Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
Football in Norfolk has a vibrant and inclusive community, with the Norfolk Women & Girls' Football League standing as the region's only all-female football league. Serving both Norfolk and North Suffolk, this Chartered Standard League has become the foundation of female football development in the area.
The NWGFL is the largest female league in Norfolk, hosting approximately 115 teams for the current season. This impressive scale demonstrates the growing popularity and accessibility of women's football in the region, providing opportunities for players across different age groups and skill levels.
The league's structure supports various divisions, including Women's Division 1 and youth categories such as Under 14 Division 1, creating a comprehensive pathway for female players. Norfolk clubs participating in the NWGFL gain representation at various levels of the FA's women's pathway, enabling talented players to progress in their football careers while fostering community engagement through the beautiful game.
History
The Norfolk Women & Girls' Football League represents a significant chapter in women's football development in England. Women's football initially enjoyed considerable popularity in the early 20th century before facing setbacks.
The Football Association's ban on women's football in 1921 severely impacted the growth of the female game across England, including in Norfolk. This ban remained in place for nearly 50 years, significantly hampering development.
When the ban was lifted in 1971, women's football began its slow rebuilding process. The Norfolk Women & Girls' Football League emerged as part of this revival, providing organized competition for female players in the region.
The league has grown substantially over recent decades. Today, it stands as the largest female league in Norfolk, hosting approximately 115 teams each season.
The NWGFL has achieved Chartered Standard League status, demonstrating its commitment to quality organization and development. This certification reflects adherence to established standards in administration, coaching, and player development.
Norfolk's female football scene has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. More players, coaches, match officials, and supporters are involved than ever before in the county's history.
The league's expansion mirrors the broader growth of women's football across England, with increasing participation rates and greater visibility. The NWGFL continues to play a vital role in providing competitive opportunities for female footballers throughout Norfolk.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Norfolk Women & Girls' Football League offers a comprehensive pathway for female footballers of all ages. The league structure spans from Under 7s through to adult Ladies teams, providing opportunities for players at every stage of development.
For youth participants, the league organizes competitions in multiple age categories including U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, and U16. Some of these age groups feature multiple divisions to accommodate different skill levels and ensure competitive balance.
The adult section consists of three Women's Divisions (1, 2, and 3) for 11-a-side competition. Additionally, the league offers Ladies 7-a-side football with two divisions, creating flexibility for clubs with varying squad sizes and capabilities.
All competitions within the league are carefully structured to support player development and enjoyment. The progressive pathway allows young players to continue their football journey from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.
The league currently supports approximately 225 female teams across Norfolk, making it the largest provider of women's and girls' football in the county. This extensive network creates ample opportunities for match play throughout the season.
Registration for teams is managed by age category, with clubs able to enter multiple teams across different divisions. This flexible approach ensures that the league can accommodate the needs of various clubs and communities throughout Norfolk.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Norfolk Women's & Girls' Football League is managed by a dedicated Management Committee who oversee all league operations. Key leadership positions include Alison Moore, who serves as the League Chairperson, and Louise Riseborough, who holds the position of League General Secretary.
Committee members can be contacted via email, with the Chairperson available at alison@nwgfl.net and the General Secretary at secretary@nwgfl.net. When contacting committee members, it's important to note that they should not be contacted after 8pm.
For youth divisions, specific contacts are available for each team. In the Under 12s division, contacts include Dave Punter from Bohemians (07739320265) and Steve Zawiasa from Brandon Lasses (07969 870405, szawiasa@tiscali.co.uk).
The league website displays contact details and images (where applicable) of all committee members who work tirelessly to promote and develop women's and girls' football across Norfolk and North Suffolk.
These dedicated individuals maintain Norfolk's only all-female football league, working closely with Norfolk County FA to ensure the continued growth of the female game in the region.
Teams
The Norfolk Women & Girls' Football League features a diverse range of teams across multiple age groups and competitive levels. The league structure encompasses everything from U8 youth development to a three-tiered open-aged women's division.
Currently, there are approximately 225 teams registered with the league, demonstrating its significant presence in the region. These teams represent various clubs throughout Norfolk and North Suffolk, creating a robust competitive environment.
The Women's Division 1 serves as the premier competitive level for adult female players in the area. This division showcases the highest standard of play within the league structure.
The league also includes a competitive 7-a-side format, offering an alternative playing style for participants. This format provides additional opportunities for teams with fewer players or those preferring the smaller-sided game.
Teams from Norfolk clubs participate at various levels of the FA's women's pathway, highlighting the developmental nature of the league. This connection to the broader women's football structure in England creates advancement opportunities for talented players.
Each registered club has associated teams across different age brackets, fostering player development from youth to adult levels. This progressive structure allows young players to envision a clear pathway through their football journey.
Players
The Norfolk Women & Girls' Football League showcases a diverse range of talented players across all age groups. From young beginners at U8 level to experienced adults in the open-aged divisions, the league provides competitive opportunities for female footballers throughout Norfolk and North Suffolk.
Player development is a key focus within the league structure. Young athletes can progress through age-appropriate divisions, building skills and confidence as they advance in their football journeys.
Team rosters typically feature local talent, with many clubs fostering player development from youth levels through to adult teams. This creates pathways for continuous improvement and long-term participation.
Statistical tracking helps recognize outstanding performers. Goals, assists, and other contributions are recorded to highlight individual achievements throughout the season.
The league maintains player registration systems to ensure fair competition across all divisions. This organization helps maintain the integrity of matches while providing appropriate competitive environments.
Clubs like Bulldogs F.C. Ladies represent the senior level of competition, featuring players who demonstrate the highest skill levels in the league. Their squad exemplifies the development pipeline that begins at youth levels.
The league's commitment to inclusive participation has helped grow female football participation significantly. With 225 teams currently participating, the player base continues to expand each season.
