Women’s football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Mark Clattenburg says Rebecca Welch becoming an EFL referee is a ‘stepping stone’ for football

      by

      MARK CLATTENBURG hailed Rebecca Welch’s EFL refereeing appointment as a major leap forward for the men’s game.The former Premier League ref was full of praise for Welch and believes her amazing feat will help women become more accepted in the sport.
      Welch is set make history when she becomes the first women to officiate a men’s EFL fixtureCredit: Reuters
      Welch, 37, currently the highest-ranked female official in the country, will preside over Harrogate Town’s League Two duel with Port Vale.
      Clattenburg, 46, said a woman officiating in a men’s match was unheard of in his day.
      The former Prem ref told Sky Sports: “Rebecca Welch is an amazing story because she didn’t start until 27 so this is very late.
      “To achieve what she has done in 10 years, I want to wish her the best because this is her first step.
      “I remember at 25 when I first refereed a football league game and that was unheard of.
      “To break those barriers is so important, so everybody will be watching Rebecca.
      “We all want to wish her well because this is the stepping stone that can enhance and make women more accepted in the men’s game.”
      Clattenburg knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level of football officiating. 
      The Durham-born ref was in charge of the Champions League final and European Cup final in 2016, before retiring in 2017 ahead of a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
      Welch was selected for the role by referee chiefs Mike Riley and Mike Jones who have been assessing her performances on the pitch this season.
      But the former NHS administrator, who lives in Sunderland, wants the attention to be on the game and not who the ref is.
      She told Sky Sports: “A good game on Monday is, by 10 to five, they’re talking about the game and not about the ref.
      Clattenburg believes her appointment will help women become more accepted in men’s footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I like the games when nobody remembers who the ref is.”
      Welch began her ascent in the game a decade ago as a Sunday League ref while working for the NHS.
      And what began as a dare from her pal has now become a sporting success story.
      Rebecca Welch is hoping she can inspire others after becoming the first female referee to be appointed to an EFL match More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester Women’s boss wants to avenge loss to London City with Foxes on brink of WSL promotion

      by

      JONATHAN MORGAN is out for revenge against London City Lionesses with Leicester on the verge of sealing their dream promotion. An Easter Sunday win against the only team to have beaten the Foxes in the Women’s Championship would guarantee them a WSL spot. 
      Jonathan Morgan’s team could secure promotion to the Women’s Super League with a home win against London City LionessesCredit: Getty
      The Foxes have won 11 games on the bounce in the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      The result would also see Leicester – who lost 4-1 to London City in December – claim the Women’s Championship title with two games left to play. 
      Morgan said: “I’ve said to the girls that I want to get a little bit of revenge for that loss to London City because it was such a, such a big loss for us and it was a bit unexpected. 
      “But it was also a sliding door moment in the season because it highlighted some of our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, which we were able to shore up as you can see in the 11 wins since.
      “We need to treat this game the same as we have treated all the others. 
      “We want to play our best and win the game, but obviously this week is different because those three points would secure the title. 
      “And it would be a fitting turnaround given the last game we lost was against London City.” 
      The Foxes, who are top of the table having won 14 clashes, have a five-point lead over their closest rivals Durham as well as a game in hand. 
      Victory in the first of their final three games this season would seal a return to the top-flight for former Reading and Everton aces Remi Allen and Kirstie Levell. 
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      London City defeated Leicester in the Women’s Championship in DecemberCredit: Rex
      Kirstie Levell is aiming to register her tenth clean sheet when Leicester play London CityCredit: Rex

      And goalkeeper Levell, 24, who won promotion to the WSL with the Toffees in 2017, wants her team-mates to savour the feeling should they win.  
      Levell, who made 51 Everton appearances from 2015 to 2020, has kept nine clean sheets in 14 second-tier games this season.
      The Foxes stopper said: “The last time I was in this position was back with Everton and I gained promotion with them during the Spring series in 2017. 
      “It was a very quick season. With successes like this, you have got to live in the moment and enjoy the feeling of it. 
      “Back then, I was only young and I thought these opportunities will always come around, but they really don’t and I’m 24 now so it’s been a good few years to try and win my next cup. 
      “Hopefully that can happen after this game.”
      This has been seven years in the making to get to the WSL – the pinnacle of the women’s gameJonathan Morgan
      A  move to the WSL would represent a remarkable rise for Leicester, who were competing in the fourth tier as recently as 2013.
      And gaffer Morgan and his family have been at the heart of the team’s evolution from a semi-pro side into a professional outfit. 
      And this season the club switched their training base to Leicester’s £100million Seagrave practice ground which was previously used by the Foxes’ Prem team. 
      Morgan added: “It’s not very often you get the opportunity to win a league or championship at the elite level.
      WSL promotion would cap a remarkable season for Leicester who were acquired by the owners of King Power stadium in 2020Credit: Rex
      “I told the players you have to make sure that you live in the moment and actually enjoy it, because 10 years down the line when you’re retired, you only have the memories.
      “This has been seven years in the making to get to the WSL – the pinnacle of the women’s game. 
      “I’m thoroughly excited but also a little bit nervous because you want to get over the line. It’s the most important game of my career.” 
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      YouTuber Tekkerz Kid challenges Jamie Redknapp and Alex Scott to some insane football challenges More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      WSL starlet Goodwin signs first professional deal with Aston Villa ahead of Everton clash

      by

      ISOBEL GOODWIN has landed her first senior contract with Aston Villa Women days before the team’s clash with Everton.The teenage striker, who is battling with a knee injury, shared her delight at signing with the WSL team with more than a thousand of her followers on Instagram.
      Goodwin has signed her first professional contract with Villa
      Goodwin, 19, said: “This is something I’ve dreamt of and worked very hard for. A proud moment for me and my family.
      “I wouldn’t be where I am now without all the support I’ve had from family, friends and coaches.
      “Determined more than ever to get back on the pitch.”
      Goodwin’s new deal sees her join rising stars Olivia McLoughlin and Freya Gregory in being promoted to Villa’s first-team squad this term.
      And it is thought Goodwin may have been in contention for a swifter move up the ranks had injury not hampered her progress.
      The Villa starlet is currently sidelined with knee cartilage problems and will miss the team’s must-win clash on Sunday with the Toffees who are fifth.
      But Goodwin is in good spirits and hopes to be back to full fitness to help her club – who are third from bottom – with their bid to avoid relegation.
      Aston Villa are looking to pick up their fourth win of the season when they take on EvertonCredit: Getty
      Goodwin added: “I tore my meniscus in my knee. I have been out for about five weeks now and have probably a few weeks left for recovery.
      “But I’m back on the pitch, been smashing it in rehab so everything’s going well so far.
      “I’m just hoping to impact the game with goals because that’s my main strength, because I’m a striker.
      “I hope to bring good work ethic and put a 100 per cent in everything I do.”
      Although Goodwin is yet to make a full appearance in Villa’s first-team line-up, she did feature as a sub in Marcus Bignot’s squad durin their 1-0 victory over Tottenham in February.
      And the team’s sporting director Eniola Aluko shared the forward’s enthusiasm about the deal.
      Aluko, 34, said: “We are delighted Izzy has signed her first professional contract with us.
      Mana Iwabuchi and her team-mates are looking to avoid relegation with Villa one point above bottom spotCredit: Getty

      “Izzy is a uniquely powerful talent, and is another that has demonstrated a consistent level of development and excellence in our academy.
      “We are excited for her to contribute to the ongoing progress of Aston Villa Women.
      “Izzy is another fantastic example of the club’s academy pathway, and we look forward to seeing her make her first-team debut in the near future.”
      Goodwin hopes to help her team maintain their place in the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      Jack Grealish looks on top form back in Aston Villa training More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal director Edu to help with hunt for women’s team replacement for Joe Montemurro

      by

      ARSENAL technical chief Edu will aid the search for a new manager to replace Joe Montemurro as boss of the Gunners’ WSL side.Montemurro, 51, revealed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season after joining in 2017.
      Edu will play a key role in helping to identify Joe Montemurro’s successorCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Although Arsenal say they are “disappointed” with his decision to depart, officials have begun the hunt for his successor immediately.
      And club chief, Vinai Venkatesham said he will be involved in the process, alongside Edu and Clare Wheatley, Gunners head of women’s football and their people director Karen Ann Joesphides.
      Venkatesham, 40, said: “In terms of process, there will be a few of us involved to find Joe’s replacement.
      “We will have the management of Arsenal Women, our people director, our technical director, Edu, and of course I’ll be involved in the process.”
      Edu has thrived in his senior backroom role with the Gunners since he re-joined them in 2019.
      And Arsenal Prem boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Edu for spearheading some major transfer deals in recent past few months.
      Arteta, 39, said: “I think he is doing a great job at the club since I joined.
      “The clarity that he showed when they came to try to convince me to join the club and then to stick to the plan we have and the way he is going about it, I am really impressed with him.”
      The former Brazil international also enjoyed a glittering playing career with the Gunners, winning two Premier League titles.
      Edu was also a member of their infamous ‘Invincibles’ side that went unbeaten for the whole 2004/05 season.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Vinai Venkatesham says Edu and Arsenal Women’s board members will make the final decision on recruitment of a new head coachCredit: Getty

      Venkatesham is keen to use Edu’s winning mentality in finding Montemurro’s replacement
      And the Arsenal chief revealed he wants the club to compete in Europe and challenge Chelsea and Manchester City for the Women’s Super League supremacy.
      Venkatesham added: “Foremost we want to bring on board someone who can help us achieve our sporting ambitions.
      “To help us be as successful as we can in the domestic game, to compete to win the WSL title, and someone who can help us be successful in Europe as well.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Montemurro has revealed he will leave Arsenal Women’s team at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      13 year old Jose Reyes Jr scores with sublime chip that would have made tragic ex-Arsenal star dad proud More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      New Zealand’s Eden Park to stage 2023 Women’s World Cup opening game with final set for Stadium Australia

      by

      EDEN PARK in New Zealand will take centre stage on the first day of the Women’s 2023 World Cup with the venue hosting the tournament’s opening clash.And the second-biggest sports venue in Australia is set to host the contest’s final. 
      Eden Park will host the opening clash of the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      The world’s best international women’s sides will go head-to-head in nine cities and 10 stadiums in Australia and New Zealand.  
      Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Wellington are among the locations where matches will take place over a five-week period from July to August 2023. 
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “Building on the incredible success of France 2019, the Women’s World Cup 2023 and nine host cities across Australia and New Zealand will not only showcase the world’s very best players but will also provide a powerful platform to unite and inspire people.
      Chris Nikou, Football Australia President, added: “This will be the biggest sporting event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, showcasing Australia and New Zealand to a global audience of over one billion people. 
      “Today’s announcement is a major milestone for a tournament that will unite nations, inspire generations, and provide our diverse and multicultural game with the perfect platform to grow over the coming years.”
      The next World Cup will be the first in the competition’s history to see 32 teams battle it out for the most prestigious trophy in women’s football. 
      This follows Fifa’s decision to expand the tournament’s size from 24 international sides. 
      And the contest will be the first-ever jointly managed by two countries with both nations scheduled to host a semi-final game. 
      Sam Kerr and her Australia team-mates will be among the 32 sides competing in the tournamentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The 2019 Women’s World Cup saw the United States win the trophy for the fourth time in the tournament’s 30-year history. 
      And Megan Rapinoe and Manchester City ace Rose Lavelle was on target for the victors in their 2-0 defeat of the Netherlands. 
      The full fixture schedule for the next World Cup is due to be revealed later this year.
      The United States women’s team won their fourth World Cup in France in 2019Credit: AP
      YouTuber Tekkerz Kid challenges Jamie Redknapp and Alex Scott to some insane football challenges More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Joe Montemurro says decision to leave Arsenal Women after three years was ‘the hardest of his professional life’

      by

      JOE MONTEMURRO says deciding to leave Arsenal at the end of the season was the “hardest professional decision of his life.”The Gunners boss led the club to its first WSL title in seven years in 2019, four cup finals and a Champions League quarter final during his three years in charge.
      Joe Montemurro will leave Arsenal Women at the end of the season
      Montemurro, 51, has decided to take a break from work to spend more time with his family.
      He said: “My three and a half years at Arsenal have been a fantastic adventure, the highlight of my coaching career.
      “I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry on and off the pitch.
      “This has been the hardest professional decision of my life, as I absolutely love this job and this club, the club I have supported all my life.
      “I’m hugely grateful to the club for their unrelenting support during my time here and in understanding and respecting my decision.”
      The Gunners boss will leave the club on May 31, and the North Londoners have already started the search for his successor.
      Leah Williamson wrote on Twitter: “The definition of a good man.”
      It has been a turbulent season for Arsenal, who failed to qualify for the Champions League last term.
      🗣 “With a lot of pride and a lot of emotion, I put on this training outfit every day and go to work and represent this amazing brand. To have had the privilege to do that is probably one of the biggest highlights of my life, not even my football career.” @MontemurroJoe ❤️— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) March 31, 2021

      They are currently fourth in the table behind rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and United.
      Only the top three in the women’s top-flight qualify for Europe, but they are only three points behind United, having recently pumped them 2-0.
      Montemurro said: “I’ve had a fantastic time here at Arsenal and I am proud of what we have achieved.
      “I must thank all the fans, players, staff and the club. 
      “This club has always been a leader in women’s football and I will be cheering us on to the next level as I watch as a passionate and enduring fan.
      “My focus now is helping the team to complete the season strongly and finishing as high as possible in the WSL, leaving the club in good shape for the future.”
      Aubameyang leaves Mat Ryan embarrassed in Arsenal training with ridiculous finish More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Rebecca Welch’s rise from Sunday League ref to become the EFL’s first female referee

      by

      REBECCA WELCH picked up a referee’s whistle 11 years ago at 27 after being dared to do so by a friend.And now the Sunderland-based former NHS worker is set to enter the history books as the first woman to take charge of a men’s English Football League fixture. 
      Rebecca Welch will make history as the first woman to referee an EFL game when Harrogate Town play Port ValeCredit: PA
      Harrogate Town’s League Two Easter Monday clash with Port Vale will see Welch take on one of her most significant match officiating challenges yet. 
      Welch, 37, jokingly told Sky Sports: “A good game on Monday is, by 10 to five (o’clock), they’re talking about the game and not about the ref.
      “I like] the games when nobody remembers who the ref is.”
      Who is Rebecca Welch and how she did become a referee? 
      Welch, who is originally from the town of Washington, took up match officiating while still working in the health service. 
      She earned her qualifications as an official through Durham County FA
      The former NHS admin officer, who has played football since childhood, started her life as a ref in university football clashes and Sunday League games. 
      And while the college football encounters involving teams of female students was a “doddle” her experience of refereeing men’s Sunday division fixtures was less straightforward. 
      Welch, 37, began her life as a referee in university matches and Sunday League clashesCredit: Prime Media

      Welch told the FA’s web site: “I played football and didn’t even think about refereeing until one of my really good friends, who is a referee, refereed us.
      “I spent the whole game telling her how to do her job!
      “Her response was, ‘If you think it’s that easy, give it a go. That’s how it happened and years later here I am.
      “The first couple (of matches) I did were women’s university games and the players weren’t really that bothered about so it was a doddle. 
      “Then the third game I did was Sunderland Sunday league football and it was a completely different kettle of fish. 
      “That took some getting used to but I am so grateful for the grassroots football experience because I never would have got to where I am now without it.
      “Sometimes I used to go home and chuck my bag down and I’d tell myself I’m never doing it again but you soon realise that not every day is going to be a good day in the office – it’s just like anything else. 
      “I had to analyse my performances and work out what I could do to improve and that’s something I really enjoy. 
      “I’ve been doing this for more than ten years now and I guarantee that the good days will far outweigh the bad ones in the long run.”
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Welch’s match officiating performances have led to her being added to Fifa’s international list of refereesCredit: Getty
      Rise to the top 
      Welch eventually worked her way into the higher echelons of match officiating, becoming part of an elite group on Fifa’s international list. 
      The Sunderland-based administrator also made her mark on the women’s game covering domestic and international encounters. 
      In addition to refereeing the Women’s FA Cup final twice, in 2017 and 2020, Welch has officiated in the men’s National League for three seasons and taken charge of WSL, Women’s Champions League and international clashes. 
      And she has been selected to oversee Harrogate’s clash with Port Vale following an ongoing review of her performances this season and official approval from referee chiefs Mike Riley and Mike Jones.
      The Washington-based ref is reported to be among the individuals included within the Professional Game Match Officials top group of referees. 
      Welch added: “I’ve always said, through all my promotions, I want to be appointed because I am in the top 10 match officials on that list. 
      “I never want to be appointed based on anything else. I’ve got faith in the system, and I’ve been rewarded.”
      Welch took charge of Fiorentina’s Women’s Champions League clash against Slavia PragueCredit: Zuma Press
      What next for Welch 
      Welch, who took charge of the 2020 Women’s Community Shield duel which saw Chelsea beat Man City, wants to be considered for selection for the 2022 Euros and 2023 World Cup. 
      The football official, who describes Sian Massey’s efforts as a Prem assistant referee as “amazing”, hopes to one day see a woman take charge of a Premier League fixture.
      And Welch remains open-minded on the challenge falling to her or another breaking through the glass ceiling. 
      I’ve been very lucky that I turn up and they don’t see me as a female referee, they just say, ‘Rebecca’s here and she’s the ref today’ so that’s quite nice.Rebecca Welch
      And she counts herself lucky not to have encountered any abuse or sexist behaviour so far in her career.
      Welch told Sky Sports: “I’ve got no doubt, in the next ten to 15 years, we will see a female referee in the Premier League. 
      “I don’t really try to focus too much on the future, I always take one game at a time. 
      “If I finish in the top one or two per cent at the end of the season, I put myself in a position to be selected. I’ve got to keep on performing, achieving those marks, to get those rewards. 
      Welch regards Sian Massey as a trailblazer for women refereesCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      “I’ve received criticism for my refereeing, and that’s part of football. 
      “But I’ve gone through the men’s pathway and I’ve never experienced anything like that (abuse) because I’m a female referee.
      “I’m aware that not everybody is as fortunate as me and I’m aware it does happen. 
      “We need to keep on educating people, about how it makes that person feel. 
      “I’ve been very lucky that I turn up and they don’t see me as a female referee, they just say, ‘Rebecca’s here and she’s the ref today’ so that’s quite nice.”
      Welch believes a woman taking charge of match officiating in the Premier League could happen in ten to 15 yearsCredit: Getty
      Referee Stephanie Frappart ‘not afraid’ to officiate her first men’s game at Super Cup More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes can led Blues to Euro glory, says Arsenal legend Vic Akers – just like he did

      by

      VIC AKERS says seeing Emma Hayes’ “look of pressure” brought back memories of  his rollercoaster Champions League triumph at Arsenal.And the former Gunners Ladies chief believes  Hayes’ Chelsea can conquer Europe, just as his side did 14 years ago.
      Vic Akers believes Emma Hayes and Chelsea can triumph in Europe this termCredit: Reuters
      Akers led Arsenal to a Women’s Champions League trophy win in 2007Credit: PA:Press Association
      Akers, who founded Arsenal Ladies in 1987, is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women’s football.
      His North London outfit — who notched up five domestic and league cup doubles — are still the only English side to have won the top contest for Europe’s elite clubs.
      But Akers, who had Hayes with him in the dugout during that 2007 Champions League win against Sweden’s Umea, believes this could be Chelsea’s year.
      Kingsmeadow gaffer Hayes worked as Arsenal assistant manager from 2006-08 before moving to US giants Chicago Redstars and then to Chelsea in 2012.
      Akers, 74, told SunSport: “That was a  special year with special memories, in terms of winning the trophy.
      “I felt a little bit of those memories come back when I was watching Chelsea against Wolfsburg.
      “It felt like was I back in time and experiencing the same feelings as I was feeling back then on the touchline.
      “And I’m sure Emma was going through those feelings too, because I looked at her face and I could see that look of pressure.
      “It reminded me of Arsenal  and that moment when we played the final because that’s exactly what it was like.
      “Our goalkeeper Emma Byrne making fantastic saves like Ann-Katrin Berger, balls hitting the crossbar and posts and we still hung on to the lead that Alex Scott gave us in the away leg because it was two-legged.
      “I do a little bit of scouting for Emma as we’re still good friends.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Chelsea are hoping to win the second leg of their quarter-final duel with Wolfsburg after beating them 2-1Credit: Zuma Press

      “If anybody can match what we achieved that year it’s Emma with Chelsea. It would be nice if she’s the manager that goes on to win it.
      “But if it’s not this year, it definitely will be in the coming years because she is an outstanding coach.”
      Akers now runs a property sales firm in St Albans after his role as Arsenal Ladies boss ended in 2009.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal are currently the only English women’s club to have triumphed in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More