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Wednesday, September 24, 2025

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Essex County Women’s League secures

England Football accreditation

The Essex County Women’s League has officially been recognised as an England Football Accredited League as the 2025-26 season gets underway, marking a major milestone in their ongoing commitment to raising standards across the female game.

Accreditation is awarded to leagues and clubs who demonstrate strong governance, safeguarding and inclusivity, plus a clear focus on player development. The ECWL achieved this recognition by actively encouraging their member clubs to work towards, and achieve, England Football Accredited status, adding to the growing list of accredited leagues in Essex.

Sian Hillis, Football Development Officer at the Essex County FA, praised the achievement: “It is fantastic that the Essex County Women’s League have become an accredited league. 91.5% of the ECWL’s current membership are from England Football Accredited Clubs, with the league actively working towards 100% coverage. This is testament to their desire to improve and ensure their playing opportunities are delivered to the highest standard.”

League Secretary, Charlie Kayley, also highlighted the hard work and dedication behind the accolade: “This is an incredible achievement for the competition, showing our commitment to ensuring the best possible standards for our clubs across a multitude of areas within the game.

“We have a strong commitment to progressing the women’s game in Essex, with a keen eye on safeguarding and wellbeing, which has led to this accreditation. A huge well done goes to the committee who I am lucky to now work alongside, who have built the blocks across the last few seasons to achieve this!”

Becoming an England Football Accredited League demonstrates the ECWL’s determination to make a positive impact within the football community by providing safe, structured and enjoyable playing opportunities for women and girls across Essex.

For more information on how to become an England Football Accredited Club, please contact your local Football Development Officer via www.essexfa.com. You can also interact with the Essex County FA on social media.