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      Kaminski says Crystal Palace must not to be overhelmed by ‘season of firsts’ in the Women’s Super League

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      LAURA KAMINSKI wants Crystal Palace to avoid being overwhelmed by their top-flight status following their WSL debut.And the Eagles boss reckons her side will show their top-flight pedigree when they host Chelsea tonight.Crystal Palace’s will host Chelsea in their first WSL outing at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyLaura Kaminksi says her players are prepared for the challenge they will face from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to maintain their unbeaten run under Sonia BompastorCredit: GettyPalace welcome the title-holders to Selhurst Park in their first London derby clash at the stadium in the Women’s Super League. The match will see Chelsea take on the South London side for the first time in the division.And the Eagles hope to take flight in the race for points after their 4-0 loss away to Tottenham last time out.Kaminski, whose side will visit Leicester next Sunday, said: “It’s a big opportunity and a big moment but it’s important that it doesn’t overwhelm the squad or me.Read More Football Stories”We’ve done so well to get into this position. “We need to remember this is what we want to do for many years to come.”Although there are many firsts this season, we need to make sure those moments don’t overwhelm us. “We’re there to play and to compete.Most read in Football“We’re expecting a lot of people and it will be great for the players to experience a night-time game. That will be a little bit new for us.“Our schedule looks different this season with fixtures timings.”Chelsea are a great side in terms of the players they have got. “We have looked at them at length so I know their threats and strengths. We will be prepared for them.”Palace’s rise to the top division in England comes just 14 months after Kaminski’s appointment as head coach.The Eagles boss took on the job following her role as a first-team assistant at Charlton Women and as a Spurs assistant for three years before then.Like Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, 44, Kaminski is one of three female managers who are new to being head coaches in the WSL.And the Palace chief believes her side will have a point to prove when they face Bompastor’s Blues.  Kaminski adds: “It’s a new manager so a change for them and will bring differences to their squad and tactics no doubt.”It’s only the second game of the season so it’s a tough start for us but that’s what we wanted and expected.”We want to showcase ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. “Sonia is a very respectable manager and she has achieved loads in her career as well as the players on the pitch.”But we have a lot of points to prove as well. We want to be here to stay. We want to make this club proud of our performance.”One key Palace player currently out of action due to an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury is striker Elise Hughes. The Wales ace, who won last term’s Women’s Championship’s Golden Boot, is making good progress in her journey back to fitness. Kaminski said: “Elise in a good place and we need to make sure that we’re doing everything right in the final stages of her rehabilitation.”She’s in a pivotal stage of rehabilitation. She’s moved from inside the condition of the gym to outside in terms of running. “She gets to see the green stuff again and that’s a big turning point for her.”Meanwhile Bompastor has no intention of taking the WSL’s newest contenders lightly despite their limited experience in the league. Bompastor says Chelsea will treat Palace with respect in their derby duelCredit: GettyThe Blues boss, who guided her side to a 1-0 season-opening win, said: “From my experience as a coach, but also as a former, we need to respect everyone.”A lot of teams play differently when they play Chelsea. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I expect them to be at their best level and we have to be prepared for that.”Crystal Palace vs Chelsea can be watched live on Sky Showcase and Sky Sports Premier League at 7:30pm tonight More

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      Euros winner Giorgio Chiellini teams up with Eni Aluko as retired footballers invest in exciting business venture

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      GIORGIO CHIELLINI is embarking on a new career venture after hanging up his boots. The Juventus legend has invested in women’s multi-club ownership group Mercury/13. Giorgio Chiellini is investing in women’s football after hanging up his bootsCredit: GettyHe has joined up with Mercury/13, who have former Lionesses star Eni Aluko on the booksCredit: RexNo-nonsense centre-back Chiellini enjoyed an illustrious career for both club and country.He won the Euros with Italy in 2021 and was a nine-time Serie A champion with The Old Lady. Chiellini retired last year after spending his final season in the US with Los Angeles FC.His experience over the pond helped demonstrate the “potential” of women’s football to the 40-year-old.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChiellini announced his partnership with the consortium on Wednesday. He wrote on his Instagram page: “I’m really excited to share that I’ve joined Mercury/13 as an investor.”It’s a multi-club ownership group focused on supporting and growing women’s football globally.”After spending time in the USA, I saw the incredible strides women’s football is making there and how much potential it still has to unlock in Europe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”That experience inspired me, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s all about creating new opportunities for female athletes and taking the sport to the next level internationally.”Mercury/13 has pledged to invest more than £80 million into transforming women’s clubs around the world.Eni Aluko joins new US team Angel City owned by Hollywood big shots including Eva Longoria Former Lionesses star Eni Aluko is among those already partnered with the project.The group recently acquired Como Women, a mid-table team in Italy’s Serie A Femminile.They also describe investing in England and the Women’s Super League as an “absolute priority”.Mario Malave, Mercury/13’s co-chief executive said: “I would say there’s no higher potential than women’s football today.”If you give women’s football dedicated management, dedicated capital, and nurture it, it’s going to grow and blossom tremendously and become that sustainable business.”It’s nonsensical to expect it to be that today, if no-one’s invested in it over the last 100 years.” More

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      Manuela Zinsberger urges Arsenal to overcome ‘hard hit’ in Women’s Champions League battle with BK Hacken

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      MANUELA ZINSBERGER wants Arsenal to avoid dwelling on past Champions League results ahead of their decisive push for a group stage spot. However the Gunners will be without Leah Williamson with the defender ruled out of their clash with BK Hacken tomorrow. Manuela Zinsberger says Arsenal’s expectation is to get beyond the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: GettyArsenal are aiming to beat BK Hacken in their decisive second round qualifier clashCredit: GettyThe England skipper, 27, was placed in concussion protocol before her club’s WSL season-opening draw with City on Sunday.Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall explained she sustained concussion during an incident in training.The head coach said: “I don’t have a timeframe on Leah’s injury at the moment. It’s guided by our medical team.””When I have something more concrete to communicate, I will do that.”Read More Football StoriesArsenal host Swedish outfit Hacken at Meadow Park tomorrow evening in a second-leg clash in the Women’s Champions League second round qualifiers.Eidevall’s players require a win by two goals or more in order to reach the contest’s group stage, with their rivals having a 1-0 first-leg win advantage. And much is riding on the result with club chiefs planning to host the team’s remaining duels in the contest at the Emirates this season.Arsenal shot stopper Zinsberger, 28, said: “The Champions League should be motivation enough no matter what happened last season.Most read in Football”I’m not a fan of talking about the past. “I’m more a fan of looking forward and our motivation is as high as last season – I would say even higher.”Our expectation is (reaching) the group stage or (going) even further, but taking it step-by-step.”The motivation is high to win the game and turn it around and finally get to the group stages.”Zinsberger, who made 18 top-flight appearances last term, was part of the Arsenal team beaten on penalties by Paris FC in the Champions League qualifying stage last September.  And she hopes to help her side see off Hacken in their battle for a group stage spot following the Gunners’ loss last Wednesday.The Austria No1 added: “It’s important to learn (from that) and it was definitely a hard hit for us.”We all hadn’t expected that one, but it definitely hit us the way it shouldn’t, but it was a big learning that you have to take every chance as it would be your last.”With Hacken, we haven’t underestimated them, we’ve seen how good they are.”But I don’t want to talk about them, for us we’ve got to perform and we have to be at our best.”Tomorrow’s game comes three days before Jonas Eidevall’s side’s league trip to Leicester, having nabbed a point against Manchester City in their season opener. With club chiefs committing to making the Emirates their main home for WSL and European fixtures this term, Eidevall is eager to see them progress.  The Arsenal boss adds: “It’s that pressure we put on ourselves that we need to get into the group stage, and that’s what we should do.”Lotte Wubben-Moy is expected to start alongside Laia Codina in Arsenal’s central defenceCredit: GettyTomorrow’s match is likely to see Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina in central defence in the absence of Williamson.READ MORE SUN STORIESEidevall said: “Leah is a fantastic player and she would be missed by any team, but the strength of our squad is we have players like Manuela. “We have Lotte and Codi (Codina) playing phenomenally well together.” More

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      Women’s football chief says banking giant doubling investment in top two divisions is a ‘landmark moment’

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      NIKKI DOUCET says a new deal with Barclays to double its sponsorship of the WSL and Women’s Championship is a “historic” moment for the game.The English women’s football chief was sharing her thoughts on the new multi-year agreement thought to be worth £45million.Barclays has doubled its sponsorship of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyWPPL chief Nikki Doucet described the new agreement as a landmark moment for women’s footballThe deal, announced today, is claimed to be double the value of the bank’s previous investment as a title sponsor of the WSL and Women’s Championship.It is thought to be around £15m annually over three years. It is the first multimillion sponsorship agreement to be sealed by the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited’s (WPLL) since its takeover of the top two tiers of the game. WPLL chief Nikki Doucet told Sky Sports: “This is a landmark historic moment for women’s football.Read More Football Stories “No one can question Barclay’s commitment. They’ve been a long-term partner. “They’ve seen their investment and what’s happening with all the growth in the women’s game and their belief in the growth going forward.“It’s incredible to see them double their investment and to continue to partner with us.”When Barclays commenced its title sponsorship of the WSL in 2019, the deal was the largest investment into women’s sport in the UK made by a brand.Most read in FootballIn the past five years the league has become the most followed women’s domestic sports division.Average attendances at games are claimed to have risen by 283 per cent since the 2021-22 season.Doucet adds: “The aim is for us to continue to grow and to put on the best football competition we possibly can and continue to watch exciting football.”Barclays partnership with the FA has also been extended for another four years.The banking firm intends to use it to focus on improving equality on and off the pitch through a girls’ football partnerships with schools.The announcement comes four days after respondents to a Sky Sports study said watching female athletes on television inspires young women to take part in sport.Findings from the research, which explored increased visibility of sportswomen, were released before the start of the 2024-25 WSL season which kicked off last Friday (September 20).According to Sky, 70 per cent of the 2,000 18 to 29-year-olds questioned see professional athletes as the most influential role models in sport for young women.And more than three quarters (78%) believe female footballers are becoming more prominent in both celebrity culture and fashion. Last weekend’s WSL season-openers saw Chelsea, Brighton, Manchester United and Tottenham pick up wins from their first games of this campaign. And last term’s title runners-up Manchester City drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Emirates while Leicester also claimed a point on the road drawing 1-1 with Liverpool.Meanwhile in the Women’s Championship Charlton are currently top of the table and unbeaten after three games. Doucet is hopeful this term’s Women’s Championship and WSL contests will be most the competitive yetCredit: GettyAnd their promotion chasing rivals Birmingham and London City are on seven points each and with Durham, who are fourth, on six.READ MORE SUN STORIESWPLL boss Doucet said: “You’re going to see probably the most competitive WSL season yet. This past weekend showed a lot of that.”I think the Championship is going to be equally incredibly competitive”. More

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      North Korea win Women’s U20 World Cup final against Japan after stunning victories over USA and Brazil

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      NORTH KOREA have won the Women’s U20 World Cup after beating Japan in the final.Choe Il-Son was the hero as she netted a brilliant winner to hand North Korea the trophy.North Korea are Women’s U20 World Cup championsCredit: EPAChoe Il-Son celebrates with her team-mates after netting the winnerCredit: RexThey shocked several big favourites on the road to glory in Bogata including USA and Brazil.And the final continued the theme with North Korea big underdogs going up against Japan.But they created a piece of history and their 1-0 win means they are U20 World Cup champions for a third time.Choe was the hero and she won the game in style, bending a left-footed shot into the back of the net with the help of a headed flick from a defender.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 17-year-old picked up the ball on the right flank and cleverly stepped over it, allowing her to beat her marker to the ball.She then darted inside before unleashing the curling drive that the goalkeeper was unable to keep out.That sparked wild scenes as Choe’s team-mates all rushed over and a massive pile-on ensued.Fans were amazed by the victory and many offered their congratulations.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne fan said: “What a team!!”Another added: “Congratulations girls. You are the best.”Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, admits dementia fears as legendary Man Utd boss opens up on tragic death of wife CathyAnd a third wrote: “Well deserved to be honest. They were good throughout the tournament.👏🏽” More

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      Women’s FA Cup clash abandoned as goalkeeper rushed to hospital after medical emergency

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      A WOMEN’S FA Cup tie was abandoned due to a goalkeeper’s medical emergency.Salford’s Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in “very visible distress” at Wythenshawe FC and was rushed to hospital after treatment. The Women’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie was ended early due to a ‘distressing’ medical problem for Salford stopper Grace PomfretCredit: GettyHer club released a statement, explaining it was “too upsetting to continue” the match following the worrying incident in the 34th minute.Salford later said Pomfret was in a “stable condition” in hospital.Fans shared their relief on social media and posted get-well wishes to the stopper, who has been with home-town team Salford since 2020.The club said in a statement: “The game was stopped after goalkeeper Grace Pomfret went down off the ball in very visible distress.READ MORE FOOTBALL”Salford medical staff were quick to respond and call for emergency assistance, and we are thankful to all involved for their hasty and attentive response.”Due to the distressing scenes, it was decided that it was not possible to continue playing the game.”At Salford, we know that ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’ and as a family of players and staff it was noted the environment was too upsetting to continue.”Grace was in a conscious state and was applauded off the pitch as paramedics took her to hospital, and we all wish her well for a full recovery.”Most read in FootballThe specific problem suffered by Pomfret during the second qualifying round game has not been disclosed.But fans were just encouraged to hear she was “stable”.One posted: “I was at the game and saw her go down, really upset me to see that, hope she makes a speedy recovery god bless Grace and her poor mum x”Another wrote: “Glad she’s doing better, I hope she recovers well .”Many others sent their good wishes.Meanwhile, with Pomfret’s condition rightly the priority, Salford explained that “a further update about the tie will be provided in due course”. More

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      ‘Milan’s maternity policy is a big thing. It gives you an opportunity to not have to make a big sacrifice’

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      NADIA NADIM hopes AC Milan’s move to guarantee contract renewals for players who become pregnant can be adopted by other elite clubs.The Milan forward, who is a qualified doctor, would also like to see top sides help female footballers to access egg freezing services.Nadia Nadim says AC Milan’s maternity policy is a positive move for female players hoping to have childrenCredit: GettyPlayers who get pregnant in the final year of their deals are guaranteed automatic contract renewalsCredit: GettyNadim, whose team take on Inter in the Milan derby today, has been reflecting on her club’s new maternity policy.In August AC Milan announced it would guarantee the renewal of contracts for its female players who get pregnant in the final year of their deals.The Italian top-flight giants now provide an automatic renewal with a one-year extension on the same economic terms on a player’s existing contract.  The decision saw them become the first club in Europe to introduce this maternity policy. Read More Football StoriesIt includes assistance with childcare, travel and accommodation expenses for female players’ children. The club says players who are expectant mums will also be provided with access to expert advice on physiotherapy and nutritional issues.Nadim, who joined Milan this January, said: “For female athletes it’s sometimes hard to find the right balance between wanting to compete at the highest level, or to have a family.”As athletes, we work hard, but we sacrifice even more. At a certain point it’s between choosing. Most read in Football”A lot of us might stop (our playing careers) at, say, 37 and for some of it gets really hard to get pregnant.”And I know this as a doctor, it doesn’t become easier, it becomes harder.”You have female players who reach the end of their careers and think, ‘holy s**t, I really want to start a family, but right now, it seems really hard’.”But AC Milan’s policy is a big thing.”Having this opportunity (of a guaranteed contract renewal) is brilliant, and I really hope that more clubs are going to follow.”Before joining Milan, Nadim spent two years playing for US top-flight women’s side Racing Louisville following spells at Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain from 2018 to 2021.In 2021 the club became the first National Women’s Soccer League outfit to help players to access fertility preservation services including egg freezing and embryo freezing.Their initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Kentucky Fertility Institute.And it is one Nadim hopes to see replicated by other top tier football sides.The Milan forward adds: “Being able to freeze your eggs gives you a totally different pathway. “It’s something that European clubs could consider adopting.”Nadim, who was born in Herat in Afghanistan, fled to Denmark with her family in 2000, when they discovered the Taliban had executed her father.The 105-capped Denmark international, began playing football at the age of 12 before starting her senior playing career in 2006 with Danish side IK Skovbakken (now known as VSK Aarhus).In January 2022, Nadim, who was part of the Denmark team that reached the 2017 Women’s Euros finals, became a fully-qualified doctor specialising in reconstructive surgery.And the forward, who wrote a PhD on incontinence in elite women players, hopes to see more research done on the healthcare for female athletes.Nadim said: “Seeing bigger clubs trying to treat female players as individuals who have different needs, and trying to build the structure around them is pretty cool.”That’s where we should be heading to”.On the pitch Nadim hopes to help her side secure their first win in Italy’s women’s top-flight this season. Their opening two games ended as narrow 1-0 and 2-1 losses to Como and Fiorentina.Nadim and her AC Milan team-mates hope to beat Inter in a Serie A Women’ s derby duel todayCredit: GettyShe adds: “Milan are trying to build, we want to build, and it’s enjoyable. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ve got a new coach and a new way we want to play.”Our ambitions are to dominate in games and, step-by-step, become a great team and compete for championships.” More

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      Maya Le Tissier reflects on Manchester United captaincy chat with Sir Alex Ferguson that left her speechless

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      MAYA LE TISSIER joked that Sir Alex Ferguson left her speechless when the pair chatted about her Manchester United captaincy.And the Red Devils ace wants to be a skipper who wears her heart on her sleeve with her team ready to take down their WSL title rivals.Maya Le Tissier will skipper Man United at Old Trafford when they face West Ham in their first WSL game this seasonCredit: GettyThe Red Devils defender (left) intends to continue giving her all in her new roleCredit: GettyTomorrow Le Tissier, 22, will lead her team-mates out as captain for the first time at Old Trafford. Marc Skinner’s side will face West Ham in the opening fixture of the new Women’s Super League season.The 12midday clash comes 19 days after the England defender spoke with Sir Alex about what it means to be a Man United captain. The duo were watching Erik ten Hag’s men’s side take on Liverpool at Old Trafford, a Prem clash that United lost 3-0.Read More Football StoriesLe Tissier recalled: “It was unbelievable. There are not many people who leave me speechless and I didn’t know what to say to him.”It was at half time when they (the men’s team) played Liverpool. “They were losing at that point and I was thinking I don’t know what mood he’s going to be in. “But he was so nice and it was so surreal and he spoke to me about the responsibility of being captain. It was great to meet him.”Most read in FootballSince her July 2022 Manchester move from Brighton, Le Tissier has become a first team regular appearing in every single one of United’s league games in the past two seasons.The defender, whose side finished fifth last term, hopes to bring consistency on the pitch as captain and good vibes off it. She added: “It’s definitely about consistency first of all, and to make myself available for every game. “I think that’s the best thing you can give to your team-mates and to staff.”That’s my job to be there ready and to help the team.”On the pitch I wear my heart on my sleeve. “People know I’m with them, committed to them and will fight for them every single time.”Now there’s a bit more responsibility on the pitch to make things a little bit calmer. “It’s not something that I’ve had to really do, so I’ll make sure that I can really improve that.”Off the pitch, I’m just a sociable person. “I like to chat to anyone to be fair, unless it’s Sir Alex and then I don’t know what to say!”Le Tissier receiving the skipper’s armband this month, coincided with her United and England team-mate Ella Toone, 25, being named vice-captain.The Euros-winning midfielder, who scored in her side’s first-ever FA Cup final win in May, has made more than 150 United appearances .Le Tissier added: “Ella has been in so many finals and delivered in every single big moment.”It’s amazing to be on the same journey with her and to work together.”We’ve made it really clear that it’s not just being captain. “It’s me, her and the rest of the team and the leadership group as well.”It means a lot for me and Toons to be a part of it, especially her being a United fan who is from Manchester.”Since beginning her senior career five years ago at Albion, Le Tissier has emerged as one of the biggest football talents to come from Guernsey.If I can give the next generation a bit more support, I’ll feel like I’ve done my job.Maya Le Tissier Another star from the island who took the sport by storm is Southampton icon Matt Le Tissier, although the pair are not related.Like her namesake the defender, whose football journey began at a boys’ team called St Martins, hopes to be an inspiration for young players back home.Le Tissier said: “It means a lot to me to show them that you can do it, you can get to the top. “That’s not to say that I’m there now, but I’m on my way.”If I can create some here and there and give the next generation a bit more support, I’ll feel like I’ve done my job.””I remember (when I was living in Guernsey) I just wanted go over to the Women’s Super League and play as a pro. “That was the only thing I had in my mind.”When I went to Brighton, I thought (to myself), ‘I’m just going to go all the way now’. Le Tissier, Toone and their team-mates hope to put in a solid challenge for this term’s WSL titleCredit: Getty”I’m in it for the long run so I’m just going to do as best as I can.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And that’s brought me here today as captain”I’m really appreciative of the opportunities that have come my way and I can’t wait to see what else comes.” More