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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

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      Aggie Beever-Jones backs Bompastor to bring ‘spice’ to title race and Chelsea’s push for WSL crown

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      AGGIE BEEVER-JONES reckons Sonia Bompastor will add “some spice” to the WSL title fight as she eyes a winning start in England’s top tier.Tonight is the start of a new era for the Blues, with their France-born head coach, 44, going into her first Women’s Super League contest.Beever-Jones and her team-mates are targeting a season-opening win against Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe Blues clash with Villa will be Sonia Bompastor’s first competitive match at Chelsea’s helmCredit: GettyA rejuvenated Aston Villa, with new gaffer Robert de Pauw, are first to pit their wits against a team chasing a sixth successive title.A side that now boasts some of the most formidable forwards in Europe, including Beever-Jones, Mayra Ramirez and star striker Sam Kerr.Beever-Jones said: “That’s one of the great things about Chelsea.”Our squad is big and every single player is good enough to start a game and live up to the Chelsea standard.Read More Football Stories “I’ve always seen the competition as a good thing and I’m always learning and watching other people.”From Mayra, to Sam, to me, to Mia (Fishel) to Cat (Macario) – we’re all very different players.”We all kind of have our own uniqueness to us which makes us different.”You can pick up a few things from other players and you want to impress. Most read in Football”Hopefully I’m doing that and making Sonia happy.”Last term saw Kerr sidelined at the halfway stage of the season after sustaining an ACL injury at a Blues training camp in January.The absence of the Australia star prompted the club’s January swoop for Colombia striker Ramirez.And Beever-Jones says she’s ready to cheer Kerr to the rafters should she find the back of the net for the hundredth time for the Blues when fit.Beever-Jones added: “We had a goal competition at the start of last season and then unfortunately Sam’s injury happened.”But after every game I played in she’d come up to me to say ‘congrats’”She’s one of my biggest supporters and when she (comes back and) scores her 100th goal, I’ll probably be running up to her and screaming for her, given how hard she’s worked.”I’ll be delighted as will all the other girls in the team. “For me, the competition within the team is good. You’ve got to play better, but I’m excited for it.”Having been a Champions League winner as a Lyon player and manager, Bompastor is determined to guide Chelsea to European glory for the first time in their existence.And Beever-Jones believes her boss can add “a little spice” to the title-holders’ battle for more silverware.The striker, who scored 11 goals in 17 WSL games last term, added: “Chelsea has been so successful for so many years and Sonia is adding her own uniqueness to our style of play.“It’s just adding her little bit of spice to the Chelsea way.“And when the season starts and we’re in the four competitions again it will be challenging to see how the tactics play out.“But we’re in such safe hands and we’ve got a great team of players.When asked what fans watching can expect from her side, Chelsea chief Bompastor said: “They will see a team that is really competitive.”One that’s enjoying playing together at the highest level.”The most important thing is getting results. Bompastor says winning results are her priorityCredit: Getty”We want to win, to start the league strongly and to be efficient as a team scoring goals whilst being defensively very strong.”I hope we’ll be able to show a good football style, but for me that’s not the priority.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The result is what’s really important. But if we can have both, I will be very happy.”Chelsea’s WSL season-opening game against Aston Villa can be watched live from 7:00pm tonight on BBC 2 More

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      De Pauw targets top six finish as Aston Villa prepare for season opener against Chelsea

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      ROBERT DE PAUW jokes of enjoying being part of “a bald Dutch coaches union” working at the highest levels of football.After a pre-season that saw Aston Villa beat Manchester City, fans of his side may have high hopes for their team in the WSL this term.Aston Villa visit Chelsea for their first WSL game this term under head coach Robert de PauwCredit: RexVilla are hoping to improve on their seventh place finish in the league last termCredit: GettyTonight Villa embark on a new journey under their Netherlands-born manager four months after the departure of former boss Carla Ward.One that will see them attempt to reproduce the form that led to their top four challenge before claiming fifth spot a year ago.Like Chelsea chief Sonia Bompastor, De Pauw will be overseeing his first WSL game since taking charge of Villa in June.And the coach who led FC Twente to a top-flight title win in the Netherlands’ top-flight two years ago, is content to be part of an influential contingent of Dutch coaches making their mark here.Read More Football StoriesThe Villa chief said: “I made a joke already in an interview with Sky that I was a member of the Bald Dutch Coaches Union, because there are so many here.”We have Arjan Veurink (England Women’s assistant) who was my boss at the KNVB (the Royal Dutch Football Association.”Sarina (Wiegman) I know also from that period. “Arne Slot looks like me. I only said hi to him once, but it’s funny. Most read in Football”I saw some interviews of him, and it’s like the same processes that I have now, getting settled in, getting used to the environment, missing your family.”Erik ten Hag is also here, so yeah, we’re quite a large group now.”Before finishing seventh in the league last term, Aston Villa ended the season before in fifth place. It was highest ever finish in the WSL since their promotion to the top tier in 2020.Their pre-season this summer produced some positive outcomes with the team unbeaten in five friendlies.A September 1 trip to Charlton resulted in a 2-2 draw with the promotion chasing Women’s Championship side.A game that saw some experimentation with Villa’s attack. Katie Robinson, Kirsty Hanson, Ebony Salmon started alongside Adriana Leon, before the second-half introduction of Kenza Dali, Jordan Nobbs and skipper Rachel Daly.Other results included 1-0 wins against Liverpool and Spanish side Real Betis in August with forwards Leon and Salmon netting the winners in those games.And a 3-1 warm-up defeat of Everton this month was followed claimed a 2-1 friendly victory against Manchester City with Lucy Staniforth netting following a Paula Tomas assist. Along with Robinson, who joined Villa as a free agent in July, Spain left-back Tomas is among eight new summer signings with De Pauw strengthening his attacking, midfield and goalkeeper options.Their new arrivals include Gabi Nunes, who like Tomas, joined the club from Spanish side Levante.The Brazil forward, who helped her national side to win silver at the Paris Olympics, netted 11 goals in 28 top-flight appearances in Spain last season.On how much the Villans now resemble a Robert de Pauw team, the Villa boss said: “We had a really good game against Everton. “The things we’re trying to implement were there so clearly. It was a big relief for me.”They’re understanding what we’re trying to do, and it’s coming across.”And of course, it will not be perfect, but there were really the things that I would like to see.”Following their promising resutls De Pauw is targeting a top-six finish in his first term at the helm.He said: “Top six is what we have projected.”If you look at the past season we were seventh and we want to do better than that. The season before we were fifth.”It will not be easy, there is no guarantee but that is the challenge you want to face.”Following her Villa arrival Robinson has high hopes for her future under de Pauw and what the team can achieve with their boss.The Villans chief believes Robinson’s ambition matches those of the club and believes she can be a “difference maker for his side”.Robinson, who left Albion in June after a four-year spell, said: “I had some really good conversations with the club and with Robert.”I’m really excited to see what we can achieve. “Robert has a great attitude and a big winning mentality and that’s really important to me.De Pauw’s side will host Tottenham at Villa Park on September 29 in their first WSL home game this termCredit: Getty”Hopefully where he can implement me in the squad can really bring the best out of me as a player.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I want to contribute to the team as much as possible with goals and assists, I know I’ve got that in me.”Ultimately, I want to develop as a player and this is best club for me to do that.” More

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      Jonas Eidevall backs Arsenal to do the business in Champions League qualifier battle with BK Hacken

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal can bask in the pressure of battling to keep their Women’s Champions League dream alive.And the Gunners gaffer was tight-lipped on whether Rosa Kafaji and Stina Blackstenius will face their old club BK Hacken tonight.Rosa Kafaji could be line to start for Arsenal against BK Hacken in the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifierCredit: EPAThe Gunners are hoping for a repeat of the ruthless efficiency that saw them beat Rangers in the first roundCredit: APTomorrow in Sweden Arsenal play the first of three high stakes games in nine days. These include a WSL season-opener against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday.First priority is collecting a victory in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier second-round and avoiding the shock exit they suffered in this round last year.Eidevall said: “Of course, everyone feels a little bit of pressure and for me that’s not a negative thing, it’s positive and a necessity for high performance.Read More Football Stories “This is really business time for us where we put everyone’s competence into the hot seat.”We have prepped for this period because we knew this was going to be busy. “It’s exciting to be here and close to going into the group stage of the Champions League.”It’s exciting to go to the Emirates to play Manchester City this weekend, but we need to keep our focus on the day-by-day activity. Most read in Football”We’re really hungry and I expect Hacken to be too.”Tomorrow’s 6:00pm duel at the Bravina Arena in Gothenburg could see Sweden duo Kafaji and Blackstenius return to haunt their former side.Should Kafaji feature, it would be her first appearance for against her old club since sealing a permanent move to Eidevall’s side for a reported fee between £200,000 and £250,000.The Sweden-born head coach added: “There is always some emotion and all of us who are from Sweden think it’s nice to come here and to be able show the team this country.”And it’s a little bit special for Stina and Rosa having played for Hacken before. “There’s a lot of ingredients for an exciting game between two teams who like to be in possession.”Elsewhere Arsenal’s WSL rivals Man City will be looking to get their push for a Champions League group stage place off to flier.They face visit Paris FC who finished third in France’s top-flight last term and are due to play Guincamp in their Division One Feminine opener.And the match could see ex-Gunners ace Vivianne Miedema make her first appearance for the Cityzens in Europe since joining club as a free agent inLast season the French side pulled off two major Champions Leagues shocks – knocking Arsenal and two-time contest winners Wolfsburg out of the tournamentYesterday Man City boss Gareth Taylor said: “They’re a dangerous opponent and will not make it easy. Vivianne Miedema could be in line to feature for Man City when they play Paris FC in the Champions League second qualifiersCredit: Getty”They’re a tough opponent for us but actually the signs from our team in pre-season has been really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Regardless of who we drew, this is a really tough stage of the competition.”I’ve said previously, that in this round, you will probably face tougher games than you would in the group stages in the league format.” More