Women's Football

Women's football at Loughborough is inclusive for all, from our high-performance Lightning programme to our halls sport competitions.

Women’s Football at Loughborough combines a proud tradition of excellence with a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity for all.  

From our elite Lightning programme competing at the highest level to our hall sport leagues and social football sessions, there’s a place for every player.  

Whether you’re aiming for BUCS success, developing your coaching skills, or simply enjoying the game with friends, you’ll benefit from outstanding coaching, world-class facilities, and a supportive environment.  

Our pathways are designed to help every player maximise their potential on and off the pitch, creating a community where talent, passion, and enjoyment thrive. 

Ways you can play

A wide-angle, action shot of a women's soccer match. A player in a white jersey and black shorts is in the center of the frame, running with the soccer ball. Four other players, all wearing purple and white uniforms, are surrounding her, trying to gain possession of the ball. The game is being played on a grassy field with a red flag visible in the background.

Performance

The Loughborough University Performance Football programme is overseen by Director of Football Richard Allen and Programme Manager Mat Stock. With UEFA A Licensed Head Coach Charlie Baxter leading our women’s performance offer.

We proudly represent Loughborough University as part of the Loughborough Lightning family and are committed to women’s high-performance sport.

Go to Performance Football

the female team cheering and celebrating on the pitch, gathered in the circle.

Athletic Union (AU)

Loughborough Students Women's Football club have four squads competing across the top four levels of BUCS.

Training takes place up to two times a week at Holywell football pitches.

What is the Athletic Union?

Action shot of a women's soccer match. The player in the centre is running with the football in front of her. Other players visible in the background.

Hall Sport

The Women’s Football League, part of Loughborough’s Hall Sport (IMS) programme, is a fantastic way to represent your hall, stay active, and make lasting friendships.  

With both an A League for competitive, graded play and a B League for more social competition, there’s an option for every ability level - though university football players are not eligible.  

Matches are played at top-quality venues including the PEC Rubber Crumb, Holywell, and College pitches, with 35-minute halves and rolling substitutions to keep the action flowing.  

Whether you’re chasing hall glory or just playing for fun, this is your chance to be part of the campus football community. 

What is Hall Sport?

an empty football pitch with green grass

Social Sport

Part of Loughborough’s Social Sport programme, the Mixed Football League is a fun, casual 6-a-side competition open to all abilities.  

It’s a great way to play weekly, stay active, and meet new people while representing your society, department, or group of friends.  

Matches are 35 minutes (17.5-minute halves) on local rubbercrumb pitches, with referees officiating and rolling substitutions allowed.  

What is Social Sport?

A group of players enjoying a volleyball game on a court, with the net prominently displayed in the middle.

Recreational Sport

For those looking to participate in sport on a more casual basis, there’s lots to choose from.

What is Recreational Sport?

Get in touch

Joining the AU team is done at the start of the year during Freshers, where you can meet the coaches.

If you'd like to get in touch about Women's Football, complete our enquiry form.

Enquire about Women's Football