This community-ethos and friendliness of the league is an important factor in its success, although in recent times a very definite competitive edge has started to appear.

Eventually in 2002, a competitive league was formed, founded by four teams; Yorkshire Terriers F.C, Leicester Wildecats F.C, Leftfooters F.C.

A team can field players of any sexuality or gender, making the league unique in that both woman and men take part together.

The season ended in exhilarating (and some say controversial) style with the Bristol Panthers becoming the first GNL Champions, after defeating Leftfooters FC 16-0.

As the league does not register players this rumour was impossible to prove, and the Bristol teamsheet for the Leftfooters match was broadly similar to previous games in the season.

However, there is now a strong sense amongst the competing teams that the fielding of "ringers" should be avoided, and all players must subscribe to the ethos of the league.

The increasing number of teams (meaning more travel and associated costs) created both a financial and time-consuming burden on players to attend all matches and events throughout a season.

Two new teams were admitted into the league in 2012/13 – Mersey Marauders FC from Liverpool and Wolverhampton Harts GFC (renamed in October 2013 as Wolves Warriors AFC).

Devon Lions FC withdrew from the league, though remain active and are invited to smaller-sided GFSN tournaments.

The introduction of the Six Nations format to the League freed up more space in the GFSN calendar – and thus a knock-out cup competition was introduced.

However, all clubs have continued to enter to date, with the current fifteen League teams and five associate members choosing to participate in 2013/14.

Stonewall Football Club, a gay team based in London, do not compete in the Gay National League, instead taking part in the Middlesex County League – although they do have second and third teams that take part in friendlies and other tournaments including the GFSN Cup and other GFSN-related tournaments.

There are also several other LGBT-friendly teams around the UK & Ireland which do not currently participate in the GFSN League or Cup: GFC Bournemouth & Hampshire and Devon Lions FC remain in existence and are invited to participate in smaller-sided GFSN-related tournaments and Bexley Invicta FC (SE London/NW Kent).