The tournament was first played out in 2007–08, having been approved by the UEFA Executive Committee on 22 May 2006.

It is also a FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifying competition in even years.

National under-17 teams whose countries belong to the European governing body UEFA can register to enter the competition.

[2] Germany is the most successful team in this competition, having won eight titles.

Starting from 2023 a Player of the Tournament has been chosen by UEFA's Technical Observer panel.