Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Somerset Girls' Football League has been providing competitive football opportunities for young female players across Somerset for many years. Operating primarily on Saturday mornings, the league creates a structured environment where girls can develop their skills and passion for the beautiful game. The league serves as a cornerstone for girls' football in the region, offering regular fixtures that help build teamwork, confidence, and athletic ability among participants.
With thousands of visitors to their online platform, as indicated by a hit counter of nearly 800,000, the Somerset Girls' Football League clearly plays a significant role in the local sporting community. The league operates with core values, including a commitment to Respect campaigns and Silent Support weekends, which help create a positive atmosphere for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
The Somerset FA works closely with the league to promote women's and girls' football throughout the county, providing various pathways for female players to engage with the sport. This partnership has helped strengthen the foundation of girls' football in Somerset, creating opportunities for players at different age groups and skill levels to participate in organized competition.
History
The Somerset Girls' Football League has its roots in the broader context of women's football in England, which faced significant challenges in the early 20th century. Women's football was initially quite popular before being banned by the men's Football Association, leading to a decline in its popularity.
The Somerset Football Association, established in 1885, provides the organizational foundation for football in the region. Initially run by a Committee, the Somerset FA expanded its operations throughout the 1890s with numerous Council meetings.
While specific documentation about the exact founding date of the Somerset Girls' Football League is limited in the search results, it operates as part of the broader structure of football in Somerset county. The league now features various age divisions, including an Under-12 North division.
The league has grown to become an important platform for young female footballers in Somerset. It maintains regular fixtures, results tables, and statistical tracking for participating teams.
The Somerset Girls' Football League promotes important values in youth sports, including the "Silent Support weekend" initiative and the "Respect" campaign, both designed to create positive sporting environments for young players.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Somerset Girls' Football League organizes competitions across multiple age categories, providing opportunities for young female players to develop their skills and compete at appropriate levels. The league currently encompasses age groups from U9 through U16.
For the 2024-25 season, the league structure includes U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, and U16 divisions. These divisions are further organized geographically in some age groups to facilitate local competition and reduce travel distances.
The U12 and U13 age groups are split into North and South divisions, allowing teams to compete against others in their region. This geographic division helps create more balanced competition while considering practical travel considerations for young players and their families.
Some age categories feature additional subdivision by skill level. For example, the U15s have been organized into Division 1 and Division 2, ensuring teams compete against others of similar ability.
The U10 division operates as a development-focused group, emphasizing skill building and enjoyment rather than competitive outcomes. This approach aligns with best practices for youth sports development.
For spring competitions, the league organizes special series like the Spring Series, which includes different pools within age groups. The U12s North Spring Series, for instance, is divided into Pool 1 and Pool 2.
The Somerset Girls' Football League also connects to pathways for continued participation, with county football opportunities available for players aged 16 and above.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Somerset Girls' Football League is managed by a dedicated team of staff who ensure the smooth operation of all league activities. The league operates with a committee structure that oversees various aspects of girls' football in Somerset.
Contact with league officials is primarily recommended via email, as noted in the Somerset FA guidelines. Staff members continue to work remotely, making electronic communication the most efficient method of contact.
Key positions within the committee include:
- League Secretary - Handles administrative matters
- Fixtures Secretary - Manages match scheduling
- Disciplinary Officer - Oversees conduct and fair play
- Safeguarding Officer - Ensures proper welfare protocols
For specific inquiries related to the Somerset Girls' Football League, interested parties should reach out to the appropriate committee member based on the nature of their question.
The Somerset County Women's League also maintains contact information for teams participating in their competitions. This coordination between leagues helps create a pathway for players as they progress through age groups.
Safeguarding and welfare remain priority areas, with dedicated contacts available for any concerns related to player safety or wellbeing. The league follows Somerset FA guidelines on safeguarding practices.
For the most current contact information, visiting the Somerset FA website is recommended as staff assignments and contact details may change periodically.
Teams
The Somerset Girls' Football League encompasses 121 teams from across the county, representing a vibrant community of female footballers. These teams compete across multiple age groups and divisions, creating opportunities for girls at various skill levels.
Each team in the league contributes to the growing popularity of women's football in Somerset. The league structure allows for competitive matches while maintaining a focus on player development and enjoyment.
Teams participate in regular fixtures throughout the season, with results and league tables tracking their progress. Many clubs field multiple teams across different age categories, demonstrating the strength of their youth development programs.
The league welcomes teams from diverse locations across Somerset, creating a county-wide network of girls' football. This geographical spread ensures that young female players have access to competitive football regardless of where they live in the county.
Several teams have established strong connections with their local communities, helping to raise the profile of women's football. These community links often result in increased support and resources for the teams.
The Somerset FA provides support to these teams through various initiatives and resources. This backing helps ensure that teams can offer quality coaching and playing experiences for their members.
Players
The Somerset Girls' Football League showcases talented young players across various age groups. From Under-12s to older categories, these players demonstrate impressive skills and sportsmanship throughout the season.
Player development remains a central focus of the league. Many clubs within the Somerset region, including Bridgwater United FC Girls, provide structured training programs to nurture emerging talent.
Statistics on individual players are typically tracked by their respective teams. These include goals scored, assists, and other performance metrics that help coaches identify areas for improvement.
The league promotes inclusivity, welcoming players of all skill levels. This approach has helped increase participation rates among girls in Somerset interested in football.
Many players in the Somerset Girls' Football League go on to represent women's representative teams. This progression pathway demonstrates the quality of coaching and competition within the youth structure.
Squad Girls Football initiatives offer additional opportunities for players to develop. These programs complement regular league matches with specialized training sessions.
Player welfare is prioritized, with silent support weekends and respect campaigns implemented throughout the season. These initiatives create a positive environment where young athletes can thrive.
