Girls Super League wins London FA Grassroots League of the Year Award!
We are proud to announce that the Girls Super League has received the London FA’s Grassroots League of the Year Award for 2023. It is an honour to win this award, which is testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in our league community.
The Girls Super League has been on an incredible journey of growth over the last few years. The rapid increase in participation reflects the continued demand for an accessible, inclusive, and high-quality girls’ football league in London and beyond.
Since 2021, the GSL has facilitated competitive football for girls aged 8-16. Now in our third season, the league has over 850 registered players from 79 teams competing across our North London and West London leagues.
Girls Super League Manager, Maya Williamson, described the acknowledgement as “a very proud moment” for all those involved. She added, “It’s a recognition of the hard work that has gone into building a league that addresses the specific barriers that girls face in accessing competitive football.”
The league was created with the aim of giving as many girls as possible the opportunity to play competitive football in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. However, the award is also a recognition of the initiatives taken on by the GSL which go above and beyond providing competitive fixtures.
In 2022, the GSL collaborated with Nike and the FA to deliver a nation-wide Sports Bra Roadshow, engaging grassroots clubs in Liverpool, Leicester and London. The roadshow not only gave players the opportunity to play in a 7-a-side tournament, but also taught them how to find the right fit for a sports bra. Each player also received a free, customised sports bra from Nike. Meanwhile coaches took part in sessions with psychologists and researchers who led workshops on the topics of body image and confidence in young female athletes.
The GSL later went on to host an unforgettable Wembley Pitch Day for Girls. This event in November 2022 saw 150 girls play on the pitch at Wembley Stadium. They took part in mindfulness activities off the pitch, in addition to skills workshops led by former Lioness player Rachel Yankey and WSL coach Rehanne Skinner.
The GSL also makes a concerted effort to support women & girls in pursuing other pathways within the sport. In May 2023, there were 18 participants on the GSL’s Women and Girls Referee Course run with the London FA, some of whom are now working regularly in the league under the mentorship of experienced referees.
Reflecting on the impact that the GSL is having, Maya Williamson continued, “Our goal with the GSL is to continue building a community that nurtures every girl’s love of football.”
As we approach the end of the 2023/24 season, we cannot wait to see how the Girls Super League continues to grow.