ENGLAND is THE place to be for women’s football.
For the pull of the Barclays Women’s Super League is now attracting the very best players from all over the world — highlighted by Sam Kerr’s arrival at Chelsea last week.
For the pull of the Barclays Women’s Super League is now attracting the very best players from all over the worldCredit: Getty – Contributor
Aussie Sam signed a megabucks 2½-year deal with the Blues and it’s a far cry from my days as a player.
Because back then, I had to move to the USA to get a decent game!
Not that I begrudge anyone the profile and rewards the WSL now commands. In fact, I’m buzzing about the excitement these stellar signings will generate.
And I’m not the only one. I’ve been amazed by the number of people who have approached me during my Strictly Come Dancing adventure, all buzzing about the women’s game.
Superstar Kerr, 26, is the all-time leading scorer in the National Women’s Soccer League in the US and the Australian W-League.
And this move just shows how the top players now want to come and play in England.
When I was growing up I had to travel to the US because female footballers weren’t even professional in this country.
Players were also going to Sweden and Germany — but now England is the place to be, which is massive.
This season has been so competitive and I love that you have got Chelsea beating Arsenal, the reigning champs, one week. And Arsenal beating Manchester City the next.
Aussie star Sam Kerr signed for Chelsea last weekCredit: Getty – Contributor
It’s not just the same teams fighting for it all the time, which makes me miss my days as a footballer.
But you know what, since hanging my boots up I think I still have a responsibility.
Being on Strictly I am continuing growing our sport in a different way.
The platform I’ve been given is not just about me, it’s about bringing attention to the women’s game. I love that people are stopping me in the street to talk about female footballers.
So me being on a dancing show is extending those conversations around the game and that’s a responsibility which I take really seriously.
I know this show isn’t just about me, it’s about being a role model for young girls.
Getting to talk about what I have done and where I’ve started from is the inspiration I want to give to the next generation.
They will know that I’ve played football and then they will see me on television in a glamorous dress and it shows you can do both — you don’t need to be put into a box.
Also more men are being converted as fans of women’s football, which is so important.
The sport is opening up to new people all the time.
Jordan Nobbs will be starring in the North London derbyCredit: Getty – Contributor
I’ll be glued to the North London derby on Sunday on the train back from Blackpool and will be messaging support to my mates Jordan Nobbs and Leah Williamson.
Obviously Tottenham are new to the league but straight up I want the Gunners to win.
But I don’t want it to be one-sided, the game needs that fire and intensity because it’s so historic.
The Merseyside derby at Anfield shows there is a massive hype around the women’s game. Liverpool are really struggling at the bottom of the table and this match can be the morale-booster they so desperately need.
Those girls need to go out there and get a win to spark the start of their season. Forget what’s gone on before because this could be their turning point.
This WSL campaign has been really positive so far as we’ve come off the back of the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
Footballer Alex Scott plays Balls Up! with Fabulous Magazine
I think we have to give a lot of credit to the managers for everything they’ve done during this campaign.
I have massive respect for Casey Stoney and what she’s trying to build at Manchester United in her first season in the top flight.
Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro and Emma Hayes, who is rebuilding her Chelsea side after they took a dip last year — I can see how hard they are both working.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
