Search Results

All you need to know about the top two divisions of women's football as the 2025/26 season kicks off Women's Super Leagues 2025/26 Season Guide Sunday, 7 September 2025 By Paul Donegan All you need to know about the top two divisions of women's football as the 2025/26 season kicks off Molly Darlington/The FA The Women’s Super League and Women’s Super League 2 seasons get underway this weekend! In the WSL, Chelsea will be looking to win their seventh title in a row but other sides have made significant signings as they look to stop the Blues. With two automatic promotion spots up for grabs in the WSL2, the fight for these could be exciting if the last couple of seasons in the second tier are anything to go by. New things! Leagues rebrand The top two levels have had a rebrand over the summer with the independent company overseeing them now known as Women’s Super League Football. The Championship has reverted to its original WSL2 name. Both leagues have new logos but the rebrand has received a mixed reaction! Relegation/promotion It was announced over the summer that the WSL will be expanding to 14 teams for the 2026/27 season. To facilitate this, the top two sides in the WSL2 will be promoted automatically whilst the third-place team will go into a promotion/relegation play-off match against the bottom side in the WSL. The winners of the FA Women’s National League Northern and Southern Premier Divisions will be promoted to the WSL2, if they meet the licensing requirements, with the runners-up in both leagues playing off for a third promotion spot. New TV deal In the UK, this will be the first season of a new television deal for the WSL with Sky Sports now showing 118 matches, 78 of them exclusively, whilst 21 will be shown on BBC TV and the iPlayer. Some games will also be on YouTube. The Sky coverage will include the multiview feature to simultaneously broadcast games. WSL2 matches will be available to watch on YouTube with selected ones also broadcast on Sky. Alcohol 14 clubs in the WSL and WSL2 are taking part in a trail which allows alcohol to be taken into certain parts of stadium bowls during selected matches. Those taking part are Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, London City Lionesses, Manchester City and Manchester United in the WSL and Birmingham City, Bristol City, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Sunderland and Southampton in the WSL2. Guide to sides (information and transfers correct as of 4pm (BST) Friday 5 th September 2025) WSL Arsenal Ground – Emirates Stadium Manager – Renee Slegers Last season – 2 nd Women’s Super League Players joined – Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Liverpool), Anneke Borbe (VfL Wolfsberg), Olivia Smith (Liverpool) Players left – Lina Hurtig (Fiorentina), Amanda Ilestedt (Eintracht Frankfurt), Teyah Goldie (London City Lionesses), Freya Godrey (London City Lionesses), Laura Wienroither (Manchester City), Lia Walti (Juventus), Rosa Kafaji (loan – Brighton & Hove Albion), Michelle Agyemang (loan – Brighton & Hove Albion), Laila Harbert (loan – Portland Thorns), Naomi Williams (loan – Bristol City), Jessie Gale (loan – Portsmouth), Vivienne Lia (loan – Nottingham Forest), Maddy Earl (loan – Ipswich Town), Cecily Wellesley-Smith (loan – Leicester City) Aston Villa Ground – Villa Park Manager – Natalia Arroyo Last season – 6 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Lynn Wilms (VfL Wolfsburg), Ellie Roebuck (Barcelona), Jill Bajings (Bayern Munich), Lucia Kendall (Southampton), Oceane Deslandes (Montpellier), Maya Hijikata (Tokyo Verdy) Players left – Rachel Corsie (retired), Jordan Nobbs (Newcastle United), Dan Turner (Melbourne City), Maz Pacheco (Everton), Ruby-Rae Tucker (Southampton), Sophia Poor (London City Lionesses), Katie Robinson (loan – Everton) Brighton & Hove Albion Ground – Broadfield Stadium & American Express Stadium Manager – Dario Vidosic Last season – 5 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Moeka Minami (Roma), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), Manuela Vanegas Catano (Real Sociedad), Carla Camacho (Real Madrid), Maelys Mpome (Chelsea), Fuka Tsunoda (Urawa Reds), Rosa Kafaji (loan – Arsenal), Michelle Agyemang (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Poppy Pattinson (London City Lionesses), Maria Thorisdottir (Marseille), Guro Bergsvand (VfL Wolfsburg), Dejana Stefanovic, Pauline Bremer (FC Koln), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth), Chelsea Ferguson (Lewes), Li Mengwen, Vicky Losada (Bristol City), Nikita Parris (London City Lionesses), Melina Loeck (loan - Hammarby), Olivia Johnson (loan – Bristol City), Libby Bance (loan – Birmingham City) Chelsea Ground – Kingsmeadow & Stamford Bridge Manager – Sonia Bompastor Last season – 1 st Women’s Super League Players joined – Livia Peng (Werder Bremen), Mara Alber (TSG Hoffenheim), Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Becky Spencer (Tottenham Hotspur), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City) Players left – Zecira Musovic (Malmo FF), Sophie Ingle (Bristol City), Greta Humphries (Portsmouth), Lucy Watson, Ashley Lawrence (Lyon), Aniek Nouwen (PSV Eindhoven), Mia Fishel (Seattle Reign), Aimee Claypole (Nottingham Forest), Maelys Mpome (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alejandra Bernabe (Liverpool), Vera Jones (loan – Bristol City), Lola Brown (loan - Crystal Palace), Katie Cox (loan – Aberdeen), Ashanti Akpan (loan – Southampton), Julia Bartel (loan – Atletico Madrid), Louna Ribadeira (loan – FC Fleury 91), Femke Liefting (loan – Newcastle United), Jorja Fox (loan – Newcastle United) Everton Ground – Goodison Park & Hill Dickinson Stadium Manager – Brian Sorensen Last season – 8 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Rosa van Gool (Ajax), Ornella Vignola (Granada), Rion Ishikawa (Urawa Red Diamonds), Hikaru Kitagawa (BK Hacken), Yuka Moniki (Leicester City), Martina Fernandez (Barcelona), Maz Pacheco (Aston Villa), Ruby Mace (Leicester City, Katie Robinson (loan – Aston Villa) Players left – Karoline Olsen (Malmo FF), Rikke Madsen (HB Koge), Maren Mjelde (Arna-Bjornar Toppfotball), Lauren Thomas (Sheffield United), Justine Vanhaevermaet (Crystal Palace), Heather Payne (Leicester City), Sara Holmgaard (Real Madrid), Veatriki Sarri (Birmingham City), Mel Lawley (loan – Burnley), Issy Hobson (loan – Nottingham Forest) Leicester City Ground – King Power Stadium Manager – Rick Passmore (interim) Last season – 10 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Katie Keane (Shamrock Rovers), Celeste Bourellie (Montpellier), Heather Payne (Everton), Emily van Egmond (Birmingham City), Olivia McLoughlin (Rangers), Rosella Ayane (Tottenham Hotspur), Cecily Wellesley-Smith (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Lena Petermann (Werder Bremen), Saori Takarada (Cerezo Osaka), Sophie Howard (FC Como), Yuka Moniki (Everton), CJ Bott (Wellington Phoenix), Courtney Nevin (Malmo FF), Deanne Rose (Nottingham Forest), Ruby Mace (Everton) Liverpool Ground – St Helens Stadium & Anfield Manager – Gareth Taylor Last season – 7 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Kirsty MacLean (Rangers), Rafaela Borggrafe (SC Freiburg), Sam Kerr (Bayern Munich), Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign), Beata Olsson (Kristianstads DFF), Alejandra Bernabe (Chelsea), Emilia Szymczak (loan – Barcelona), Risa Shimizu (loan – Manchester City) Players left – Yana Daniels (Burnley), Jasmine Matthews (Burnley), Tegan Micah (Lyon), Niamh Fahey (retired), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Olivia Smith (Arsenal) London City Lionesses Ground – Copperjax Community Stadium Manager – Jocelyn Precheur Last season – 1 st Women’s Championship (promoted) Players joined – Danielle van de Donk (Lyon), Sanni Franssi (Real Sociedad), Isa Kardinaal (Ajax), Teyah Goldie (Arsenal), Poppy Pattinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Elene Lete (Real Sociedad), Sophia Poor (Aston Villa), Nikita Parris (Brighton & Hove Albion), Elena Linari (Roma), Paula Partido (Real Madrid), Jana Fernandez (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Angel City), Alanna Kennedy (Angel City), Lucia Corrales (Barcelona), Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain), Wassa Sangare (loan – Lyon) Players left – Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Nottingham Forest), Georgia Brougham (Nottingham Forest), Megan Campbell, Lucy Fitzgerald (Charlton Athletic), Emma Mukandi (retired), Connie Scofield (Sheffield United), Amelia Ajao, Danielle Carter, Hermione Cull (Plymouth Argyle), Miljana Ivanovic (Malmo), Charlene Meyong, Shen Mengyu (Shanghai Shengli), Grace Neville (Ipswich Town), Paula Partido (loan – Dux Logrono), Sophia Poor (loan – Nottingham Forest) Manchester City Ground – Joie Stadium & Etihad Stadium Manager – Andree Jeglertz Last season – 4 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Jade Rose (Harvard University), Iman Beney (BSC YB Frauen), Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich), Eartha Cumings (FC Rosengard), Laura Wienroither (Arsenal), Grace Clinton (Manchester United) Players left – Laia Aleixandri (Barcelona), Jill Roord (FC Twente), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Jess Park (Manchester United), Aemu Oyama (loan – Rosengard), Tara O’Hanlon (loan – Sunderland), Poppy Pritchard (loan – Durham), Eve Annets (loan – Crystal Palace), Risa Shimizu (loan – Liverpool) Manchester United Ground – Leigh Sports Village Stadium & Old Trafford Manager – Marc Skinner Last season – 3 rd Women’s Super League Players joined – Julia Zigiotti Olme (Bayern Munich), Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona), Jess Park (Manchester City) Players left – Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Alyssa Aherne (Sheffield United), Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Geyse (loan – Gotham FC), Jess Simpson (loan – Southampton), Lucy Newell (loan – Birmingham City), Emma Watson (loan – Crystal Palace), Keira Barry (loan – Sunderland), Evie Rabjohn (loan – Sunderland) Tottenham Hotspur Ground – BetWright Stadium Manager – Martin Ho Last season – 11 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Toko Koga (Feyenoord), Cathinka Tandberg (Hammarby) Players left – Rosella Ayane (Leicester City), Becky Spencer (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Eintracht Frankfurt), Anna Csiki (loan – West Ham United) West Ham United Ground – Chigwell Construction Stadium Manager – Rehanne Skinner Last season – 9 th Women’s Super League Players joined – Sarah Brasero (Estoril Praia), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Yu Endo (Urawa Reds), Leila Wandeler (Lyon), Anna Csiki (loan – Tottenham Hotspur) Players left – Marika Bergman Lundin (Valerenga), Shannon Cooke (Birmingham City), Emma Harries (Southampton), Kirsty Smith (Nottingham Forest). Katelin Talbert, Kristie Mewis, Ruby Doe (Ipswich Town), Dagny Brynjarsdottir, Princess Ademiluyi (Gotham FC), Jessie Stapleton (loan – Nottingham Forest), Rebekah Dowsett (dual registration – Watford), Ruby Warwick (dual registration – Barking), Soraya Walsh (loan – Watford), Camila Saez (loan – Bristol City), Jess Ziu (loan – Bristol City), Keira Flannery (loan – Charlton Athletic) WSL2 Birmingham City Ground – St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park Manager – Amy Merricks Last season – 2 nd Women’s Championship Players joined – Adriana French (Kansas City Current), Chelsea Cornet (Rangers), Shannon Cooke (West Ham United), Lily Crosthwaite (Durham), Veatriki Sarri (Everton), Batcheba Louis (FC Fleury 91), Oceane Hurtre (PSG), Lucy Newell (loan – Manchester United), Libby Bance (loan – Brighton & Hove Albion), Ji Soyun (loan – Seattle Reign) Players left – Louise Quinn (retired), Louanne Worsey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ellie Mason (Charlton Athletic), Gemma Lawley (Bristol City), Jade Pennock (Sporting JAX), Katie Dungate (Fulham), Libby Smith, Abbi Jenner (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Cho So-hyun (Suwon), Charlie Devlin (Sheffield United), Ivana Fuso (Corinthians), Choe Yu-ri (Incheon Hyundai Jemong), Charlotte Clarke (West Bromwich Albion), Siobhan Wilson (retired), Layla Banaras (Lewes), Jamie Finn (Sunderland), Emily van Egmond (Leicester City), Poppy Irvine (loan – Sporting Khalsa) Bristol City Ground – Ashton Gate Stadium & Robins High Performance Centre Manager – Charlotte Healy Last season – 6 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Emily Mutch (Motherwell), Gemma Lawley (Birmingham City), Maria Farrugia (Sheffield United), Rio Hardy (Rangers), Sophie Ingle (Chelsea), Vicky Losada (Brighton & Hove Albion), Esther Morgan (Sheffield United), Marine Dafeur (FC Flurey), Vera Jones (loan – Chelsea), Camila Saez (loan - West Ham United), Jess Ziu (loan – West Ham United), Olivia Johnson (loan – Brighton & Hove Albion), Naomi Williams (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Jackie Burns (Calgary Wild), Jess Woolley, Jasmine Bull (Portsmouth), Amalie Thestrup (Charlton Athletic), Ffion Morgan (West Ham United), Amy Rodgers (Nottingham Forest), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest), Jamie-Lee Napier (Crystal Palace) Charlton Athletic Ground – The Valley Manager – Karen Hills Last season – 3 rd Women’s Championship Players joined – Lucia Lobato (Marseille), Gillian Kenney (Providence College), Ellie Mason (Birmingham City), Mary McAteer (Sunderland), Anna Pedersen (Rugby Borough), Lucy Fitzgerald (London City Lionesses), Zoe Barratt (Oxford United), Amalie Thestrup (Bristol City), Keira Flannery (loan – West Ham United) Players left – Francesca Stables, Katie Godden, Kayleigh Barton (retired), Sophie O’Rourke (Sheffield United), Mel Filis (Sassuolo), Beth Roe (Ipswich Town), Mary Bashford (Southampton), Jess Gray (Portsmouth), Ellie Brazil (Southampton) Crystal Palace Ground – VBS Community Stadium Manager – Jo Potter Last season – 12 th Women’s Super League (relegated) Players joined – Jamie-Lee Napier (Bristol City), Justine Vanhaevermaet (Everton), Kirsty Howat (Rangers), Lola Brown (loan – Chelsea), Emma Watson (loan – Manchester United), Eve Annets (loan – Manchester City) Players left – Fliss Gibbons (retired), Mille Gejl (HB Koge), Katrine Veje (Roma), Izzy Atkinson (Sunderland), Ria Oling (Braga), Clarissa Larisey (Houston Dash), Katie Stengel (Gotham FC) Durham Ground – Maiden Castle Sports Park Manager – Lee Sanders Last season – 4 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Grace Ede (Sunderland), Amber-Keegan Stobbs (Newcastle United), Angela Addison (Ipswich Town), Cat Sheppard (Sporting Lisbon), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Abbey Jones (University of Connecticut), Mariana Speckmaier (Melbourne City), Poppy Pritchard (loan – Manchester City) Players left – Lily Crosthwaite (Birmingham City), Rylee Foster (Dallas Trinity), Dee Bradley (Burnley), Carly Johns (Hearts), Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Peamount United) Ipswich Town Ground – JobServe Community Stadium Manager – Joe Sheehan Last season – 1 st FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division (promoted) Players joined – Paige Peake (Southampton), Rianna Dean (Southampton), Ruby Dow (West Ham United), Beth Roe (Charlton Athletic), Jenna Dear (Sunderland), Grace Neville (London City Lionesses), Sophie Baigent (Hashtag United), Maddy Earl (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Angela Addison (Durham), Maisy Barker (Oxford United), Issy Bryant (Real Bedford), Grace Garrad (Watford), Ella Rutherford (Portsmouth), Evie Williams (Norwich City) Newcastle United Ground – Gateshead International Stadium Manager – Rebecca Langley Last season – 5 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Jemma Purfield (Southampton), Molly Pike (Southampton), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Malgorzata Grec (Dijon), Oona Sevenius (Rosengard), Anna Tamminen (Hammarby IF), Morgan Gautrat (loan - Orlando Pride), Femke Liefting (loan – Chelsea), Jorja Fox (loan – Chelsea) Players left – Grace Donnelly, Katie Barker, Georgia Gibson (Chester le Street Town), Olivia Watt (Middlesbrough), Amber-Keegan Stobbs (Durham), Hannah Greenwood (Sunderland), Rachel Furness (retired), Amy Andrews (Sheffield United), Sophie Haywood (Hull City), Daisy Burt (St John’s Women’s Soccer), Rebecca Ferguson (Middlesbrough), Jodie Bartle Nottingham Forest Ground – City Ground Manager – Carly Davies Last season – 1 st FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division (promoted) Players joined – Amy Rodgers (Bristol City), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Kirsty Smith (West Ham United), Georgia Brougham (London City Lionesses), Aimee Claypole (Chelsea), Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (London City Lionesses), Rachel Rowe (Southampton), Deanne Rose (Leicester City), Ebba Hed (Djurgarden), Tove Almqvist (Djurgarden), Jessie Stapleton (loan – West Ham United), Sophia Poor (loan – London City Lionesses), Vivienne Lia (loan – Arsenal), Nahikari Garcia (loan – Denver Summit), Issy Hobson (loan – Everton) Players left – Kate Longhurst (retired), Naomi Bedeau (Oxford United), Jessica Hennessy (AFC Bournemouth), Sophie Domingo, Amy Sims (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Holly Manders (Oxford United), Bridget Galloway (Aberdeen), Holly Turner (Oxford United), Millie Chandarana (Burnley), Megan Bell (Linfield), Alice Keitley, Holly Mears (Norwich City), Lyndsey Harkin (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Portsmouth Ground – Westleigh Park & Fratton Park Manager – Jay Sadler Last season – 9 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Jasmine Bull (Bristol City), Jess Gray (Charlton Athletic), Lucy Johnson (Blackburn Rovers), Angelina Nixon (Rugby Borough), Tia Primmer (Blackburn Rovers), Comfort Erhabor (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jemima Dahou (Blackburn Rovers), Annie Wilding (Sheffield United), Ella Rutherford (Ipswich Town), Greta Humphries (Chelsea), Jessie Gale (loan – Arsenal) Players left – Nicole Barrett (Oxford United), Erin McLaughlin (Glasgow City), Daisy McLachlan (AFC Wimbledon), Annie Rolf (Lewes), Ella Humphrey, Scarlett Williams (Real Bedford), Hannah Haughton (Moneyfields), Riva Casley (Oxford United), Sophie Quirk (AFC Bournemouth) Sheffield United Ground – Bramall Lane Manager – Ash Thompson Last season – 11 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Amy Andrews (Newcastle United), Charlie Devlin (Birmingham City), Tammi George (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Emma Taylor (Blackburn Rovers), Connie Scofield (London City Lionesses), Jess Reavill (Stoke City), Lauren Thomas (Everton), Alyssa Aherne (Manchester United), Sophie O’Rourke (Charlton Athletic), Joy Ralph (Shamrock Rovers), Charlotte Parker-Smith (Hearts), Mollie Rouse (Spokane Zephyr) Players left – Satara Murray (retired), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City), Jacqui Hand (Kolbotn), Monique Robinson (West Bromwich Albion), Esther Morgan (Bristol City), Annie Wilding (Portsmouth), Jade Bailey, Olivia Page, Fallon Connolly-Jackson (Rangers), Bethan Davies (Huddersfield Town), Olivia Edwards Southampton Ground – St Mary’s Stadium & Silverlake Stadium Manager – Simon Parker Last season – 8 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Amy Goddard (Sunderland), Emma Harries (West Ham United), Ruby Tucker (Aston Villa), Mary Bashford (Charlton Athletic), Ellie Brazil (Charlton Athletic), Maria Edwards (Blackburn Rovers), Kiera Sena (Cork City), Abbie Ferguson (Hibernian), Ellie Hack (Blackburn Rovers), Michaela McAlonie (Hibernian), Jess Simpson (loan – Manchester United), Ashanti Akpan (loan – Chelsea) Players left – Alice Griffiths (Rangers), Rianna Dean (Ipswich Town), Izzy Milne (Fulham), Emma Thompson (Oxford United), Emily Kraft, Jemma Purfield (Newcastle United), Molly Pike (Newcastle United), Benedicte Haaland, Paige Peake (Ipswich Town), Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Rachel Rowe (Nottingham Forest) Sunderland Ground – Eppleton Colliery Football Ground & Stadium of Light Manager – Mel Reay Last season – 7 th Women’s Championship Players joined – Marissa Sheva (Portland Thorns), Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Reanna Blades (Burnley), Grace Moloney, Hannah Greenwood (Newcastle United), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Izzy Atkinson (Crystal Palace), Keira Barry (loan – Manchester United), Evie Rabjohn (loan – Manchester United), Tara O’Hanlon (loan – Manchester City) Players left – Megan Beer (retired), Amy Goddard (Southampton), Grace Ede (Durham), Megan Brothwick (Middlesbrough), Jenna Dear (Ipswich Town), Mary McAteer (Charlton Athletic), Grace McCatty (retired)

Articles and information on surrouding women's football. Feature Pieces Feature articles on the areas and issues surrounding women's football. Women's Super Leagues 2025/26 Season Guide 7 September 2025 All you need to know about the top two divisions of women's football as the 2025/26 season kicks off Read More Barclays WSL: 2023/24 Season Review 25 May 2024 Full season review of every team in the Women's Super League Read More From Cheshunt to Wembley - My journey supporting and covering Spurs Women 10 May 2024 Our writer Finley Chung reflects on his time watching Spurs, from regional football to the FA Cup Final Read More Tash Allderidge: Pride Park's experienced icon 4 March 2024 Reaching 200 appearances for Pride Park, Tash Allderidge is as passionate today as the day she made her debut Read More She Will Play On: The incoming women's football film of the year 26 October 2023 The feel good film of the year? How She Will Play On will continue to smash down barriers. Read More To Women’s Football - Thank you 24 August 2023 Our writer Finley pens an open thank you to women's football in this frank and heartfelt piece. Read More Catching up with Flo Lloyd-Hughes, author of The Rise of the Lionesses 22 May 2023 We caught up with women's football broadcaster, podcaster and author Flo Lloyd-Hughes to chat about her exciting new book, and of course, all things Lionesses Read More Australia's Dark Horses: A Guide to the Matildas 7 April 2023 Ben Gilby gives us a run down on Australia's key players as they gear up to face the Lionesses Read More FAW x Her Game Too 29 January 2023 Her Game Too ambassadors tell us how important the deal equal pay for the national teams is in Wales and look to the year ahead. Read More On the red carpet with Fara Williams 27 October 2022 England's most capped player Fara Williams talks FIFA and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit Read More On the red carpet with Kenza Dali 21 October 2022 We chat all things WSL with Aston Villa's Kenza Dali at EA Sports' Women's Football Summit Read More ‘It’s just the beginning’: How the Lionesses Captivated a Nation 5 August 2022 Women's football supporter Finley Chung talks us through his experience of the Lionesses' historic Euro's campaign Read More To the Lionesses 25 November 2021 The Lionesses are inspiring the next generation, but what about the rest of us? Here is my letter of thanks for all they have done for me. Read More 2020: The Year of Mewis 30 December 2020 A look back at the outstanding year had by sisters Kristie and Sam Mewis. Read More A-Z of the WSL 28 October 2020 A full A-Z of the Women's Super League (2020/21) Read More The Distance Derby: Perth v Wellington Phoenix 22 February 2025 The mammoth journey between the two sides only increases the hunger for a win Read More Moneyfields FC announce equal pay for men's and women's team 18 May 2024 FA Women's National League fourth-tier club Moneyfields FC announces equal pay model Read More Barclays Women's Championship 2023/24 Review 30 April 2024 A look back at the 2023/24 Women's Championship season, the one that was wide open.... Read More Conti Cup - Final Group Round 27 January 2024 Catch up with the action from the final group round of the Conti Cup Read More Conti Cup Round-Up 15 October 2023 Recap the first action of the Conti Cup across Groups A-E Read More Never Say Die – The case for the Matildas 3 July 2023 Could this be the year of the Matildas? Read More A Guide to the FA Cup Final 2023 13 May 2023 All you need to know ahead of the record breaking Vitality Women's FA Cup 2023 Read More #HerGameToo changing attitudes in schools says ambassador Charlotte Eve 19 March 2023 West Ham United #HerGameToo ambassador Charlotte Eve reflects on raising awareness of women in sport since the Euro's Read More "You can't put in to words how you feel" says Troth after Brentford's historic win 17 November 2022 Brentford's Sophie Troth reacts to Brentford's win at the Gtech Community Stadium in front of record crowd Read More On the red carpet with Maz Pacheco 25 October 2022 Aston Villa's Maz Pacheco talks FIFA23 and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit. Read More A-Z of the Women's Super League 15 September 2022 Full A-Z of the Women's Super League including details of every club and players to keep and eye on. Read More Bloomsbury football turning historic moment into a legacy 4 August 2022 Grassroots football charity Bloomsbury football are offering free places for all girls on their summer camps. Read More Is Your Football Club Prepared for Sudden Cardiac Arrest? 10 August 2021 Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone at anytime. Read more about the importance of having automated external defibrillators (AED's) on hand at football clubs. Read More To Jen Beattie 12 December 2020 An open letter to Jen Beattie. Read More The Growing Game 28 October 2020 The game that is waiting for the world to catch up. Read More Women's Championship Returns 8 September 2024 All you need to know about each team in the second division Read More Women's FA Cup 2023/24 Final Guide 11 May 2024 Everything you need to know ahead of today's historic final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur Read More Conti Cup: Bumper Guide 29 March 2024 All you need to know ahead of this weekend's Conti Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea Read More Conti Cup: Round Two 10 November 2023 Paul Donegan catches up with all the action from the second round of Conti Cup matches Read More Women’s Championship 2023-24 Season 2 September 2023 Recap all the in's and out's of the twelve Women's Championship teams Read More Barclays WSL Season Round-Up 28 May 2023 A brief round-up on all twelve teams in the Women's Super League and their performances over the 2022/23 season Read More “To see the women's team at a big stadium will inspire others to believe they can do it too” 9 April 2023 Norwich City’s HerGameToo Advocates on their upcoming historic game at Carrow Road Read More FA Cup Fifth Round, Round-Up 1 March 2023 Catch up on all the action of the Women's FA Cup Fifth Round Read More Fives Soccer Centres launch next-generation football centre at TraffordCity 5 November 2022 New five-a-side football centre offers innovative, immersive experience to players with cutting edge technology and industry leading innovation Read More On the red carpet with Kelly Smith 24 October 2022 Kelly Smith speaks about the exponential growth of the women's game at EA Sports Women's Football Summit Read More Barclays Women's Championship Guide 2022-23 19 August 2022 All you need to know about the Women's Championship as it kicks off this weekend. Read More Interview with analyst and author Abdullah Abdullah 5 February 2022 We caught up with author and analyst Abdullah Abdullah to speak about his latest book 'The Evolution of Chelsea Under Emma Hayes' and his new series of tactical interviews with players and coaches on his website Pressing Matters. Read More In Loving Memory of Jordan Dawes 20 February 2021 A tribute to Kent United goalkeeper Jordan Dawes. Read More Get Back in the Kitchen 8 November 2020 Women’s football is not out to replace or replicate, it simply wishes to coexist. Read More

Stevenage earn a 2-0 win over stout Wroxham Back Match Report Stevenage v Wroxham Stevenage earn a 2-0 win over stout Wroxham Edward Payne 5 December 2022 By Edward Payne Goals from Amy Makewell and Kelsey Millen ensured all three points for Stevenage in a comfortable league outing on Sunday. The result meant that Boro kept pace with AFC Sudbury and Needham Market in the chase for league leaders Luton. Despite the dominance of Stevenage, chances were at a premium. Going forward, everything came down the right hand side with captain Lucy Webster and Player of the Match Millen at the heart of it. Makewell, who was playing in her 80th match for Stevenage, had the best of the early chances, both of which missed the target. Millen also had a great one-on-one battle with Cyan Fullbrook in the Wroxham goal, which the ‘keeper won this time. When the first goal finally came, it was from a superb cross by Hannah Nebbitt out on the left. The ball fell kindly for Makewell who got enough contact with the ball to poke it across the line and give Boro the advantage they deserved. Stevenage switched things around at half time, introducing Susan Uwaifo and Shianne Swarres, the latter of whom was returning from a two-month layoff. Uwaifo thought she had scored the second goal of the game when she was fouled on the edge of the box, only to regain her footing and slide the ball home. The referee however, had other ideas and had already blown his whistle, leaving Becky Shephard to test Fullbrook from the resulting free kick. She did, but the goalkeeper kept it out. Photo: Edward Payne Just before the hour, Millen received the ball on the right and lofted a superb effort over Fullbrook’s head, but also the bar. It took fourteen minutes for Millen to perfect it. A marauding run by Emily Schofield put Boro in a strong attacking position. Her ball to Uwaifo was perfect, who in turn held the ball well before sending Millen free on the right. She entered the box and repeated her earlier trick, only this time, the net bulged. The remaining minutes saw Makewell return to the pitch and come close to extending the lead further. Swarres saw an audacious lob in the top corner agonisingly kept out as Fullbrook pushed it against the post and cleared. The crowd even saw the ball surf the crossbar, but there was no third goal. Uwaifo did find herself booked, as did Boro manager Fadi Mazloum, for reasons best known to the referee. It leaves Borough with two massive home league ties before Christmas. Next week, they face fellow title chasers Needham Market, before an even bigger test in Luton Town. Stevenage: O’Brien, Webster (c), Neal, Farmer, Nebbitt, Price, Southby, Shephard, Millen, Makewell, Bellinger Subs: Swarres, Greenwood, Bodily, Uwaifo, Schofield. Goals: Makewell, Millen Yellow Card: Uwaifo

Prolific PSG forward Sandy Baltimore joins Chelsea Back Sandy Baltimore is a Blue Prolific PSG forward Sandy Baltimore joins Chelsea Chelsea FCW 6 July 2024 By Charlotte Stacey Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Sandy Baltimore from Paris Saint-Germain. The 24-year-old has signed four-year contract with the club, having represented PSG for the previous nine years making over 200 appearances. The France international can take up a variety of roles in attacking midfield and is comfortable playing on either wing. She is a dynamic player who is naturally left footed and possesses excellent technical ability. Speaking on making the move from Paris to London, Baltimore said: 'I'm very happy to join Chelsea. It feels incredible. I have always wanted to play for Chelsea and now look, it has happened!' Baltimore made her debut for PSG during the 2016/17 campaign. At a young age, she has an incredible amount of experience with one French league title, three French cups and 43 appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League making for an impressive CV to date. Upon the conclusion of the 2020/21 season, Baltimore was named the Young Player of the Season at the D1 Arkema end of season awards. She helped PSG to their first-ever league title and was also among those to be selected in the division’s best eleven that year. At international level, Baltimore contributed to France winning the 2019 edition of the Under-19 European Championship in Scotland. She has accumulated 28 caps for the French national team and has been named in the squad for their next set of international fixtures. News

Back Kim Little Club Arsenal Position Midfielder D.O.B 19/06/1990 Bio Widely regarded as one of the most difficult opponents to come up against, Little navigates the midfield with an untouchable quality. Little’s ball control is second to none and the Arsenal captain is able to dribble through oppositions effortlessly. Yet possibly one the most valuable aspect of Little’s game is her acute awareness of all that goes on around her, an intellect in knowing her teammates whereabouts and an ability to play to them in to their strengths. Little’s understated leadership will be paramount in keeping the core ticking. Edward Payne C3

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Ella Toone Manchester United’s creative dynamo has certainly impressed Wiegman and has been a mainstay in her reign so far. The playmaker is a fantastically innovative number 10 who is able to find creative ways to thread key passes that often lead to shot and goal creation. Toone openly invites tight pressure and enjoys using her ‘tricky feet’ to weave her way through defensive lines, ball-in-tow. This affords others the time and space to take up advanced and threatening positions. Not just a prolific assistant, Toone is also a respectable goal scorer having already netted two hat-tricks for England. Toone will certainly offer an essential dose of creativity against sides who prefer to sit back in a low block. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Chelsea advance to the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter finals after 3-0 win over Celtic Back Match Report Chelsea are through to the knockout stages of the Women's Champions League Chelsea advance to the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter finals after 3-0 win over Celtic Getty Images 21 November 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals with two group games to spare after comfortably beating Celtic 3-0 on Wednesday evening. Lucy Bronze, Wieke Kaptein and Eve Preisset scored the goals at Stamford Bridge as Sonia Bompastor’s side made it 11 wins out of 11 in all competitions to start the season. Five times Champions League winner Bronze opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 2nd minute with a superb volley from inside the area that the visitors goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty was unable to keep out. The Blues next opportunity came in the 5th minute but this one from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was saved by Daugherty, then a minute later, Catarina Macario shot wide. Guro Reiten’s dangerous cross went behind off a Celtic defender as the home side continued to put early pressure on the Scottish champions. The hosts next effort came in the 13th minute but Macario shot over from 20-yards out. Murphy Agnew had the visitors first attempt but this went well wide in the 19th minute, In the 25th minute, Rytting Kaneryd’s shot was deflected behind for a corner, and from that Chelsea doubled their advantage as Netherlands international Kaptein headed in. The next chance for the Blues was fired over the crossbar by Rytting Kaneryd, then in the 34th minute, Sjoeke Nusken sent a shot from outside the area over. The home side were looking dangerous from corners and the next one was headed over by Maelys Mpome. The final opportunity of the first half went the visitors way when a nice ball forward found Agnew but Bronze was there to defend well and stopped the Celtic player getting a shot away. Rytting Kaneryd had the first effort after the break for Chelsea when her dipping shot from 25-yards went narrowly over the crossbar. In the 53rd minute, Reiten saw her attempt at goal headed clear. The home side went close to scoring a third goal two minutes later but half-time substitute Mayra Ramirez’s shot was deflected just wide. Kaptein got her head on Bronze’s cross on the hour mark but the ball went into Daugherty’s hands in the visitors goal. There were no clear attempts at goal from either side then until the 81st minute when the hosts Ramirez couldn’t put a cross away from close range. 17-year-old midfielder Lola Brown came on to make her senior debut in the 86th minute, days after signing her first professional contract with Chelsea. The final ball from Celtic was lacking at times, whilst in the final minute of the 90, Erin Cuthbert’s shot from 20-yards was saved for the Blues. In additional time, Shannon McGregor’s 25-yard effort was caught by the home sides goalkeeper Zecira Musovic. Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the final minute of stoppage time after McGregor handled in the area. Perisset stepped up to take the spot kick and sent it into the corner of the net to score her first goal for the club. The final whistle was blown seconds later as the Blues made it through to the knockout-stages for the third season in a row. Line ups Chelsea (4-3-3): Musovic, Bronze, Mpome, Bright (c), Lawrence (Brown 86’), Kaptein, Jean-Francois, Nusken (Bartel 86’), Rytting Kaneryd (Cuthbert 58’), Macario (Ramirez 46’), Reiten (Perisset 71’) Unused substitutes: Hampton, Cox, Bjorn, Baltimore, Hamano Goals – Bronze 2’, Kaptein 25’, Perisset 90’+5 (pen) Celtic (4-2-3-1): Daugherty, Lawton, Hayes, Clark (c), Barclais, McGregor, Cavanagh (S. Carstens 61’), Smith (Noonan 71’), Gallacher (Kerner 83’), Ashworth-Clifford (M. Carstens 83’), Agnew (Cross 61’) Unused substitutes: Logan, Rodgers, Bruna Costa, Munoz, McAneny Referee – Tess Olofsson (Sweden) Attendance – 3,931

Manchester United are crowned FA Cup champions for the first time after 4-0 thrashing over Spurs Back Match Report Manchester United dominate Spurs in FA Cup final Manchester United are crowned FA Cup champions for the first time after 4-0 thrashing over Spurs Adam Mitten 12 May 2024 By Paul Donegan Manchester United won their first FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the 2024 final at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon. United were playing in the second successive final whilst it was the first for Spurs but goals from Ella Toone, Rachel Williams and a brace from Lucia Garcia saw the Red Devils take the trophy back to the red side of Manchester for the first time. On a very hot afternoon at Wembley, Matilda Vinberg had the first effort of the match in the 2nd minute for Spurs when she cut in from the left side but sent her shot from 20-yards over the bar. There was an amazing noise inside the stadium from both sets of fans, and United immediately had their first opportunity when Leah Galton was played in by Toone but Rebecca Spencer got down to save with her legs whilst getting injured in process. Williams headed the resulting corner over. After that frantic start, the match settled down a bit for a bit. In the 13th minute, Williams headed wide another corner as the Red Devils went close to taking the lead. Tottenham then had a good opportunity of their own but Vinberg headed wide at the far post. Another United corner in the 19th minute again caused problems with Millie Turner heading the ball back and Garcia nodding over, whilst under pressure from Eveliina Summanen, from close-range. Due to the temperature, there was a water break midway through both halves. Straight after that, Garcia’s cross from the right was headed back by Toone but Williams put the ball over from 6-yards. In the 34th minute, a Manchester United corner was met by Turner but her effort was blocked by Martha Thomas before Spurs cleared the ball. Jayde Riviere then got forward on the right but sent her cross onto the roof of the net. Toone then sent her strike from 12-yards wide in the 39th minute. Maya Le Tissier shot over from distance in the final minute of the half as the Red Devils continued to create more of the chances. Photo: Adam Mitten In the third minute of first half stoppage time, United took the lead when Toone picked the ball up on the halfway line and was allowed to run forward before smashing a tremendous shot into the top corner from 20-yards. Manchester United doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Katie Zelem’s free kick was headed in by Williams. Two minutes later, Spurs had their first opportunity of the half but Bethany England blazed over from just outside the area. Garcia scored United’s third in the 58th minute when Spencer passed straight to her whilst trying to play out from the back and she finished into an empty net from close range. Toone shot straight at Spencer in the 62nd minute. In the 66th minute, England went close to getting a goal back for Tottenham but her powerful header came back off the crossbar before the rebound was put wide. A delightful through ball found second half substitute Melvine Malard but she was denied by Spencer in the 72nd minute. Garcia scored her second of the match and United’s fourth two minutes later when Lisa Naalsund laid the ball off to her and she finished via a slight deflection. Naalsund put a shot over for Manchester United as they looked to extend their lead further. Spurs’ England saw an effort blocked by the head of Aoife Mannion as the second half entered stoppage time, whilst at the other end Geyse had a strike blocked. There weren’t any further chances for either side before the Red Devils players and their fans could start celebrating winning their first trophy. Line-ups Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Earps, Riviere (Mannion 78’), Le Tissier, Turner, Blundell, Zelem (c), Naalsund, Garcia (Geyse 77’), Toone (Miyazawa 78’), Galton (Malard 50’), Williams (Parris 58’) Unused substitutes: Tullis-Joyce, Evans, Irene, Ladd Goals – Toone 45’+3, Williams 54’, Garcia 57’, 74’ Booked - Blundell Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Spencer, Neville, James-Turner, Buhler, Nilden (Grant 68’), Spence, Summanen (Graham 68’), Naz (Bizet 54’), England (c), Vinberg (Wang 54’), Thomas (Ayane 68’) Unused substitutes: Votikova, Bartrip, Petzelberger, Ahtinen Referee – Abi Byrne Attendance – 76,082

England clinch the trophy as the winners of the very first Arnold Clark Cup Arnold Clark Cup: England v Germany Back England clinch the trophy as the winners of the very first Arnold Clark Cup Lionesses Wednesday, 23 February 2022 England approached the match in a favourable position. Spain’s earlier 1-0 win over Canada meant that England were in the running to clinch the silverware provided they beat Germany by more than one goal. Had the Lionesses only managed a 1-0 win over Germany, the victors of the cup would be decided through the number of yellow cards accumulated across the competition. Spain collected five and entering their final game, England had two. Across their 27 previous meetings, England have never beaten Germany on home soil. Their most recent loss happening over two years ago when they hosted the two-time World Cup champions at Wembley Stadium in October 2019. Boss Sarina Wiegman lined-up a more familiar starting eleven than the team set up in the previous game against Spain. Captain Leah Williamson once again started in midfield alongside Keira Walsh in a double pivot, Jess Carter retained her position in the line-up but moved across to play the leftback role and Georgia Stanway filled the number 10 position behind leading striker Ellen White. Ellen White opened the scoring for England at the 15-minute mark after a spell of pressure from the hosts. Georgia Stanway picked up the ball and ushered it centrally before passing it on to Fran Kirby. Kirby attempted a pass through to Ellen White who was ready and waiting in the area. Kirby’s initial pass was blocked however she was able to send forward the rebound successfully to White who controlled and shifted the ball with her left foot before striking it with the outside of her right. As you would expect, White had no problem hitting the back of the net and England took the lead. Ten minutes later, Stanway found herself with the chance to make it two after White made a hankering run to collect a ball heading for the touchline. White managed to pull the ball back to Lucy Bronze who sent in an early cross to the growing number of white shirts in the box. Bronze’s cross was taken by Stanway who chested it down, twisted and hit the volley causing Merie Frohms to make a save. After a positive half an hour from England, the visitors found themselves on the front foot. Germany had shown glimpses of threatening counter play and made good on this after Bronze was caught short high up the pitch. Forcing the turnover, Klara Bühl disposed Bronze and carried the ball in a driving run down the length of the half. Alex Greenwood came across to halt Bühl’s run, in doing so conceding the foul and earning herself a booking. Lina Magull lined up the free-kick just outside of the area and hit what can only be described as a glorious strike. Magull’s zinger smashed the underside of the bar and bounced in leaving Ellie Roebuck no chance of stopping it. The Germans had levelled ten minutes before the half time whistle. For the majority of the second half Germany looked to have the upper hand, creating themselves a few chances in which England looked stretched most noticeably down the left-hand side with a defiant Bühl. Wiegman shifted personnel as she made her substitutes and fired a strong attacking contingent for the final quarter of an hour. After England’s changes momentum shifted once again and the Lionesses looked to see out the game on top. Lauren Hemp, who had played a key part throughout, drove the ball in to the area, dancing through the German backline, and struck the ball on target, however Frohms managed to knock the effort away. Millie Bright, who had stayed upfront after a bout of England pressure found herself on the end of the rebounding ball, collected it calmly and struck it past the keeper. Bright was in an offside position however the goal was ruled in at 85 minutes. With the crowd fully behind them and the trophy in their grasp, England secured their win with a goal from Fran Kirby three minutes into stoppage time. Kirby collected the ball centrally in her own half, powerfully carried it down the middle of the pitch, cruising through Germany’s defenders, and lifted her effort over Frohms to seal the deal. England took home their first piece of silverware under Sarina Wiegman as the winners of the inagural Arnold Clark Cup. England Roebuck (GK), Bronze (82’), Bright, Greenwood, Carter (33’), Williamson (C), Walsh, Hemp, Stanway (61’), Kirby, White (82’) Substitutes: Earps (GK), Hampton (GK), Daly (33’), Stokes, Toone (82’), Mead, Parris (61’), Nobbs, Charles, Scott, Russo (82’), Zelem Goals: White 15’, Bright 85’, Kirby 90+4’ Yellow Cards: Greenwood 39’ Germany Frohms (GK), Kleinherne, Rall, Schüller, Feldkamp, Däbritz (C), Gwinn, Anyomi (45’), Bühl (87’), Magull (71’), Dongus (71’) Substitutes: Berger (GK), Tufeković (GK), Doorsoun, Dallmann (71’), Rauch, Petzelberger, Cerci (87’), Brand (45’), Laura Freigang, Hage (71’)l, Kayikci, Maier Goals: Yellow Card: Brand 79’

England and Sweden share the points in flat Wembley clash Back Match Report Lionesses opening Euro's qualifier ends with a draw England and Sweden share the points in flat Wembley clash Lionesses 6 April 2024 By Finley Chung England started their qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 2025 with a 1-1 draw against Sweden. Alessia Russo’s first half header was cancelled out by Fridolina Rolfo, as both sides huffed and puffed, but couldn’t find a winner. England start their European Championship Defence on the same soil that Chloe Kelly secured immortality just under three years ago, facing Sweden, who they famously beat in the semi final of that historic run. Grace Clinton was handed her first competitive start for England following her impressive showing in the February Friendlies, with there also being starts for Lotte Wubben-Moy after her stellar club form for Arsenal recently, with Southampton keeper, Kayla Rendell in an England squad for the first time, and Leah Williamson also making her return to the squad since her ACL injury against Australia last year. There were familiar faces aplenty for Sweden tonight, with Women’s Super League quartet, Stina Blackstenius, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Filippa Angeldahl and Julia Zigioti Olme joining Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo in the starting eleven. Tottenham Hotspur duo Amanda Nilden and Matilda Vinberg, along with Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic made the bench for the visitors. After two impeccably served national anthems, Sweden got there game underway in balmy spring conditions at Wembley. Alessia Russo went down early on following a robust challenge from a Swedish defender which required a prolonged period of medical attention, with the resulting free kick bouncing to Grace Clinton, who’s left footed volley went over the Swedish bar. The two Laurens, James and Hemp were occupying the wing space for England early on and the Chelsea forward sprayed a lovely pass to her Man City namesake, but her cross was just over the head of Alessia Russo and collected well by Sweden goalkeeper, Jennifer Falk. Sweden had the first sight of goal and it was Barcelona winger, Fridolina Rolfo raced through in behind her club teammate Lucy Bronze and struck a left footed effort wide of the target. England made no mistake with their first chance of the game, as Lauren James faced up Aqwswn right back Hanna Lundkvist before teasing a ball across with Alessia Russo stooped to nod home and erase any nerves within Wembley. The hosts almost had a second soon after as Georgia Stanway robbed possession before her effort went harmlessly over the Sweden bar, Lucy Bronze was then attentive to a Sweden attack as she cut out a through ball from Stina Blackstenius which seemed destined for Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, The Swedes came forward again and Fillipa Angeldahl sent an effort whistling over Mary Earps’ crossbar, The visitors were having a period of sustained pressure, forcing corners in quick succession and almost grabbing a calamitous equaliser after an attempted clearance from Alex Greenwood smashed back off her teammate and luckily for England, fell wide. Stina Blackstenius then just couldn’t reach a cutback from the right as England were being forced to camp in their own area due to the Swedish pressure. The hosts were able to weather the Sweden storm and head into the break with a slender one goal margin. Half Time - England 1-0 Sweden. England got the game back underway in the second half, with Sweden’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd having the first effort of the second period, but her long range sighter flew way over Mary Earps’ crossbar. A Lauren James corner was then delivered in towards Lotte Wubben-Moy, but her looping header was an easy hold for Sweden stopper Falk. The provider nearly turned goalscorer just after the hour mark as her left footed effort arrowed just past the post. Sarina Wegmann made her first change, bringing on Ella Toone in place of Grace Clinton, with her opposite number introducing Amanda Nilden and Rosa Kafaji to proceedings, Sweden had their leveller just after the hour, as Rolfo ghosted in at the far post to nod home, potentially aided via a deflection off of Lucy Bronze to bring the visitors level. Somehow the visitors didn’t take the lead just moments later as Blackstenius raced through, but her effort beat Mary Earps and the right hand post much to the relief of everyone inside Wembley. Beth Mead was then introduced for England, in place of Lauren James. Jess Carter and Chloe Kelly were introduced in place of Alessia Russo and Niamh Charles with just under a quarter of the game remaining. England seemed to lack the presence and positioning of a recognised striker even with Alessia Russo on the pitch, so her withdrawal put emphasis on Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and latterly, Chloe Kelly to get into those spaces. Sweden goalscorer Rolfo and Blackstenius were withdrawn in the final five minutes, for Madeleen Janogy and Anna Anvegard. Lauren Hemp almost answered the call perfectly, darting onto the end of a pass before seeing her first effort saved, before her second was blocked off the line by former Chelsea defender, Magda Ericsson, which proved to be the last meaningful action. Full Time - England 1-1 Sweden Goals: Alessia Russo 24’ Fridolina Rolfo 64’

Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Championship enter new era with refreshed visual identity and name change Back FA unveil new Women's League Logos and Name Change Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Championship enter new era with refreshed visual identity and name change Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Championship 9 June 2022 Football Association The Football Association can today confirm the beginning of a new era for the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship with the launch of a new visual identity and name change ahead of the 2022/23 season. The rebrand will also see the naming convention altered for the two competitions, with ‘The FA’ dropped from the title of both the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship. This represents the long term strategy for the leagues to be under new ownership in the future, with this process ongoing. The 2021/22 campaign saw unprecedented interest in the women’s professional game, with Sky Sports and the BBC driving visibility in the first season of the new broadcast deal announced last year, while commercial interest continues to grow – highlighted by Barclays renewing their sponsorship of the Women’s Super League and becoming the new title partner of the Women’s Championship from next season. The sponsorship of the Women’s Championship for the first time and renewed commitment to the Women’s Super League last year sees the organisation’s cyan colour added to the refreshed brand to better align the two competitions. Kelly Simmons, the FA’s Director of the Women’s Professional Game, said: “We’ve seen tremendous strides made in the women’s professional game since it turned professional four years ago, which meant we needed a refreshed branding that reflected that progress.” News

Recap the first action of the Conti Cup across Groups A-E Conti Cup Round-Up Sunday, 15 October 2023 By Paul Donegan Recap the first action of the Conti Cup across Groups A-E Adam Mitten The 2023/24 Conti Cup (FA Women’s League Cup) got underway on Wednesday evening with 10 group stage matches. There was plenty of drama with 36 goals scored, comebacks, late winners/equalisers and three penalty shoot-outs. Here is a round-up of what happened. In Group A, Durham’s Saoirse Noonan scored the opening goal of the 2023/24 Conti Cup when she found the net in the 2nd minute of the Wildcats match against fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers. Helen Seed equalised for Rovers before Mille Chandarana put them ahead in the 29th minute. Noonan scored her second goal of the match, this time from the penalty spot, in the 72nd minute to equalise for Durham. The Wildcats were awarded another penalty which Eleanor Ryan-Doyle converted in the 91st minute to secure a late 3-2 win for them. The other Group A match was also an all Championship affair when Sheffield United took on Sunderland. Ellie May gave the Blades the lead in the 7th minute before Emily Scarr equalised for the Lasses on the half-hour mark from the penalty spot. Tara Bourne put United back ahead three minutes later, but it was level at half-time when Mollie Rouse scored Sunderland’s second equaliser in first half stoppage time. The Black Cats made it 3-2 in the 67th minute when Mary Corbyn found the net, and this turned out to be the winner as Mel Reay’s side continued their undefeated start to the season. All the sides in Group B play in the Women’s Super League. The early top two in the league and the only ones with a 100% record so far, Leicester City and Liverpool, took on each other at the Pirelli Stadium. Aimee Palmer gave Leicester the lead in the 35th minute before Natasha Flint equalised for the visitors three minutes into first half stoppage time. Hannah Cain put the Foxes back ahead in the 50th minute and this was the way it remained as Willie Kirk’s side won 2-1. Everton played Manchester City in the other Group B game. Jess Park opened the scoring for City in the 21st minute before Bunny Shaw got their second three minutes into the second half. Toni Duggan scored a consolation goal for the Toffees four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the match, but it was Man City who took the three points with a 2-1 win. Group C features four sides who all play in the Championship, guaranteeing at least one of them a place in the quarter-finals. At Princes Park, London City Lionesses were up against Watford. Annie Rossiter put the Hornets ahead in the 16th minute before Lois Joel equalised five minutes later for the home side. Grace Neville gave the Lionesses the lead four minutes into the second half but Coral-Jade Haines scored a late equaliser for Watford as it finished 2-2. The Golden Girls won the penalty shoot-out to determine who gets an extra point 7-6 with Paige Satchell’s miss for London City Lionesses being decisive. In the other Group C match, there was late drama at The Dripping Pan when Lewes took on Crystal Palace. The Eagles were awarded a penalty which Elise Hughes converted in the 64th minute. Kate Oakley (Lewes’ social media thinks) equalised for the Rooks five minutes into second half stoppage time to take the match to a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Lewes’ goalkeeper Emily Moore turned out to be the hero in the shoot-out making a hat-trick of saves as they won it 2-0 and picked up the extra point. The current bottom side in the WSL, Bristol City, played the one top of the Championship at the moment, Southampton, in Group D. Rachel Furness gave the Robins into the lead in the 34th minute before Lexi Lloyd-Smith equalised for the Saints in the 50th minute. There were no further goals as it finished 1-1. In the shoot-out, City’s Brook Aspin missed the decisive spot kick which meant Southampton won 4-3 and got the extra point. I was at Brisbane Road to watch Tottenham Hotspur play Reading in the other Group D match. WSL side Spurs overcame their Championship opponents with ease as they won 6-0. Zhang Linyan and Kit Graham scored goals in the first half for the home side and Asmita Ale, Ria Percival, Jessica Naz and Martha Thomas added further goals after the break. In Group E, Brighton & Hove Albion travelled to St Andrews to play Championship side Birmingham City. It was the WSL side who won this one 3-0 with the Seagulls goals coming from Charlie Rule, Katie Robinson and Elisabeth Terland. There was another WSL vs Championship clash in the other Group E match as West Ham United took on Charlton Athletic. The Addicks took the lead in the 20th minute when Carla Humphrey found the net. The Hammers came back in the second half though with Emma Harriers getting the equaliser just before the hour mark then Izzy Atkinson put them ahead in the 78th minute. No more goals followed as West Ham won 2-1.