in 2004, represents the pinnacle of women's football in the county. The club experienced significant growth, eventually rising through the tiers of English women's football.
The grassroots development of girls' football in Leicestershire continues to strengthen. Local clubs like East Goscote United, Rugby Borough, Groby Juniors, and Narborough Foxes field successful youth teams, creating pathways for young female players throughout the county.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Leicestershire Womens and Girls Football League offers a comprehensive structure of age groups ranging from Under 7 to Under 18, plus Senior Women's teams. With approximately 70 clubs and over 350 teams participating, the league provides organized competition across all youth age categories.
Each age group features multiple divisions to accommodate different skill levels and development stages. For example, the U11 and U12 age groups are organized into Platinum, Silver, and Bronze divisions, creating appropriate competitive environments for teams of varying abilities.
The U10 age group represents one of the entry points for structured competition, while the progression continues through U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, and U18 levels. This tiered approach ensures that young players can develop at a pace suitable for their abilities.
League tables track team performances throughout the season, with teams like Allexton & New Parks Junior U14 Girls, Leicester City LFC U14 Girls Foxes, and Anstey Nomads U14 Swifts Girls competing at the U14 level.
The league structure supports the player pathway established by the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, which provides football opportunities for female players starting from age five. This comprehensive approach ensures that girls can join at any age and progress through the appropriate divisions as they develop.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Leicestershire Womens and Girls Football League is managed by a dedicated Committee who oversee all day-to-day functions. Their responsibilities include managing league operations, scheduling matches, and ensuring smooth running of competitions.
Contact details for the Committee members, club representatives, and team managers can be accessed through the League Directory. This comprehensive directory is available via a shared document link: League Directory.
The League works closely with the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, which provides additional support and guidance. The County FA has a dedicated Lead Officer for Women's and Girls' Football who collaborates with colleagues to encourage greater female participation in the sport.
Key Contacts:
- Committee Members - Responsible for league administration
- Club Representatives - Primary contacts for individual clubs
- Team Managers - Direct contacts for specific teams
- County FA Lead Officer - Supports development of women's and girls' football
For specific inquiries, contacting the appropriate Committee member is recommended. The Committee holds regular meetings to address league matters and make decisions regarding competitions, including the League Cup.
The organization maintains a professional structure to ensure efficient communication between all stakeholders in the Leicestershire women's and girls' football community.
Teams
The Leicestershire Womens and Girls Football League consists of approximately 70 clubs fielding over 350 teams. These teams span various age groups from Under 7 to Under 18, as well as Senior Women's divisions.
Some notable clubs in the 2024/2025 playing season include AFC Barwell, AFC Market Bosworth, AFC North Kilworth, Albert Village Football Club, and Allexton & New Parks.
In the Under 12 Girls division, East Goscote United, Rugby Borough, Groby Juniors Vixens, and Narborough Foxes are among the competitive teams. Each of these clubs has established themselves within their respective age brackets.
The league provides structured competition for female players across Leicestershire and Rutland. Teams participate in regular fixtures throughout the season, allowing for consistent development and competitive play.
The organization of teams by age group ensures appropriate competition levels for all participants. This structure helps maintain fair play while supporting player development at each stage.
Many clubs offer multiple teams across different age categories, allowing players to progress through the ranks as they develop. This pathway approach is vital for sustaining long-term participation in women's football.
The league's broad geographical coverage means teams represent communities throughout Leicestershire, creating local rivalries and fostering community engagement with women's football.
Players
The Leicestershire Womens and Girls Football League offers opportunities for players from under 7 through to senior women's teams. With approximately 70 clubs and over 350 teams participating, the league provides a comprehensive pathway for female footballers at various skill levels.
Players can join teams in specific age groups including U7, U10, U12, and up to U18 before progressing to senior women's teams. The league structure allows young athletes to develop their skills among peers of similar age and ability.
Many clubs in the league actively recruit new players throughout the season. Teams like AFC Market Bosworth Juniors, Albert Village Junior, and Ashby Ivanhoe specifically offer U10 girls teams for younger players beginning their football journey.
Notable teams in the U12 category include East Goscote United, Rugby Borough, Groby Juniors Vixens, and Narborough Foxes. These clubs provide competitive environments where players can progress their technical abilities.
The league works alongside the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, which supports women and girls' football development across the region. This partnership helps ensure proper player development pathways exist for female footballers.
For players seeking recreational opportunities, women's only recreational football is also available through County FA initiatives, providing options for those who prefer less competitive environments.
