The ASB Women's League will retain the youth restrictions and development focus introduced last year when the new season opens this weekend.
Like last season, the national league of the 2011/12 summer will be a predominantly under-20 competition but with five over-age players will be allowed in each squad of 24. No more than three over-age players may take the field at any time.
Teams can select any age-restricted players who live or play within their boundaries but will be able to draft their quota of over-age players from any region.
The seven federation teams will again be split into two conferences and this season an eighth team, a Northern Conference Development Squad will replace the Auckland Development squad.
That squad will be comprised with an eye of developing slightly younger players for the 2014 U-20 Women's World Cup, especially those too old for the current U-17 cycle.
In one change from last season, the league will be completed before Christmas, with a final on December 4, rather than beginning after the New Year break.
Defending champions Capital Football will again be spearheaded by talismanic striker and captain Renee Leota whose 13 goals in eight games led the Wellington-based side to their first title in seven years.
Six-time champions Auckland Football, coached by Jill Gilmore, will again be among the favourites despite not being able to call on the services of nine Football Ferns who have left the catchment area and signed professional contracts overseas since last season.
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