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About Us

The Greater Manchester Women's Football League (GMWFL) is a key grassroots football league providing competitive opportunities for women and girls in Greater Manchester, structured with multiple divisions and a pathway into higher levels of women’s football in England.

League Structure and Purpose

The GMWFL serves as the entry-level step within the women's football pyramid for the Greater Manchester area. It encompasses both Under-18 and Open Age categories, featuring several divisions: the Premier Division (top tier), Division One, Division Two, and Division Three for adults, alongside multiple U18 divisions. The league acts as a promotion pool to the North West Women's Regional Football League, enabling clubs and players to advance in the competitive hierarchy. Matches are typically played on Sunday afternoons for open age and Saturday for the U18s, fostering a regular, organized football calendar.

Teams and Competitions

The league hosts around 70 teams in its current season, including established clubs from all the Northwest areas and many newly established teams. We nurture newer and development teams, promoting a broad access to competitive and enjoyable football for various skill levels. Beyond league fixtures, the GMWFL organizes cup competitions like the Challenge Cup and League Cup, adding competitive variety and a prestige status.

Development Pathway and Community Engagement

The GMWFL supports development by providing a clear pathway from the U18 level into adult football, encouraging talent nurturing and transition. The league promotes grassroots football and community participation, actively engaging with players and clubs through its committee and support staff. There are also opportunities for referees to join and contribute to the league’s operation. The league's administration is handled by a committed committee, ensuring smooth governance and competitions.

How to Get Involved

Interested players, clubs, or officials can register through the GMWFL website, with annual meetings for clubs to attend. The league encourages new teams and players to join, fostering inclusive growth of women’s football in the region. Contact details for key officials like the chairman and secretary are publicly available for inquiries and support.

Recent Activity and Updates

The league regularly updates its website with fixtures, results, league tables, and news roundups to keep the community informed and engaged. Updates include match reports, game week summaries, and announcements about league developments and events.

Overall, the GMWFL and Manchester FA plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding women’s football in Greater Manchester, providing structured competition, development opportunities, and community engagement across all ages and skill levels.

60+ teams

Entry level to North West Women's Regional Football League

Inclusivity and diversity

OUR HISTORY

The League was previously combined with the Cheshire League, and split in order to create more localised football in 2011. The league has now grown 2023 to a position where they have 60 plus teams across the 2 age groups and are keen to reach 80 plus teams by 2025. During the 2018/19 season the U18s division was re-established, following the junior leagues offering U17 provision for the past 4 seasons. The U18 provision re-started with 10 teams which was an exceptional success, and the leagues flexibility in enabling Saturday football for this age group has ensured their growth. The league run an annual information evening in April each year for new clubs, and this offers a great opportunity to provide a summary of the leagues offer. 

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