Girls' Grassroots Football
Girls' football is booming — and getting your daughter started is easier than ever. Here's how it works, from her first Wildcats session to a place in a team, and how to find a club near you.
Most girls start with FA Wildcats — relaxed, fun weekly sessions for ages 5–11 that are all about enjoyment and confidence, not competition. From there, girls can join a mini-soccer group and move through the same age groups as everyone else.
Families have real choice: mixed football (girls playing in the same teams as boys) is allowed all the way up to U18, and there are also growing numbers of girls-only teams and leagues. Whatever suits your daughter, there's a route in.
Find a girls' or mixed club near you
Search our directory for clubs running girls' football.
Common questions
What are FA Wildcats?
FA Wildcats are fun, welcoming weekly football sessions for girls aged 5–11 — all about enjoyment, confidence and making friends rather than competition. They're a brilliant first step, run through clubs and County FAs across the country. Your County FA can point you to your nearest session.
Can girls play in boys' teams?
Yes. Mixed football is permitted throughout the youth age groups up to and including U18 under FA rules — so a girl can play in an otherwise-boys' team, and many do. Plenty of areas also run girls-only teams and leagues, so families can choose what suits their daughter.
What age can girls start football?
Girls can start organised football from age 5, the same as boys — usually through Wildcats or a club's youngest mini-soccer group. There's no lower barrier; it's about finding a fun, welcoming session near you.
How do I find a girls' football club?
Search our clubs directory for girls' and mixed clubs, ask your County FA about Wildcats and girls' provision, or check with your child's school. Girls' grassroots football is one of the fastest-growing parts of the game, so there's likely more near you than you'd expect.