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      Chelsea’s Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating shortlisted for PFA award

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      CHELSEA’S Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones are among six WSL stars nominated for the PFA’s women’s young player of the year award.Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating has also been shortlisted for the gong after winning last season’s WSL Golden Glove.Lauren James is one of the six nominees for this year’s PFA women’s young player awardCredit: GettyThe Blues forward finished as the second-highest scorer in the WSL last season helping Chelsea win a seventh league titleCredit: GettyAggie Beever-Jones is also on the shortlist for this year’s prize after impressing in front of goal for Chelsea last seasonCredit: ReutersThis year’s award winner is due to be announced next Tuesday at a ceremony in Manchester. Keating, 20, who emerged as a first team regular for her club last term, kept nine clean sheets in the women’s top-flight with City finishing runners-up in the title race.And her England team-mate James, 22, ended the 2023-24 season as the WSL’s second-highest scorer behind Man City’s Khadija Shaw.The Blues forward, who won the PFA’s young player award last year, registered 13 goals and two assists in 16 league games helping Chelsea win a fifth successive WSL title.Read More Football StoriesJames’ fellow Blue Beever-Jones, 21, has also been shortlisted for the first time in her career, after impressing in her senior breakout season for her club.The London-born striker, who made her senior England debut in a 2-1 Euros qualifier defeat of the Republic of Ireland last month, scored 11 times in 17 WSL appearances last term.Man City forward Jess Park, 23, is one of the three remaining players in the running for the PFA’s award.The versatile winger played an influential role in City’s attack during the second half of last term, after her attacking midfielder team-mate Jill Roord sustained a knee ligament injury in January.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHer four goals and five assists in 18 games helped Gareth Taylor’s side bag a Champions League place a season after they finished fourth and missed out on a spot in last term’s contest.  Manchester United duo Grace Clinton and Maya Le Tissier are the other two nominees for the women’s young player award.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ Clinton flourished during her season-long loan at Tottenham helping the team reach a Women’s FA Cup final for the first time ever this year.Her commanding displays in midfield at club level, which include four goals and four assists in 20 WSL games, also led to her receiving her first senior England call-up last October.Khiara Keating is one of two Manchester City players nominated by the PFA for their women’s young player gongCredit: GettyThe Liverpool-born midfielder went net on her senior Lionesses debut four months later in a 7-2 friendly win against Austria in February.Meanwhile Clinton’s Man United team-mate Maya Le Tissier started in all 22 of the team’s league games last season.The England defender, 22, helped the Red Devils win the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history when they beat Spurs 4-0 at Wembley in May. More

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      Ayaka Yamashita talks of Ederson admiration and trophy hunger after sealing three-year Manchester City switch

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      AYAKA YAMASHITA is hungry to make a trophy-winning mark at Manchester City after sealing a three-year move to the WSL giants.And the goalkeeper is relishing being the first pro City female player to have the same shirt number as the club’s Prem stopper Ederson.Ayaka Yamashita has become the fourth Japan international player to join Manchester CityYamashita’s arrival follows the goalkeeper competing with Japan in the women’s football contest at the Paris OlympicsCredit: AlamyToday the Cityzens unveiled Yamashita, who began her senior career atJapanese side Tokyo Beleza in, as their newest signing in this summer’s transfer window.The deal for the shot stopper, who won six top tier titles in her country will run until the summer of 2027. Last year she was named as Japan’s Women’s Football League’s most outstanding player.This summer Man City, who hope to end their title dry spell with their last win coming in 2016, have boosted their attacking and midfield options.  Read More Football Stories Ex-Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema and Japan forward Aoba Fujino are among the stars who have joined the side before the WSL’s returns in September.Yamashita’s switch from Japanese side INAC Kobe Leonessa sees her reunited at club level with her pal and City midfielder Yui Hasegawa.The keeper, who was part of the Japan side beaten 1-0 by Emma Hayes’ USA side at the Paris Olympics quarter-finals, will don the number 31 shirt.Like Ederson, who has lifted 17 major trophies with City including six Prem titles whilst wearing that number, Yamashita hopes to win big. Most read in FootballThe City keeper said: “During my time at Beleza, I used to play with Yui Hasegawa, who is here now, so she is very encouraging. “I’m really looking forward to playing with her again.”It’s also exciting to join a team with Ederson, whom I admire, and to wear the same shirt.”Last season was really close, I thought that while watching the games from Japan. “I want to support the team in winning titles and contribute to the team.”Because of my personality, I am very hungry. “I’ve won various trophies in Asia, but to level up myself, I felt the need to take on a challenge.”This is a famous club that everyone knows, and even now, it feels unbelievable to me.”Man City women’s managing director Charlotte O’Neill said: “Ayaka is an impressive goalkeeper and serial winner with an even more impressive number of domestic trophies to her name.”It has been a pleasure watching her on the world stage during her second Olympics these last few weeks”As we continue to evolve, having a player with attributes like Ayaka’s will help us challenge for honours for years to come.”Yamashita’s move comes three months after City were beaten to last season’s title on goal difference by Chelsea in Hayes’ final season at the Blues helm.Under Taylor the Manchester giants have taken battles for WSL supremacy to the wire last season and in 2021.Having won the FA and League Cups under their boss the team are eager to end their wait to win the title for the first time since 2016.Khiara Keating shone in goal for Man City last seasonCredit: PAYamashita joining the ranks will see highly-rated stopper Khiara Keating face competition for a starting spot in Taylor’s side.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe young Lioness has established herself as City’s number one between the sticks having impressed for the team last season Last term Keating won the WSL’s Golden Glove award by keeping nine clean sheets in 22 appearances. More

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      Chloe Kelly looks sensational in bold wedding gown as England Lionesses hero ties the knot with long-term boyfriend

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      CHLOE KELLY now has a rival day for the ‘best day of her life’ after she tied the knot with long-term partner Scott Moore.The Manchester City and England star will surely have thought the day she sealed European Championship success for the Lionesses was her peak moment until her stunning wedding last month.Chloe Kelly tied the knot with long-term partner Scott Moore last monthCredit: British VogueChloe stunned in a bold dress on the wonderful occasionCredit: British VogueHer wedding day will surely rival the moment she won England the Euros as her ‘best day ever’Credit: ReutersChloe pushed the Lionesses over the line at Euro 2022 with a late goal to beat Germany in the final at WembleyCredit: GettyKelly, 26, married Moore in a spectacular ceremony after the pair got engaged in December during a trip to Finnish Lapland.Kelly stunned in bold wedding gown at the wedding that saw a whole host of familiar faces attend, including fellow football stars Steph Houghton and Ruby Mace as bridesmaids.The pair married at Merrydale Manor in Cheshire with celebrations going on until 2am at the venue.Before the happy couple invited their nearest and dearest back to their house for an extension of the celebrations until 4:30am.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKelly and Moore had been dating for over five years before their wedding, but Kelly revealed to Vogue that their romance almost slipped away before it even started.She said: “Scott was working as a groundsman at Everton while I was playing there.“One day I held the door for him, and ever since that day he kept saying he was going to message me. “When he did slide into my DMs, I didn’t see it for ages, because it was in my requests folder, and then when I did see it I was like, ‘Who is this?’ Most read in Football”But when I saw a few people that I knew had followed him, I realised, I must know him!”Kelly’s triplet brothers, Ryan, Jamie, and Martin, were three of Scott’s groomsmen, and her sister Paris was her maid of honour.Kelly and Moore shared a kiss as they left the ceremonyCredit: PP.Guests showered the happy couple in confettiCredit: PP.England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awardsThe ceremony took place at 2pm and was followed by drinks and food for the guests, with the happy couple whisked away in a Rolls Royce.During the reception there was a cocktail hour, the cutting of a four-tier cake, live music, DJ sets, and a magician on hand to keep the guests entertained.Kelly and Moore also took to the dance-floor for their first dance – sharing the moment to the song “Never Change” by Picture This.Despite making a career out of staying ice cool in the biggest moments, Kelly admitted she was nervous before setting off down the aisle – something she never experiences with her football.She told Vogue: “I’d never been nervous like that.“I don’t really get nervous for games, we train to prepare for those moments, it’s just natural.Whereas the wedding day is just something I haven’t done before! I actually felt sick.”Kelly’s celebrations were perfectly timed with no international tournament for the Lionesses this summer, giving her plenty of time to enjoy the moment.But it’ll be back to the grind now with the WSL season fast approaching.Kelly’s Man City side begin their new league season with a trip to capital against Arsenal on September 22.But preparations will begin much in advance to that game with City’s first pre-season clash in Australia against Leicester City on August 28.READ MORE SUN STORIESThroughout her career Kelly has played for Arsenal, Everton and Man City at club level.While she has also made 45 appearances for the Lionesses, famously netting the winning goal in England’s Euro 2022 triumph over Germany.Kelly and Moore have been together for five yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM/@CHLOEKELLYThe pair met while Moore was a groundsman at Everton, where Kelly used to playCredit: Instagram @chloekellyThe happy couple got engaged underneath the northern lights in DecemberCredit: Instagram @chloekellyKelly is one of England’s biggest starsCredit: GettyShe’s due to be back in action for Man City at the end of the monthCredit: Getty More

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      Lauren Hemp eager to get WSL title job done and backs Vivianne Miedema to be slick for Manchester City

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      LAUREN HEMP hopes to avoid an “edge of the seat” finish when Manchester City battle for next season’s WSL crown.And the forward, 23, is backing Vivianne Miedema to be a massive addition for City, just like her Dutch compatriot Jill Roord.Lauren Hemp hopes Man City can see off their rivals in the race for next season’s WSL titleCredit: GettyLast month the WSL side made former Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema their first signing in this summer’s transfer windowCredit: PAMan City boss Gareth Taylor has reinforced his attacking options by signing 20-year-old Japan forward Aoba FujinoIn seven weeks and two days, Hemp and her team-mates begin their push for a second Women’s Super League title for City when the WSL returns. Her side, who were runners-up last season, will battle to become champions with their last triumph occurring eight years ago. After the disappointment of being pipped by Chelsea due to goal difference, Hemp is hungry to see Man City come out on top next year.The Lioness, who signed a three-year contract extension in April, said: “We’re hoping to not make it edge of the seat towards the end of the season and hopefully get the job done.Read More Football Stories “We’ve seen over the last few years how much the women’s games has grown – especially the WSL.”It’s going from strength to strength each year and I’m very excited about the prospect of the title race”We’ve seen in recent years how it always comes down to the wire.”But it’s what you want to be involved in and I’m excited for whatever happens this season.”Most read in FootballThis summer’s transfer window has seen an array of talents join clubs across the top two tiers of women’s football.Players such as Spain forward Mariona Caldentey and England full-back Lucy Bronze have swapped Barcelona for moves to Arsenal and title holders Chelsea.And Man United boosted their attacking options by signing Norway striker Elisabeth Terland, who finished as last term’s third highest WSL scorer with 13 goals in 22 games. City have pulled off some major swoops of their own this summer. New additions include defender Risa Shimizu who joined from West Ham before suffering a knee injury during Japan’s 2-1 loss to Spain at the Paris Olympics on July 26. Today the club also strengthened their attacking ranks by signing Shimizu’s Japan team-mate Aoba Fujino. Memorable goals for the ex-Tokyo Verdy Beleza starlet include a stunning angled strike against Spain when Japan beat them 4-0 in the World Cup group stage last July. But arguably the biggest signing for City this summer is Miedema. The prolific forward joined as a free agent after leaving Arsenal at the end of last season after seven years.The 28-year-old. signed on a three-year deal last month, is currently the WSL’s all-time leading scorer.  And her move follows a couple of injury-disrupted seasons. Jill has been a massive player in our squad and hopefully Viv will be the same.Lauren Hemp on Vivianne MiedemaLast October Miedema made her long-awaited return to action after rupturing a knee ligament in December 2022. And in March the Netherlands ace underwent a minor knee operation which kept her out of match action for several weeks. However Miedema, who started in three of the nine WSL games she played in last term, netted on her final Arsenal appearance in May – a 5-0 defeat of Bristol. In the seven years she has played in England following a move from Bayern Munich, Miedema has scored 125 goals in 172 Gunners appearances.A season-opening clash between Arsenal and Man City could see her battle her old side at the Emirates on September 22. And Hemp is confident the player, whose compatriots Roord and Kerstin Casperij, have impressed for City, will also make her mark. She adds: “She’s a great signing and I’ve looked up to her for quite a long time in my career. “She went on to do amazing things for Arsenal.”Having her in the squad is exciting and everyone’s looking forward to that. “I’m glad we got the signing in over the line and hopefully she’ll bring a lot to the team. “Her fellow Dutchy in Jill has been a massive player in our squad and hopefully Viv will do the same.”This summer Hemp has been spending time in her home town of North Walsham. One Tuesday she was spotted watching her former club Norwich City play Wroxham Women, and posed for pictures with fans following the Canaries’ 5-0 win. Football aside, Hemp recently made a brief return to the cricket field in July. The England forward is backing the ‘Everyone In campaign’ led by KP Snacks to encourage people to get more active by taking up the sport.During her years as a Norwich City youth player, Hemp juggled playing football alongside cricket for Norfolk Women.At 16, the WSL star faced a tough choice on which sport to pursue.She opted to join Bristol City in 2016 after eight years with Norwich, including one season playing for the club’s elite boys’ team. Hemp said: “I was heavily involved in the England youth set-up with football.”It was probably around the time when I was deciding where I was going to continue playing football. “That ended up being at Bristol, when I moved home and went to college when I was about 16.“It was around then I realised I can’t do both. In the summer, I’d play a lot of cricket and in the winter, it’d be more to do football.”I love both sports and it was a hard decision at the time. But I’m very grateful that I ended up choosing to play football.”Last month Hemp took part in a cricket training session for children in ManchesterLast month Hemp, whose pals include Manchester Originals wicket keeper and batter Ellie Threkeld, took part in a cricket masterclass for children.The session at Cheetham Hill Sports Club, Manchester, was hosted by KP Snacks’ prior to the start of The Hundred. Games taking place this month as part of the 100-ball cricket contest include Manchester Originals’ clash with the Northern Superchargers. Both sides will go toe-to-toe at Headingley in Leeds this Sunday.Hemp adds: “I seem to watch a lot of matches whether that be tests or T20 games, which are on TV on SkyREAD MORE SUN STORIES “I’ve stuck it on while I’ve got free time in the afternoon.”This includes Ellie and the girls from the Manchester Originals. I like to see them do well.”Hemp’s pal Ellie Threkeld (pictured centre-left), also took part in the training session held as part of a campaign to promote The HundredThe Hundred – Women’s FixturesSaturday 3 August 11:00 – Birmingham Phoenix vs Southern Brave (Edgbaston) 14:30 – Trent Rockets vs Welsh Fire (Trent Bridge) Sunday 4 August 11:00 – London Spirit vs Ovals Invincibles (Lords) 14:30 – Northern Superchargers vs Manchester Originals (Headingley)Monday 5 August 15:00 – Welsh Fire vs Southern Brave (Sophia Gardens)Tuesday 6 August 11:30 – Manchester Originals vs Oval Invincibles (Emirates, Old Trafford) 15:00 – Birmingham Phoenix vs Northern Superchargers (Edgbaston) Wednesday 7 August15:00 – Trent Rockets vs London Spirit (Trent Bridge) Thursday 8 August 11:30 – Welsh Fire vs Northern Superchargers (Sophia Gardens) 15:00 – Oval Invincibles vs Southern Brave (The Oval) Friday 9 August 15:00 – London Spirit vs Manchester Originals (Lords) Saturday 10 August 11:00 – Southern Brave vs Trent Rockets (Utilita Bowl) 14:30 – Welsh Fire vs Birmingham Phoenix (Sophia Gardens)Sunday 11 August 11:00 – Oval Invincibles vs London Spirit (The Oval) 14:30 – Manchester Originals vs Northern Superchargers (Emirates Old Trafford) Monday 12 August15:00 Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets (Edgbaston)Tuesday 13 August 15:00 – Northern Superchargers vs London Spirit (Headingley) Wednesday 14 August 11:30 – Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire (Utilita) 15:00 – Trent Rocket vs Oval Invincibles (Trent Bridge) Thursday 15 August 15:00 – Birmingham Phoenix vs Manchester Originals (Edgbaston) Sunday 18 August 14:15 – Final (Lords) More

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      Daphne van Domselaar eager to win silverware with Arsenal after sealing permanent switch from Aston Villa

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      DAPHNE VAN DOMSELAAR talked up hopes of acheiving big things with Arsenal after sealing a permanent move from Aston Villa today.  The Dutch goalkeeper, 24, had been heavily linked with a Gunners switch to according to reports in the Netherlands.Daphne van Domselaar sees Arsenal as the right club to be atCredit: GettyGunners boss Jonas Eidevall believes the Netherlands-born shot stopper will be a strong addition to his squadCredit: GettyVan Domselaar’s move to the North London side brought her time with the Villans to an end after 13 months.The Netherlands international will wear the team’s number 14 shirt and compete with Manuela Zinsberger and Naomi Williams for a starting spot. And the length of her deal with Arsenal has not been publicly disclosed by the clubOf her Gunners transfer Van Domselaar said: “I’m really happy to be here.Read More Football stories”If you look at Arsenal – the players, the team, the stadium – it’s a huge club and I’m so excited to be part of this club.”I want to win trophies and achieve big things, and Arsenal is the right place for me to do both.”I can’t wait to play at Emirates Stadium in front of all the supporters and show what I can do.”Van Domselaar, who began her senior playing career at Dutch top-flight side FC Twente in 2017, is regarded as one of Europe’s rising goalkeeper stars.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe made 106 appearances for Twente, during her six years at the club, winning three league titles and five domestic trophies. The ex-Villa keeper helped the Netherlands reach the last eight of the 2022 Euros after replacing injured team-mate Sari van Veenendaal in the contest’s group stage.Last term saw Van Domselaar make 14 WSL appearances for Villa, before her season was cut short by a hip operation.Along with Mary Earps the Netherlands international was also one of two goalkeepers nominated for last year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or award.Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “She is a top goalkeeper and already has considerable experience on some of the biggest stages. “We believe she has a great deal of potential for future development, too.”Van Domselaar will wear Arsenal’s number 14 shirtCredit: Getty”Daphne will further strengthen our goalkeeper unit alongside Manuela and Naomi.”She will be a strong addition to the team as we prepare for an important new season.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVan Domselaar marked her Arsenal switch by meeting five young goalkeepers from the Under 10s and Under 11s girls section of the club’s academy. The players named Caitlin, Liv, Brooke, Ines and Ciara all took part in a drills session with first team goalkeeper coach Seb Barton. More

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      Canada Women’s boss Bev Priestman apologises to players after spy drone incident at Paris Olympics  

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      BEV PRIESTMAN admitted to being “heartbroken” for Canada’s women’s side after they had six-points docked at the Paris Olympics. Earlier today the Durham-born head coach apologised for the impact that drone spying accusations has had on the team’s players.Bev Priestman says Canada’s players “care very much about sportsmanship and integrity”Credit: APThe team received a six-point deduction at the Paris Olympics amid allegations of drones being used to spy on rivals New ZealandCredit: GettyPriestman, 38, who guided the side to a gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 games, is one of three Canada Soccer officials suspended by Fifa from all football-related activity for 12 months. The ban on the former Lionesses No2, and staff members Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi, follows complaints of drones being used to spy on Olympic rivals New Zealand’s training sessions. And today Canada’s federal government announced it will withhold funding for women’s football team officials suspended by Fifa following the drone spying incident.Canada must win their remaining group stage fixtures and will need results to go their way to keep their medal hopes alive. Read More Football Stories Today Priestman’s legal representatives Lucentum Sports and Entertainment Law, shared a written statement from the head coach. In it, she said: “I am absolutely heartbroken for the players and I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them. “I know how hard they have worked following a difficult year in 2023, and that they are a group of people who care very much about sportsmanship and integrity. “As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation. Most read in Football”To Canada, I am sorry. You have been my home and a country I have fallen in love with. “I hope you will continue to support these extremely talented and hardworking players, to help them defy all odds and show their true character. “This programme and team have allowed this country to reach the pinnacle of women’s soccer, and their winning of the gold medal was earned through sheer grit and determination despite reports to the contrary. “I fought with every ounce of my being to make this programme better, much of which will never be known or understood. “I wish I could say more, but I will refrain at this time given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, I will be cheering from afar.”Last week New Zealand’s Olympic Committee lodged an official complaint with the IOC and reported to police that a drone was seen flying over their training session.  The drone was spotted hovering above their session ahead of their Thursday night clash with the reigning Olympic champions.Following the complaint Priestman withdrew from attending her side’s group stage duel with the Kiwis, which Canada won 2-1 in Saint-Etienne.  The head coach was removed from her role at the games by Canada’s Olympic Committee last Thursday after being suspended by the country’s soccer association. This followed her assistant Mander and non-accredited analyst Lombardi also being dismissed from the team’s camp by the COC. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe COC stated this occurred after a second drone incident had emerged.The country’s national soccer association have also been handed a £175,720 fine as part of the sanctions announced by Fifa. Canada will take on Colombia in their final group A clash at the Paris games on July 31Credit: Getty More

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      Canada football heroine sympathises with women’s team over ‘hard week’ at Paris Olympics after spy drone scandal

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      EX-Canada star Diana Matheson has thrown her weight behind her nation’s women’s football side following spy drone allegations. The retired midfielder slammed the scandal for drawing attention “from the entire Canadian Olympic team” at the Paris games. Canada will play France this evening after having six points deducted from their Paris Olympics group stage tallyCredit: GettyCanada’s match against France comes a day after Fifa banned head coach Bev Priestman from football for one yearCredit: GettyThe Tokyo 2020 gold medallists, who play France tonight, face a battle to progress beyond the group stage after having six points deducted.Their match comes hours after the Canadian government announced it will withold funding for three national team officials involved in the spy drone allegations. The officials, include Durham-born head coach Bev Priestman, who has been suspended from football for one year after being accused of using drones to snoop on Olympic rivals New Zealand.Yesterday evening Matheson, who retired in 2021 and was part of the sides that won bronze at the 2012 and 2016 games, shared her thoughts following Fifa penalising the defending champions. Read More Football Stories Their punishment comes after New Zealand made a complaint to the International Olympic Committee last week, alleging a Canada Soccer support staff member flew a drone over their training session.Following the accusation Joseph Lombardi, a “non-accredited” analyst working for Canada Soccer, was arrested. He later received an eight-month suspended sentence after a drone was deployed to spy on the Football Ferns before a group stage clash between the sides.On Saturday Fifa announced Canada boss Priestman, who is a former Lionesses No2, had been “suspended from taking part in any football-related activity for one year”.Most read in FootballThe head coach was, according to the Canadian Olympic Committee, “highly likely” to have known of two alleged incidents involving drones being used to spy on her team’s opponents.Her assistant Jasmine Mander and Lombardi, who served as a Canada team staff member at last summer’s Women’s World Cup, were also banned from the sport for a year.Other sanctions include a £175,720 fine for the Canadian Soccer Association. Via her X account, Matheson, who is set to establish a professional women’s football league in Canada in 2025, wrote: “It’s been a hard week to say the least for Canadian women’s soccer players past and present.”I haven’t had said much because I haven’t really known what to say.”Like many Canadians I’ve been working through many emotions on this story that has become such a distraction for not just the WNT (women’s national team) but drawn attention away from the entire Canadian Olympic team.””What I’m one hundred per cent clear on though is that I stand with the players.”The players that represent Canada know exactly what it means to represent Canada. What it means to be a Canadian athlete.”I’m with you. Canadians are with you. Last game, next game, all the games, we are right there with you.”Take six points from us? Fine, let’s go and get nine.”Canada, who beat New Zealand 2-1 in their Group A opener, can still reach the knockouts of the women’s football contest at the Paris games.France are currently top of group A in the Paris Olympics’ women’s football tournamentCredit: AFPHowever the team must win their two remaining group stage games and will need other results to go their way.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir squad contains a number of past and present Women’s Super League stars.Players include Chelsea’s defenders Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence and Arsenal and Aston Villa forwards Cloe Lacasse and Adriana Leon. More

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      WSL weeks away from start of new era under football body led by former Nike director

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      A club-owned organisation taking charge of women’s football’s top two tiers in England is set to be up and running from next season.The body named NewCo, will take over management of the WSL and Women’s Championship before the September start of the 2024-25 campaign.NewCo will take from the FA as the body in charge of the Women’s Super League from next seasonCredit: AlamyThe club-owned body intends to establish an advisory group for fans as part of its plans for the women’s game’s top two tiersCredit: PAIts takeover is set to be completed ahead of the Women’s Championship resuming on September 7-8 and WSL matches commencing two weekends later.The move will see NewCo take up the reins from the FA following the authority being in charge of the WSL and second tier since 2010 and 2014.It will also come ten months after the appointment of former Nike director Nikki Doucet as NewCo’s chief executive.Over the past 14 years the FA has overseen the development and professionalisation of both divisions.Read More Football Stories This includes leading the brokering of multimillion pound domestic broadcast deals for WSL games to be aired on Sky Sports and the BBC.NewCo’s first board meeting will be held in September and followed by an inaugural gathering for their shareholders in October.There are also plans to establish a fans’ advisory group at a date yet to be specified.A number of senior officials have been hired to support the running of NewCo. An interim chief marketing officer is in post and chief football officer has been recruited.Most read in FootballFrom next season WSL games will be available to watch on YouTube in addition to Sky Sports and the BBCCredit: GettyAnd a chief revenue officer is due to start working for the organisation on September 2.NewCo’s takeover of the women’s games’ top two divisions will coincide with WSL matches being streamed on YouTube next season. Although league fixtures will transition from being aired on FA Player, the online platform will continue to host live Women’s FA Cup games. More