Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Sussex County Women & Girls Football League stands as a vital platform for female footballers across East and West Sussex. Established to promote women's football in the region, this competitive league provides structured opportunities for players of all ages to participate in the beautiful game.
The league creates footballing pathways for both adult and youth clubs throughout Sussex, fostering development and community engagement through the sport. With numerous registered clubs participating across different divisions, the SCWGFL has become an essential part of the local sporting landscape, connecting communities through competitive matches and shared passion.
The organization maintains an active online presence, regularly engaging with over 1,600 followers on social media platforms where they share updates, celebrate achievements, and promote the continued growth of women's football in Sussex. For those interested in joining or following the league, they offer resources to help locate nearby teams and provide contact information for prospective new clubs looking to become part of this thriving football community.
History
The Sussex County Women and Girls Football League (SCWGFL) marked a significant milestone in local football history when it was officially established on September 12, 2004. This launch represented a new era for women's and girls' football in Sussex.
The inaugural season began with impressive participation numbers: 17 adult clubs and 38 girls' clubs, totaling 80 teams across various age groups. This strong initial turnout demonstrated the substantial interest and need for organized women's football in the region.
Prior to the SCWGFL's formation, women's football in Sussex operated without a dedicated league structure. The establishment of the Sussex Football Association (Sussex FA) in 1882 had primarily focused on men's competitions, with the Sussex Senior Cup beginning in the 1882-83 season.
The league has experienced both growth and challenges over the years. Some clubs have unfortunately folded, such as Lancing Ladies, which disbanded in March 2022 according to league announcements.
Today, the SCWGFL continues to provide valuable football opportunities for female players throughout East and West Sussex. The league structure includes various divisions, with the Open Age Premier Division serving as the top competitive level for adult women's teams.
The SCWGFL represents an important part of Sussex's football heritage, helping to develop the women's game and create pathways for female players at all levels of ability across the county.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Sussex County Women & Girls Football League features a comprehensive structure that accommodates players across various age categories. The league organizes competitions for both open-age women and girls in youth divisions.
For adult participants, the league consists of three divisions: Premier Division, Championship, and Division One. These divisions operate at levels 7, 8, and 9 of the women's football pyramid respectively, with promotion opportunities to the London and South East leagues.
Youth age groups in the league include Under 18, Under 16, Under 15, Under 14, Under 13, Under 12, Under 11, Under 10, Under 9, and Under 8. This progressive structure allows young players to develop their skills in appropriate competitive environments.
Each age group may have multiple divisions depending on the number of participating teams and skill levels. For example, the Under 15 category includes a Premier Division to provide suitable competition for more advanced teams.
The league maintains a database of registered clubs, each with associated teams across different age groups. This organization ensures proper management of competitions and facilitates communication between teams.
Teams reference these age groups and divisions throughout the season for relevant competitions, creating a well-structured environment for women's and girls' football development across Sussex County.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Sussex County Women & Girls Football League is managed by a dedicated committee responsible for overseeing various aspects of league operations. Based on available information, several key staff members handle specific responsibilities within the organization.
Key Committee Members:
- Paul Preston - Rules Secretary (paulp@scwgfl.com)
- Matthew Yeates - Fines Secretary (matthew@scwgfl.com)
- Liz Hawker - Social Media Officer (liz@scwgfl.com)
- Ron - Committee Member (committee-ron@scwgfl.com)
The league maintains communication with clubs through designated club representatives. For example, Worthing Minors Girls U16 team has André Hayde as Secretary (07910 204925, a.hayde53@ntlworld.com) and Maria Somes as Fixture Secretary.
The league website at www.scwgfl.com serves as the primary communication hub where contacts, updates, and relevant information can be found. This resource is essential for clubs seeking to connect with league officials.
The management committee consists of both current and past members who collectively ensure the smooth running of football opportunities for women and girls across East and West Sussex. Their expertise helps maintain the competitive structure that supports teams throughout the county.
For specific inquiries, contacting the relevant committee member via the provided email addresses is recommended for prompt assistance.
Teams
The Sussex County Women & Girls Football League (SCWGFL) consists of multiple divisions that cater to different age groups and skill levels across East and West Sussex.
The Premier Division features established clubs such as East Preston Women, Littlehampton, and Eastbourne Borough Women. These teams compete at the highest level within the county structure.
The Championship division includes clubs like Brighton Seagals, who play their matches in Falmer. This tier serves as a competitive platform for teams working toward Premier Division status.
For the 2024/2025 playing season, the league has registered numerous clubs including:
- AFC Uckfield Town
- AFC Worthing Youth Divas
- Ashington
- Barnham Trojans Football Club
- Bexhill
The league structure provides footballing opportunities for both adult women and youth girls teams throughout Sussex. This organization allows for appropriate competition levels and development pathways for female players.
Teams typically play home matches at their local grounds, such as The Lashmar for some Premier Division clubs. The league continues to grow as more clubs develop women's and girls' football programs.
The SCWGFL maintains social media presence with over 1,600 followers, helping to promote matches and celebrate team achievements throughout the season.
Players
The Sussex County Women & Girls Football League features a diverse range of talented players across various age groups and divisions. From youth to adult teams, the league showcases footballers with different skill levels and experiences.
Each club within the league maintains its own roster of registered players. For example, Infinity Women FC has players like Rohina Amini, Esmae Burgess, Kayla Burgess, Grace Corrie, and Georgie Denyer representing their team in league competitions.
The league structure supports player development through age-appropriate divisions. Teams typically register between 15-20 players each season, ensuring adequate squad depth for the demanding football calendar.
Many players progress through the youth system, starting in the Under-10 divisions and continuing their football journey into the adult categories. This player pathway has been in place since the league's formation in September 2004.
The Premier Division features the most skilled adult players in the league, while development divisions provide opportunities for those newer to the sport or returning after breaks.
Player registrations are managed carefully by the league to ensure fair competition. Transfer windows allow movement between teams during specific periods of the season.
Local talent is well-represented throughout the league, with many players coming from communities across East and West Sussex.
