Women’s football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares156 Views

      in Soccer

      Eni Aluko is wrong to criticise Ian Wright, he cares – women’s football is lucky to have him

      by

      WOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the game both on and off our TV screens.Ian Wright is a fantastic advocate for women’s footballCredit: GettyEni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football this weekCredit: GettySo I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football earlier this week.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, she explained: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.Read More in Football”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”Ex-forward Aluko, who according to the Daily Mail could be axed over her comments, later continued: “Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money into building up the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWright supported Stoke defender Kayleigh McDonald throughout her ACL recovery and is now paying for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxAnd he is not just doing the bare minimum.The Telegraph revealed on Wednesday that Wright is personally covering the cost of rehab (around £1,700-a-month) for a semi-professional Stoke player who ruptured her ACL in March last year.Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview Kayleigh McDonald turned to social media for help when her club refused to pay for surgery in the wake of the incident.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely due to Wright.The 61-year-old paid for a sports lawyer to represent the defender and make sure that she received the support she needed.He cares.Wright has also committed to increasing the number of female coaches at grassroots level by teaming up with Barclays to create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund.In 2023 he donated £15,000 to pay for 664 women to attend a Level One training course.He cares.There is no doubt that Euro 2022 was a turning point for women’s football in England – and from a broadcasting perspective, Wright was at the forefront of it.The Arsenal icon repeatedly championed the prospect of more girls having access to the sport, insisting they deserve the same opportunities that boys have.He cares.The Arsenal legend started the Ian Wright Coaching Fund in a bid to help more women into coachingCredit: GettyAnd now, when many of his colleagues seemingly don’t want to, he keeps the conversation going in a bid to grow the women’s game even more.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women already.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games on TV as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.Read More on The SunIt’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.Ian Wright? We’re lucky to have him.Women are at the forefront of WSL coverage across the BBC and Sky SportsCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares148 Views

      in Soccer

      Ian Wright’s touching £1,700 gesture to injured women’s football star revealed after Eni Aluko criticised Arsenal legend

      by

      FORMER Arsenal striker Ian Wright continues to prove that he is just as much of a legend off the pitch as he was on it.The 61-year-old has been a huge advocate for women’s football over the years.Ian Wright is paying £1,700 out of his own pocket for a player’s ACL injury rehabCredit: GettyKayleigh McDonald has thanked Wright for his generosityCredit: GettyAnd last April, he showed just how much he cared with an incredible gesture to a player who had suffered a potentially career-jeopardising injury.After Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald suffered a ruptured ACL during a match against Burnley, she was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed.The Telegraph has revealed that he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender has revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.McDonald has insisted that Wright deserves more recognition for his kind gesture.She told Telegraph Sport: “I wouldn’t be in a great place mentally if it wasn’t for Ian Wright.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEni Aluko has criticised Wright for ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football broadcastingCredit: Getty”I would probably still be waiting for my surgery if it wasn’t for him.”For him to do this for me, someone he didn’t know, I think there should be more of a spotlight shone on him.”Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview News of the Arsenal legend’s incredible generosity comes after he was criticised by former England Lioness Eni Aluko for “blocking” opportunities for women in football broadcasting.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour earlier this week, she said: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”When asked to clarify if she thought it was wrong for Wright to be at the forefront of women’s football coverage, Aluko added: “I don’t know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.”It’s still new, it’s still growing. There’s a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that.”Men need to be aware that, you know, you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”Wright has continued to back the growth of women’s football in recent years.In 2023, he teamed up with Barclays to help create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund – an initiative created to increase the number of female coaches at grass-roots level.He made a £15,000 donation and paid for 664 female coaches to attend their Level One training course.And in 2022, following England’s European Championship semi-final win over Sweden, he insisted that all girls should have the opportunity to play football at school.Wright said: “Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE, just like the boys can, what are we doing?Read More on The Sun”We have to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity to do so.”The former Arsenal striker started a women’s football podcast with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton last year and regularly features on ITV’s coverage of the Lionesses.McDonald was forced to set up a GoFundMe page when Stoke initially refused to pay for surgeryCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWright is now paying £1,700 a month for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the sport both on and off our TV screens.So I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko had criticised him earlier this week for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money in building up the game.And he is not just doing the bare minimum.From supporting a semi-pro player throughout her recovery from a severe ACL injury to helping hundreds of women earn their Level One coaching qualification, he cares.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women as it is.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.It’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.We’re lucky to have him. More

    • 225 Shares175 Views

      in Soccer

      Sonia Bompastor urges Chelsea to bounce back from ‘tough’ Barcelona loss by widening lead over WSL rivals

      by

      SONIA BOMPASTOR insists Chelsea “will never give up” as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League defeat. And the Blues head coach is uncertain whether striker Sam Kerr will return to action before the end of this season.  Sonia Bompastor wants her players to focus on the future with the team returning to WSL action following a Champions League semis first leg loss to BarcelonaCredit: GettyCatarina Macario is among the players likely to be in action for Chelsea when they host Crystal Palace at KingsmeadowCredit: GettyThe Blues hope to register win ahead of their Stamford Bridge duel with Barcelona in the second leg of Champions League last four tieCredit: AlamyThe WSL leaders host Crystal Palace on Wednesday in their first top-flight clash following their 4-1 Champions League semis first leg loss on Sunday. A tough result that left their quadruple hopes and target of winning the contest this season hanging by a thread. While they hope to pull off a huge comeback in their European tie, Chelsea are also focused on claiming an eighth WSL title and sixth FA Cup.  Bullish Blues chief Bompastor, 44, whose team have lost just twice so far this term, said: “It’s always tough to lose especially when you are Chelsea as it’s something you don’t experience a lot.  Read More Football Stories”I will never give up and my players will never give up. This is our mentality. We want to achieve a lot this season. “We have three more competitions to play in, hopefully, until the last moment in the season, but everyone is ready for that.”I have depth in my squad. So every player is ready to compete in every competition, every game we have to play.”While Chelsea do have depth two influential players currently out of action are forward Lauren James and striker Sam Kerr. Most read in FootballThe creative flair and attacking threat James brings was missed by her side during their clash with Barcelona.And her club pal Kerr is continuing her recovery from a knee ligament tear she suffered during a winter training camp in January 2024. When asked about the potential of a Kerr comeback before this season ends, Bompastor added: “I’m not in a position to give any time frame on her return.”I know she won’t be involved in the game this weekend.”After tomorrow’s clash the WSL leaders host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and hope to overcome a three-goal deficit in the decisive leg of their Champions League tie. In addition to being a confidence boost, a defeat of the bottom-placed Eagles would also restore Chelsea’s six-point lead at the summit. Rivals Arsenal are currently second and three points. Bompastor added: “Monday was a difficult day for everyone – staff and players. “But I told my players now we need to look at the future. Palace, who are bottom of the WSL and seven points off Aston Villa, have won just two of their 18 league games so far this termCredit: Alamy”We want to go back to top of the table six and points ahead of Arsenal, that’s the main focus.Read More on The Sun”The only thing we can control now is the future. “We need to show a reaction in this game, that’s the main thing and the most important thing.” More

    • 250 Shares122 Views

      in Soccer

      Lotte Wubben-Moy eager to step things up in next chapter of Arsenal career after signing new deal with WSL giants

      by

      LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY has vowed to make the “next chapter” of her Arsenal career count after signing a new contract with the club. The England defender’s new deal is claimed to be a three-year one according to BBC Sport.Lotte Wubben-Moy she feels pride and excitement at extending her career with ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Gunners defender has made 143 senior appearances for Arsenal and scored ten timesCredit: GettyWubben-Moy’s team hope to overturn a one-goal deficit in their second leg Champions League semi-final duel with LyonCredit: GettyThe WSL ace, 26, who has made 143 Gunners appearances, rose through the ranks of the club’s youth system before making her senior debut at 16. This season has seen Wubben-Moy’s moments on the pitch at times disrupted by injuries.So far this term Wubben-Moy, who captained her club’s development side during her youth career, has played in nine WSL games and two in the Champions League.In February a muscle problem led to her withdrawing from England’s camp ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain. Read More Football Stories However the defender, whose side will play Lyon away this Saturday in a Champions League second-leg semis duel,  returned to training this month. And the lifelong Arsenal fan could be set for more game time with her team currently three points behind WSL leaders Chelsea ahead of their final three league games this term. Of her new deal Wubben-Moy said: “I feel a huge amount of pride, excitement and optimism to once again put pen to paper at this special football club. “Arsenal is the club I want to win with and I feel this new contract comes at a time in my career where my ambitions are matched by my abilities on the pitch. Most read in Football”I’m determined to make this next chapter count.”Gunners boss Renée Slegers added: “We’re so happy that Lotte has signed a new contract. “Lotte is a top defender who has shown significant progression in recent years. “She will continue to play an important role as we pursue our shared goal of competing for the highest honours in the game.”Before commencing her second stint at Arsenal, Wubben-Moy spent two years in the United States’ college soccer systems playing for North Carolina University side Tar Heels. Since her return to the Gunners in 2020 the London-born defender has won three League Cups and one FA Cup with the club. Away from the pitch Wubben-Moy is an active supporter of a number of sports-related causes focused including providing girls with more opportunities to play football. Following England’s triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros she helped to coordinate an open letter from the Lionesses to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, when they were Conservative leaders candidates, The letter called for girls to have access to at least two hours of sports classes including football training. Wubben-Moy’s new deal comes in a month which Arsenal hope to reach the Women’s Champions League final for the first time in 18 years.Credit: Alamy Clare Wheatley, Arsenal women’s football director said: “Lotte is a wonderful role model for all young players. Read More on The Sun”She is an example of how hard work, strong values and determination are the platform for success. “We know that she will continue to give all of herself to Arsenal Football Club, both on pitch and of course in her consistent support of our wider community.” More

    • 200 Shares116 Views

      in Soccer

      England stars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway set for top honours at 2025 Women’s Football Awards

      by

      KEIRA WALSH and Georgia Stanway will be honoured at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards.The two Lionesses will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the sport.Georgia Stanway is set to receive an award at the Women’s Football AwardsCredit: GettyShe will be joined by Chelsea star Keira WalshCredit: GettyThe awards will be granted to the duo not for their contributions in England but internationally as well.Walsh, 28, and Stanway will be handed the awards at a star-studded ceremony on May 1 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane.The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter Gabby Logan as well as former Lioness Eni Aluko and retired Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.Carragher helped launch the Women’s Football Awards in 2023 and is excited to present the awards.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have had outstanding careers so far, marked by incredible success on the pitch.”This year’s awards will rightly celebrate their footballing achievements.”But we’ll also be recognising the brilliant work they do off the field.”Especially their exceptional commitment to improving access to grassroots football for women and girls. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m really looking forward to honouring Keira and Georgia, alongside Gabby Logan and Eni Aluko, at the ceremony next week.”Walsh is viewed as a trailblazer in women’s football for her playing career and also for helping develop grassroots girls’ football.Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music AwardsJamie Carragher has spoken about the awardsCredit: Abigail ShiiShe played an important role in the founding of the Rochdale Girls Development Centre two years ago.The Chelsea star has also funded kits and equipment for a female talent programme that supported 35 girls.She won a BWSL title in 2016 as well as three Women’s FA Cups, and lifted the Continental League Cup four times at Manchester City.The midfielder joined Barcelona in 2022 before returning to England in January by signing for the Blues.Stanway, 26, has enjoyed success on the pitch with spells at Manchester City and Bayern Munich.She has also scored a vital goal in the Lionesses’ run to winning the Uefa Women’s Euros 2022. More

    • 175 Shares131 Views

      in Soccer

      Renee Slegers reckons Arsenal can turn fight for Women’s Champions League final spot around

      by

      RENEE SLEGERS vows Arsenal will use memories of their past trouncing of Lyon to keep their Champions League final hopes alive. Her Gunners fell to a narrow 2-1 loss on Saturday afternoon after Melchie Dumornay’s goal thwarted the chance of a draw.Kadidiatou Diani gave Lyon a 17th-minute lead at the Emirates after her strike was found to be onside following a VAR checkCredit: GettyArsenal won a second-half penalty after Lyon keeper Christiane Endler was adjudged to have fouled Leah Williamson whilst attempting to punch the ball awayCredit: AlamyMariona Caldentey levelled the match with her spot-kick after sending Endler the wrong way with 12 minutes of normal time remainingCredit: AlamyBut Dumornay, pictured with celebrating with Lyon skipper Wendi Renard, restored her side’s lead in the 82nd minuteCredit: GettyThe visitors’ first-leg semis triumph ensured ex-Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro made his return to the Emirates a victorious one.The Gunners now face the challenge having to stun their rivals on the road with the French giants carrying a one-goal advantage. And they hope to win their second leg battle by at least two goals with a spot battling Barcelona or Chelsea in the final at stake.The last time the North London side appeared in the contest’s decider was in 2007 when they lifted the trophy after beating Umea in a two-legged tie. Read More Football StoriesArsenal gaffer Slegers, whose team visit Lyon next Sunday, said: “We’re not happy with the result, because we did really well getting the equaliser and that was the least we wanted. “And after that goal we felt like we could potentially score another. “As the game turned out, especially in the second half, the draw or  the win was what we were going for.”The last time Arsenal took on Lyon away in the Champions League was during the group stage of the contest almost three years ago. Most read in FootballBack in October 2022 they demolished the French giants 5-1 with Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord both netting twice with Frida Maanum also on the scoresheet. However the Lyon team they will battle in the second leg next Sunday will be quite different to the side they faced back then. Aside from Dumornay their attacking options currently includes Kadidiatou Diani and Tabitha Chawinga with the former among the scorers in today’s game. However, Slegers is bullish about her side’s chances of turning things around.The Gunners head coach adds: “Arsenal has done it before against Lyon away and has won by big numbers.”It’s going to be on a pitch, 11 versus 11, and we have all the opportunities to win that game next Sunday.”With Real Madrid getting dispatched in Europe by Arsenal’s women’s and men’s sides, the hosts came into this game full of confidence. However it was Lyon who struck first snatching a 17th-minute lead through Diani’s bottom-corner strike, following a fairly balanced opening quarter Her opener was initially disallowed before a VAR check showed she had been played onside with Arsenal’s defence caught out by her pace and one long ball forward. Later Dumornay hit the crossbar with a chipped effort after spotting keeper Manuela Zinsberger off her line. And there was a scary moment for the hosts when skipper Leah Williamson dropped to the turf in pain before getting up moments later after getting caught on the shin by the Lyon forward.And the hosts almost levelled proceedings with an effort from Alessia Russo striking the crossbarArsenal cranked up the intensity of their attack in the second-half. This eventually paid off when they won a pen after a VAR check found goalkeeper Christiane Endler had struck Williamson while trying to punch the ball away. Mariona Caldentey converted for hosts in the 78th minute. But hopes of a point were wrecked by Dumornay’s ruthless 82nd-minute striking flying past Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger after a rapid counter.Despite Arsenal’s loss Montemurro praised how far the team had come since time in charge. And the Lyon boss, whose players are so far still unbeaten in this term’s contest, admits his side suffered before sealing their first-leg victory. Montemurro said: “I’m not sure there are many people that come to this iconic stadium against a very good team and expect to not suffer a little bit. “And we suffered, but it balanced itself out in the end.Lyon boss Joe Montemurro reckons the pressure may be off Arsenal in the second leg despite his side’s one-goal advantageCredit: Getty”It’s not over yet. This thing is not over and maybe the pressure has been taken off Arsenal. Read More on The Sun”They’re 2-1 down, they’re coming to Lyon and whatever happens, happens. “But it’s a dangerous scenario and they’re a good team.” More

    • 188 Shares95 Views

      in Soccer

      Renee Slegers backs Arsenal to ‘take opportunity’ to reach Women’s Champions League final ‘by the throat’

      by

      RENEE SLEGERS urged Arsenal to go for the jugular in the first round of their battle with Lyon for a Women’s Champions League final spot. The Gunners will face one of their biggest tests this term when they face the contest’s record winners at the Emirates on Saturday. Renee Slegers believes Arsenal have enough quality to see off the threat posed by LyonCredit: GettyAlessia Russo is expected to return to action when Arsenal face the French giants following an injury she sustained on England dutyCredit: GettyForward Chloe Kelly will also be available for the Gunners having worked her way back to fitness following a foot injuryCredit: PAAnd they have been given a fitness boost with Alessia Russo’s and Chloe Kelly’s return from injury. However goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is still sidelined, with the Netherlands stopper set to miss encoubter.    The lunchtime clash will see Slegers’ players push for a first-leg semis victory. A result that would put them one win or draw away from reaching the contest’s decider for the first time since 2007. Read More Football Stories It was during that year, under former boss Vic Akers, the Gunners made history becoming the first English side to lift the trophy. Arsenal boss Slegers, 36, said: “We want to go for it and take the opportunity by the throat.”There will be an enormous crowd so we’re going to go from the start because we enjoy playing at the Emirates. “We know this is our chance and I think 40,000 tickets have been soldMost read in Football“We’re at one of the final stages of the Champions League. It’s a huge moment.”A 5-1 drubbing of Leicester on Tuesday was Arsenal’s last result at the Emirates. The win led to them cutting Chelsea’s lead at the WSL’s summit to three points. However Lyon will be a far different proposition to the Foxes, with the latter currently having the worst away record in the WSL this term. The French giants, currently managed by ex-Gunners boss Joe Montemurro, have won the trophy eight times since 2011. The most recent of those triumphs came almost three years ago when they beat current holders Barcelona 3-1 under former boss Sonia BompastorUnder the head coach, who now manages Chelsea, they also reached last season’s final where they fell to a 2-0 loss to Spain’s reigning champions. This term Lyon have scored 24 times in the tournament whilst conceding just twice in the tournament. Despite the visitors’ formidable Champions League form, Slegers reckons Arsenal has the quality to see off the European heavyweights. She adds: “I have huge respect for their history and what they have been doing and producing in the Champions League “But us playing at the Emirates, and the hunger and the belief that we have at the moment, we’re going to go and play our game to the best we can.”Even though we have huge respect for their qualities and threats, we believe we can do something.”Among the Gunners aces certain to be starting later is versatile forward Mariona Caldentey. The Spain superstar, 29, knows all about helping a club make Champions League history having won it three-times with her old side Barcelona. And Caldentey reckons Arsenal have the hunger they need to end their 18-year wait to become queens of Europe once again. Joe Montemurro’s Lyon are currently top of the table in France’s top tier and have conceded just two goals in eight Champions League games this termCredit: AlamyShe said: “We want to win titles and the Champions League is a big one. “We are still a bit far away right now, it’s three games for that.Read More on The Sun”But everyone is hungry for it so it’s a mentality we need to keep. We are here because we deserve it.”Arsenal vs Lyon in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals can be watched live from 12:30pm on April 19 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ More

    • 225 Shares107 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd enter brand new tournament with huge prize pot just weeks after Lionesses boss voiced burnout fears

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to enter a brand-new seven-a-side women’s football tournament which could see them pocket a huge prize.As announced last month, the inaugural World Sevens Football (W7F) event will take place in Portugal at the end of May – just weeks before the start of Euro 2025.Man Utd Women are set to take part in a new seven-a-side tournament next monthCredit: GettyEngland stars including Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier could be involved – just weeks before the start of Euro 2025Credit: GettyOrganisers have made a commitment to invest £77million ($100m) across a five-year period, with the winners receiving £1.9m.And the Telegraph report that Man Utd will be one of the eight teams battling it out for the huge prize.Bayern Munich are also expected to be involved.It will be up to each club to decide which players they take to Portugal for the tournament.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is believed that United will select a strong squad.The winners of W7F will take home more than the Women’s FA Cup top prize (£814,000) and the Women’s Champions League top prize (£950,000) combined.But concerns regarding player welfare have been raised by some managers and WSL stars due to the increasing number of injuries.The likes of Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have all previously spoken about the need to restructure the schedule in the women’s game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSarina Wiegman is not convinced the tournament will work in the long termCredit: GettyMeanwhile, England manager Sarina Wiegman believes W7F will not be good for women’s football in the long term.The two-time European champion previously said: “If you look at the short term before these Euros now, we have a very good contact with clubs and [if] they would get some, I would say meaningful minutes to get prepared for the Euros and do what’s right to get [in] the best possible shape for the Euros, then in this short term, for some it would not be too bad.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim issues open invite to Rory McIlroy as Masters champion’s private jet lands in England”But in the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar.”With Man Utd set to take part, England Lionesses Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner and Gabby George could all feature.Georgia Stanway will likely miss out for Bayern Munich due to an LCL injury.A second W7F tournament is set to take place between November and December on a different continent – midway through the WSL season.England captain Leah Williamson has previously claimed there needs to be a restructure in the women’s football calendarCredit: Getty More