Girls' Football: Mixed Teams, FA Rules and Keeping Girls Playing

FA rules on mixed football

Girls and boys can play together in mixed teams in English youth football up to and including U18. The FA raised the upper age limit from U16 to U18 for the 2015/16 season. Before 2011, girls and boys had to play in single-sex teams from age ten; the change followed several years of FA-commissioned research by Brunel University London.

• Age groups are based on age at midnight on 31 August, the same for everyone.
• Playing an age group down: the FA's 2026/27 youth rules allow an all-female team to apply to the competition to play one age group down in a mixed-gender competition. Girls in all-female teams may also be permitted to play down in line with that rule.
• Adult mixed football: from 2026/27, mixed adult football is part of the affiliated game in England for players aged 18 and over, in formats including small-sided, futsal, 11v11 and walking football. Mixed matches are not allowed within male-only or female-only leagues.
• League rules can add details, so check your league handbook and County FA.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own rules through their national associations. In the US and Ireland, mixed play rules also differ by organisation and age, so check locally.

Mixed team or girls' team?

There is no single right answer. Mixed football gives girls a place to play when there is no girls' team nearby, and FA-funded research at Brunel found that boys and girls playing together built friendships and mutual respect. Many girls also enjoy playing in an all-girls team, where they are not the only one and where friendships form more easily.

The best approach is to offer both where possible and let girls and their families choose. A girl can play in a mixed team and also attend a girls-only session in the week. If a girl is the only one in a mixed team, see our article on a girl in a boys' football team.

Starting a girls' football team

Most new girls' sections start with an informal session, not a team. The FA's recreational programmes are designed for this: Weetabix Wildcats for girls aged 5 to 11, and Squad Girls' Football for girls aged 12 to 14. Clubs and schools can register as centres through their County FA.

1. Find a coach and a female volunteer. Girls often feel more comfortable when at least one adult is a woman. Mothers who played at school are a good place to start.
2. Start with a taster session at a time that suits families, for example straight after school or on Saturday morning.
3. Link with local schools. A visit or a flyer through the school is the most effective way to reach girls who have never played.
4. Invite friends. Ask each girl to bring a friend. Girls often join in pairs or small groups.
5. Move to fixtures gradually. Festivals and friendlies before a full league season.

Keeping girls playing through the teenage years

Women in Sport's 2022 research, *Reframing Sport for Teenage Girls*, found that 43% of girls who once considered themselves sporty disengage from sport after primary school, compared with 24% of boys. The reasons they gave included fear of feeling judged, lack of confidence, not liking others watching them and avoiding sport during their period.

• Give girls a voice. Ask what they want from sessions and let them choose some of the games.
• Keep a social side. Time to talk before and after training matters to many teenage girls.
• Think about kit. Dark-coloured shorts and the option of leggings or base layers can help girls feel comfortable, including during their period.
• Reduce the audience. Some girls do not like being watched. Avoid spectators at training and keep the touchline calm on match days.
• Show role models. A trip to a Women's Super League or local women's team match can make a difference.
• Offer different levels. Not every girl wants competitive football. A recreational group keeps girls involved who might otherwise stop.

Girls' football training: what to adapt

The technical and tactical content of girls' training is the same as for boys. Football is football. What changes is often the starting point and the environment. Girls who start later may have had fewer chances to play informally, so early sessions should include plenty of ball contact and simple games.

Practice idea: pairs dribble and pass

In a 25 x 20 m area, players work in pairs with one ball. One dribbles freely, the partner moves into space and calls for the ball; after the pass, they swap roles. Run for 2 minutes, rest 1 minute, four rounds. Add conditions: only weaker foot, pass through a cone gate, or the coach calls a turn. Coaching focus: head up before receiving and calling for the ball, which builds confidence to communicate on the pitch.

Practice idea: 4v4 with friends

A 4v4 game on a 30 x 20 m pitch with small goals, teams chosen by the players at first. 6-minute games, then mix the teams. Coaching focus: encourage shots and dribbles, celebrate brave attempts. Many girls play more freely when they start with friends and then mix.

Frequently asked questions