City’s Young Aspiring Lionesses Hoping to Roar with Welcome to Leeds Backing

Welcome to Leeds backs the city’s first girls’ U14s football team

Welcome to Leeds is proud to support the next generation of female football stars by partnering with Leeds City Girls, the city’s first-ever girls’ under-14s schools football team.

The partnership sees the team representing Leeds in a brand-new Welcome to Leeds football kit, helping to shine a spotlight on young female footballers and their progress throughout the season.

Inspiring the next generation of Leeds Lionesses

Following in the footsteps of former Leeds Schools players like Kalvin Phillips, David Batty, and Micah Richards, there’s high hope that some of these talented young players will one day make their mark nationally — and perhaps even internationally.

It’s a proud milestone for the city, as this is the first time Leeds has had an all-female schools team at this age group. The talented squad of 17 players was chosen from more than 70 trialists after four rounds of competitive trials, showcasing the depth of female football talent across Leeds.

Showcasing Leeds’ sporting talent

This partnership builds on Welcome to Leeds’ previous support for local sport, following its collaboration with the Leeds Knights professional ice hockey team. Together, these initiatives highlight the diverse sporting culture in Leeds, celebrating the untold stories of local teams and athletes who make the city proud.

Now competing in the Yorkshire Federation League, the English Schools Football Association Cup, and the Yorkshire Federation Cup, the Leeds City Girls are ready to show what they’re made of.

Flying the flag for Leeds

For the players, wearing a shirt that proudly carries the Welcome to Leeds name is more than just about football — it’s about representing their city, community, and the future of women’s sport in Leeds.

As they take to pitches across Yorkshire and beyond, the Leeds City Girls are proving that the future of football in Leeds is bright and female. 

All images by Graham Poucher