Montenegro League Women

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The Montenegrin Women's Football league or 1. ŽFL is the top level women's football league of Montenegro. It is organized by the Football Association of Montenegro.

The winning team of the league is eligible for a spot in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

The first national women's football competition was held in the season 2008-09, but the league played its inaugural season in 2011-12.

History

Women's football history in Montenegro started in the period after the Montenegrin independence referendum. Beside the fact that the first women's club was founded in 2005, competitions started years after that. In 2008, Football Association of Montenegro founded national women's team and first women's competition - a yearly tournament called FSCG Trophy. With its first season 2008-09, FSCG trophy matches lasted 60 minutes, with seven substitutes allowed. From season 2011-12, Montenegrin Women's First League is founded (commonly known as 1. ŽFL), with participation of the champion in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

FSCG Trophy (2008-2011)

Inaugural competition for women, Trophy of Montenegrin FA (Trofej FSCG) lasted three seasons. With matches' duration of 60 minutes, competition was preparation for founding of First Montenegrin Women's Football League.
First two editions of FSCG Trophy (2008–09, 2009–10) won ŽFK Palma from Podgorica (from season 2016-17 under the name ŽFK Budućnost Podgorica). On season 2010-11, winner was ŽFK Ekonomist from Nikšić. In the first season of FSCG trophy participated only four clubs, but until the season 2010-11 there was six members of the competition.

First Women's League (2011-)

First matches of Montenegrin Women's League (1. ŽFL) were played in autumn 2011. In its first season, new competition with conventional rules (90 minutes games, 3 substitutes) had participants from all three regions of Montenegro (northern, central and southern).
In period from 2011 to 2015, most successful squad in 1. ŽFL was ŽFK Ekonomist. They won four consecutive titles, mostly finishing the seasons without a single defeat. Successes of ŽFK Ekonomist finished on the season 2015-16, whose winner was ŽFK Breznica from Pljevlja. That was the beginning of ŽFK Breznica domination. They won eight titles in a row, including the season 2019-20, which was interrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic in Montenegro. Season 2020-21 was remembered by most dramatic title race, which won ŽFK Breznica, thanks to one single goal more than second-placed ŽFK Budućnost in their head-to-head matches.
Since foundation, 1. ŽFL had different number of participants: 2011/12 - 7 clubs; 2012-13 - 6 clubs; 2013/14 - 7 clubs; 2014/15 - 8 clubs; 2015/16 - 8 clubs; 2016/17 - 5 clubs; 2017/18 - 4 clubs; 2018/19 - 7 clubs; 2019/20 - 6 clubs; 2020/21 - 5 clubs; 2021/22 - 4 clubs; 2022/23 - 6 clubs.

**Montenegro League Women: Tournament Description**

The Montenegro League Women is the premier women's soccer tournament in Montenegro, showcasing the talent, skill, and passion of female athletes across the nation. Established to promote women's football and provide a competitive platform for clubs, the league features teams from various regions, each vying for the coveted championship title.

The tournament runs annually, typically from late spring to early autumn, and consists of a series of matches that highlight the athleticism and strategic prowess of the players. Teams compete in a round-robin format, followed by playoffs that culminate in an exciting final match to determine the league champion.

The Montenegro League Women not only emphasizes competitive spirit but also aims to inspire the next generation of female soccer players. With a focus on community engagement, the league hosts events and initiatives to promote women's sports, encourage youth participation, and foster a supportive environment for female athletes.

Fans can expect thrilling matches filled with skillful plays, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of victory. The league serves as a vital stepping stone for players aspiring to reach higher levels of competition, including international play.

Join us in celebrating the growth of women's soccer in Montenegro as we cheer on our favorite teams and players in this dynamic and inspiring tournament!