Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Northamptonshire Women's & Girls Football League (NWGFL) stands as a cornerstone for female football development in the region, providing organized competition across multiple age groups. The league offers comprehensive support for players, parents, coaches, and volunteers while creating pathways for female footballers at all skill levels. Registration for the 2024/25 season is currently open, welcoming teams interested in joining this established community.
The NWGFL features various divisions, including the Premier Division and age-specific categories such as Under 13 Division 1 Winter 24/25. Beyond competitive matches, the league collaborates with the Northamptonshire Football Association (NFA) to deliver development opportunities, including the upcoming U7/U8 Girls' Football Development Days scheduled to begin on October 19th, 2025, at Crick Athletic Colts Football Club.
With its social media presence on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), the NWGFL maintains strong communication channels to share news, celebrate achievements, and build a supportive community around women's and girls' football in Northamptonshire.
History
The Northamptonshire Women's & Girls Football League (NWGFL) has played a significant role in the development of women's football in the county. Women's football in England has a history stretching back over a century, sharing common roots with the men's game.
Early records of the Northamptonshire football scene indicate organized competition dating back to the late 19th century. Records from 1892-93 show Rushden Reserves as champions, though documentation for some years remains incomplete.
The specific women's league in Northamptonshire evolved as part of the broader growth of women's football across England. Today, the NWGFL operates with a structured format including a Premier Division and provides opportunities for players of various ages.
The league continues to serve as an important platform for developing female football talent in Northamptonshire. It supports not only players but also parents, coaches, and volunteers who contribute to the sport's growth in the region.
Current league activities include regular fixtures, results tracking, and standings tables to maintain competitive structure. The organization helps sustain interest in women's football throughout Northamptonshire and contributes to the national landscape of women's football in England.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Northamptonshire Women's & Girls Football League offers competitive opportunities across multiple age groups. The league structure encompasses both senior and youth levels, providing a clear pathway for female footballers in the region.
At the senior level, the league features a Premier Division and Division One for open-age women's teams. These divisions represent the pinnacle of the competitive structure within the county.
For youth players, the league organizes competitions across several age categories including Under 16, Under 14, Under 13, Under 12, Under 11, Under 10, and Under 9. Some age groups like Under 14 are further divided into multiple divisions (Division 1 and Division 2) based on team numbers and competitive balance.
The Under 11 section includes the specially named "Nikita Parris" division, honoring the England international footballer who serves as an inspiration for young female players.
The youngest participants compete in the U8's and U9's divisions, providing an entry point for early development in the sport.
Each age group follows appropriate rules and regulations designed for their specific developmental stage, with modifications to pitch size, game duration, and technical requirements as outlined in the league's governing documentation.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Northamptonshire Women's & Girls Football League is managed by a dedicated team of administrators who oversee operations and facilitate communication between teams, players, and officials.
For fixture-related inquiries, the Fixture Secretary can be contacted via email at fixtures@nwgfl.co.uk, while general league matters are handled by the Secretary at secretary@nwgfl.co.uk.
When submitting forms such as the PF1, teams should email both the Fixture Secretary and the Secretary. These communications ensure smooth scheduling and administration throughout the season.
The league maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where they provide regular updates about registrations, fixtures, and other important announcements.
For the 2024/25 season, team registration is currently open. Interested clubs can complete the registration form available through the league's official channels.
The league works closely with County FA Lead Officers for Women's and Girls' Football, who provide support to encourage greater female participation in the sport across Northamptonshire.
While not directly affiliated with Northampton Town FC, supporters with questions about women's football in the region can contact Wendy Lambell, who serves as a customer services and supporters liaison contact.
Teams
The Northamptonshire Women's & Girls Football League features various teams competing across different divisions. According to recent standings, Moulton Ladies currently leads the women's division with 20 points from 9 matches, having won 6, drawn 2, and lost 1.
Brackley Town Ladies holds the second position with a perfect record of 6 wins from 6 matches, accumulating 18 points. Higham Town Ladies sits in third place with 17 points after playing 10 matches.
The league also includes youth divisions, with teams competing in age groups such as Under 13 Division 1 for the Winter 24/25 season. These youth divisions help develop young talent and provide competitive opportunities for girls in Northamptonshire.
A recent addition to the league structure is a Women's Futsal Division, which features 8 teams including Desborough Ladies and KTFC Women Black. This expansion demonstrates the league's commitment to providing diverse football opportunities.
The league actively supports teams, players, coaches, parents, and volunteers through its official social media presence. This support network helps strengthen the community aspect of women's and girls' football in Northamptonshire.
Many teams in the league operate with both senior women's squads and corresponding youth development teams, creating a pathway for young players to progress into adult football.
Players
The Northamptonshire Women's & Girls Football League (NWGFL) features talented female players across various age groups and skill levels. The league provides competitive opportunities for women and girls throughout Northamptonshire.
Players in the NWGFL range from youth beginners to experienced adult competitors. Many teams in the league develop talent through their youth systems, creating pathways for progression to senior teams.
Registration for the 2024/25 season is currently open, welcoming new players to join the community. The league uses a dedicated registration system to process player applications efficiently.
Some notable players in the league include:
- Sophie Ayres (Desborough Ladies FC)
- Emily Barclay (Desborough Ladies FC)
- Stacey Casswell (Desborough Ladies FC)
These players represent just a small sample of the talent competing across the league's divisions. Teams typically maintain squads of 16-25 players to ensure appropriate coverage throughout the season.
The NWGFL supports player development through organized competitions and partnerships with local football associations. Players benefit from structured matches and the opportunity to showcase their skills.
Social media channels maintained by the league help highlight player achievements and milestone performances. This recognition helps build community engagement and celebrates the contributions of standout performers.
