Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd Women’s star Nikita Parris leaves local kids stunned by turning up for kickaround with U12s team

      by

      Women’s football legend Nikita Parris has given a group of unsuspecting youngsters a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of playing with the trophy-winning star.The Manchester United forward who has been capped 65 times for England arrived at her childhood football club in Toxteth for an early morning kickaround, surprising the under 12s team.
      Nikita Parris coaches the young players in Toxeth at her childhood football clubCredit: SWNS
      The kids were left inspired by Parris’ tales of making it to the topCredit: SWNS
      The star has been capped 65 times by England and was part of the squad who won this summer’s EurosCredit: SWNS
      As the girls sat down to breakfast, Parris gave them a stirring talk about coming from the area and achieving her dreams of playing the beautiful game professionally – before getting underway with some shooting practice. 
      After the session, Mila Williams, aged 7, said she “learnt so much” from Parris and wants to “follow in her footsteps”. 
      The heart-warming video comes after research of 1,000 6-16 year olds revealed their heroes, with footballers Beth Mead, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford – and Nikita Parris – featuring in the top 50 list. 
      Other idols for youngsters included Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his sidekick Kevin Hart, Harry Styles and Emma Watson.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Nikita Parris said: “It was amazing coming back to my old training ground today and seeing so many girls just wanting to give it a go.
      “I loved the way the Weetabix Wildcats coaches were keeping the activities fun-based, you could see the girls were all having a really great time.
      “It was great hearing all their questions about how to get started in football, and I told them all that as long as they’re enjoying themselves that’s the most important thing.
      “It’s been a fantastic summer for women’s football, and it’s great to see brands giving girls the opportunity to get involved in sport. And I’m chuffed to be in the top 50 too.”
      Parris is one of many footballers to rank in the top 50 children’s heroes in the research conductedCredit: SWNS
      Nikita Parris leads the youngsters in a series of training drillsCredit: SWNS
      The 28-year-old has clubs such as Lyon, Manchester City and Arsenal on her expansive CVCredit: SWNS
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A spokesperson for Weetabix, which commissioned the study, said: “Football is for everyone and that’s been highlighted more than ever this year.
      “With the England women’s team recently winning the Euros, there’s no better time for young girls to be encouraged to get into football.
      “To see Beth Mead, Alex Scott and Nikita herself in the top 50 list of children’s heroes is inspiring and a sign of the times.
      “We hope this is just the beginning of girls getting involved in football and the training session showed just how much they enjoy it and have a passion for the sport.
      “Weetabix Wildcats offers girls the chance to take part in non-competitive football.
      “Especially in the current circumstances, we want to ensure families still have access to affordable and healthy food and opportunities to keep active with the emphasis being on having fun and making new friends.
      “Sport should be part of everyday life, and we’re passionate about giving girls access to football.”
      The research also found athletes and sportspeople are the most inspiring type of celebrities for kids (20 per cent), followed by musicians (16 per cent) and actors (11 per cent).
      Similarly, 24 per cent think a good hero is brilliant at sport, while 26 per cent believe kindness makes a great role model.
      It also emerged 31 per cent feel a celebrity has given them an idea of what they want to do for a living and 27 per cent want the exact same job as their idol.
      While 54 per cent said their favourite celebrities inspire them to chase their dreams.
      CHILDREN’S TOP 50 HEROES
      1.            Cristiano Ronaldo            
      2.            Ed Sheeran        
      3.            Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson       
      4.            David Beckham
      5.            Lady Gaga          
      6.            Emma Watson  
      7.            Ariana Grande  
      8.            Billie Eilish
      9.            Kevin De Bruyne
      10.          Miley Cyrus       
      11.          Harry Styles       
      12.          Lewis Hamilton        
      13.          Zendaya                      
      14.          David Attenborough              
      15.          Jordan Henderson          
      16.          Kevin Hart
      17.          Marcus Rashford             
      18.          Kylie Jenner      
      19.          Raheem Sterling                      
      20.          Ant and Dec
      21.          David Walliams        
      22.          Greta Thunberg        
      23.          Phil Foden                  
      24.          Prince Harry             
      25.          Jojo Siwa                     
      26.          Beth Mead                 
      27.          Megan Rapinoe       
      28.          Pep Guardiola           
      29.          Alex Scott                   
      30.          Kim Kardashian        
      31.          Dove Cameron         
      32.          Nikita Parris               
      33.          Steve Backshall        
      34.          James Charles           
      35.          Lil Nas X                      
      36.          Tommy Fury              
      37.          Addison Rae              
      38.          Jesy Nelson               
      39.          Millie Bobby Brown                
      40.          Dixie D’Amelio  
      41.          Jack Grealish             
      42.          Jake Paul                     
      43.          Logan Paul                 
      44.          Rylan Clark                 
      45.          Junior Andre             
      46.          Leah Williamson
      47.          Molly-Mae Hague
      48.          Charli D’Amelio
      49.          Bukayo Saka      
      50.          Big Zuu
      Parris moved to Manchester United last monthCredit: SWNS
      Young football stars of the future lined-up to be pictured with ParrisCredit: SWNS More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former England ace Carney to lead women’s football review announced by culture secretary Nadine Dorries

      by

      KAREN CARNEY will head a major review on the future of women’s football in England, according to a government announcement. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries revealed the former Lioness will chair an “in-depth” examination of the women’s domestic game.
      Karen Carney is set to chair a review looking at the future of the women’s domestic gameCredit: Getty
      Broadcast revenue generated by the sport will be among the issues to be covered by the government-backed reviewCredit: Reuters
      It follows some significant changes to the sport over the years, particularly at its highest levels with the professionalisation of the WSL and FA Women’s Championship.
      The review, backed by the Culture, Media and Sports Department, will include an analysis of the sport’s elite and grassroots levels and will be launched by the FA in the coming weeks.
      It comes after England’s historic triumph at the Women’s Euros in July with the team winning their first major contest crown.
      Lionesses’ heroine Carney, 35, a Sky Sports pundit who has 144 international caps said: “Over the last few years, the game has grown significantly and at a rapid pace.
      “Of course, this is an exciting time, but there is an urgent need to ensure there are processes and structures in place that protect the interest of the game and the people working in it.
      Read More Sports Stories
      “I have always said that the sport needs to be built on solid foundations to give it long-lasting success in a sustainable way. 
      “For me, this is a defining period for the sport and this review will be at the heart of that.”
      The DCMS-backed review is set to cover a range of issues.
      These include the game’s infrastructure and audience reach, its financial sustainability and broadcast revenue as well as sponsorship and competition prize money.
      The stark disparity in FA Cup prize cash between men’s and women’s sides has been a concern for fans and club managers over the years.
      Most read in Football
      In March football chiefs announced an increase in Women’s FA Cup prize money with the fund set to rise from £428,915 to £3million from this season.
      The future of the WSL is another topic that has come up for debate in recent months.
      This summer has seen calls for the top tier to become commercially independent with Chelsea chief Emma Hayes calling for the league to be taken out of the FA’s hands.
      The review of the domestic women’s and girls’ game will see industry experts invited to give evidence at meetings to be led by Carney across the country.
      Football experts are due to be called to give evidence as part of the review’s analysis of the girls’ and women’s gameCredit: Getty
      It will culminate with a report on the state of the sport to be published early next year.
      Ms Dorries added: “The Lionesses’ spectacular performance shows how far we have come at the top of the women’s game.
      “While it is right that we celebrate and reflect on that success, we need an equal emphasis on improving participation, employment opportunities, commercial investment and visibility in the media.” More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal sell more than 38,500 North London derby tickets as club aims to break WSL crowd record

      by

      ARSENAL are on course to set a new WSL match attendance record after flogging over 38,500 tickets for their clash with Tottenham.The derby could become the league’s highest-attended match should every fan who bought a ticket turn up for the game at the Emirates.
      A WSL record crowd of 38,262 watched the Gunners’ 3-0 away win against Spurs in November 2019Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Arsenal hope to draw a WSL record crowd to their duel with Tottenham at the Emirates in SeptemberCredit: Getty
      The 1:30 pm fixture – to be broadcast live on BBC One – will take place on September 24.
      The current record for the biggest crowd at a women’s top-flight game was set when Spurs took on the Gunners at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November 2019.
      Back then 38,262 match goers turned up to watch the game with the visitors winning 3-0 courtesy of goals from Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord.  
      Gunners head coach Jonas Eidevall said: “It’s been incredible to see the demand for tickets for the North London Derby,
      “You can really feel the excitement around the game at the moment so it’s amazing to see that translate into a record-breaking attendance.  
      Read More Sports Stories
      “Now it’s our job to repay that enthusiasm with a big performance in this crucial clash for our supporters.”
      Arsenal are among a number of top-flight sides experiencing a surge in ticket sales following the Women’s Euros.
      And the club says it has sold its full allocation of season ticket sales this term.
      Elsewhere Brighton are reported to have seen a 249 per cent rise in ticket sales.  
      Most read in Sport
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Arsenal, who finished second in the top tier last season, will play two more WSL games at the Emirates this season.
      And the North London giants plan to hold all their Champions League group stage home fixtures at the stadium should they progress to that phase.
      The Gunners will go up against Dutch side Ajax in the second round of qualifiers with both rivals seeking a place in this season’s group stage.
      Last term the club reached the quarter-finals of the competition before being knocked out by Wolfsburg.
      They are currently the only English side to have won a Champions League crown when they triumphed in the contest in 2007. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We’ve got a target on our backs now we’re European champions’, says England ace Rachel Daly

      by

      RACHEL DALY joked about feeling like a Big Brother contestant when leaving England’s camp for the first time after their Euros win.And the Harrogate-born WSL star reckons the team have a target on their backs after becoming Europe’s top dogs.
      Rachel Daly and her team-mates are targeting World Cup qualifying wins against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses need a point against Austria to claim a place in the 2023 World CupCredit: PA
      Daly, who has 57 caps, admits that life has changed greatly for the team, who take on Austria in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
      The match is the first Sarina Wiegman’s aces will play since their historic triumph at Wembley on July 31.
      Reflecting on how life has shifted for the Lionesses, Daly, 30, said: “During the Euros, we were in a bubble.
      “I don’t think we were fully aware of how much of an impact we had on the nation.
      “So, coming out, it was a whirlwind. It was almost like you’d been on Big Brother or Love Island.
      “It was unbelievable to see we’d inspired the nation.”
      Read More Sports Stories
      A draw with their Austrian opponents would see England seal qualification for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Daly believes the Lionesses – unbeaten under Wiegman in 20 games – instil fear in their opponents.
      The defender, who sealed a summer switch to Aston Villa from American top-flight side Houston Dash, added: “England are a team that is feared.
      “We are now European champions and that is something you have got to look at with a great deal of respect.
      “The pressure is all on our backs. Football in England is taking off.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “But pressure is a privilege, and we have to see it as that. Right now, we’re focused on qualifying for the World Cup.
      “We’re European champions of course, but our focus is on the World Cup qualification stage. We know what we need to do.”
      England’s duel with Austria will be the first fixture the team will play following the retirements of Ellen White and Jill Scott.
      And while their presence will be missed, Daly acknowledges there is also an opportunity for the squad’s younger players and rising stars to shine.
      Daly joked: “It’s definitely quieter without Jill.
      “They are missed as people and players, but again, it opens up a new opportunity to the youngsters to come through and shine.”
      Ebony Salmon is among the rising stars aiming to make their mark for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      “They’re two massive characters, great football but honestly even better humans.
      “When you are with them every day you’d feel the empowerment, you’d feel the support, and they’re just fantastic people.
      “They deserve the world for what they’ve done for the women’s game in England and not just here but for the women’s game in general.”
      Austria vs England will be aired on ITV on Saturday 3 September. The game kicks off at 4:00 pm More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England boss Wiegman named Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year following Lionesses’ Euros triumph

      by

      SARINA WIEGMAN has won Uefa’s women’s coach of the year gong after guiding England to their first Euros crown.This evening it was announced the Lionesses’ boss had been chosen ahead of Germany gaffer Martina Voss-Tecklenburg and Lyon chief Sonia Bompastor.
      Sarina Wiegman was named Uefa’s women’s coach of the year after England’s Euros win this summerCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses chief and her players hope to add the 2023 World Cup to their trophy collectionCredit: Getty
      England are yet to lose a match under their Netherlands-born head coach who took charge of the team last September.
      Since then, the Lionesses have gone on a 19-game unbeaten run with the players winning the Euros after beating Germany 2-1 at Wembley last month.
      And their historic triumph comes five years on from Wiegman steering the Netherlands to Euros glory.
      Wiegman, 52, said: “It’s really nice to receive this great award, I’m very honoured and humbled.
      “Thank you for voting and I would like to congratulate Sonia and Martina for their nominations and their great achievement with their teams.
      Read More Sports Stories
      “This award is really for everyone involved with the England team, the FA, the staff and of course, most of all, the players. Thank you very much.
      “Things have been set in place and gone very well since I started with the team in September.
      “We’ve really enjoyed it and we’ve performed at our highest level.
      “Our fans have been very great too, so thank you to all the fans for supporting us so much. Now we are looking forward again.
      “Hopefully, we qualify for the World Cup and then next year we go to the World Cup and try to improve the game, perform ourselves and enjoy the game of course.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Wiegman was named this year’s award winner during the Champions League group stage draw in Turkey this evening.
      And Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti won the Uefa men’s coach of the year prize following his club Champions League trophy triumph last season.
      England’s Euros heroics under Wiegman saw them win their first major tournament in 56 years.
      And the Dutch head coach is set to discuss a new contract with the FA after the team face Austria and Luxembourg in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
      Earlier this month it was reported football chiefs were keen to extend her current deal which runs until 2025.  
      The Lionesses will play Austria and Luxembourg in two World Cup qualifiers in SeptemberCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman added: “I still have a contract for three years so we don’t have to do it tomorrow, but we will do it in a short while.
      “But first, it’s about the squad and the games and then we’ll have a conversation.
      “I really appreciate they’re reaching out to me and that they are happy with me and with the rest of the staff.” More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ace Lauren James and Houston Dash star Ebony Salmon called up to Lionesses squad

      by

      LAUREN JAMES has been named in England’s squad before the Euros winners’ World Cup qualifying duels with Austria and Luxembourg. Ebony Salmon – who has been in clinical form for US club Houston Dash – is also included in the 23-strong group.
      Lauren James has been named in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad ahead of games against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
      Ebony Salmon has been included in the Lionesses senior squad following her efforts for England’s Under-23sCredit: Getty
      James, 20, – who is the sister of Blues and Three Lions full-back Reece – received her first senior international call-up ahead of an England camp in November 2020.
      The Kingsmeadow starlet netted a classy goal during Chelsea’s pre-season clash with Lyon this month, which the French side eventually won on penalties.
      The forward made five top-flight appearances for the WSL champs last term and is yet to make her senior Lionesses debut.
      England boss Wiegman, 52, said: “We have been following her since I came in and my former colleagues too.
      Read More Sports Stories
      “She didn’t play that much but she did play some. We know she’s a very talented player.
      “She also had a very good prep with Chelsea, playing minutes, and we wanted to give her a chance to show what she can do with the national team.
      Salmon, 21, who skippered England’s Under-23s to a 3-0 victory against the Netherlands in April, has one senior international cap.
      The forward made her debut as a second-half sub in a 6-0 friendly defeat of Northern Ireland last year.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The former Bristol City and Racing Louisville striker has been on fire for Houston Dash, netting eight goals in eight top-flight appearances this year.
      Wiegman added: She had her spot in the Under-23s. She moved to Houston Dash, she did so well there.
      “She’s just a real goalscorer, that’s what she has shown over the summer.
      “We really want to see where she’s at now. She’s done so well so we really want to give her a chance and show where she’s at with our team.”
      Katie Zelem makes her return to the England squad along with Arsenal star Jordan Nobbs who is now fit following a knee injury.
      Manchester City keeper Sandy MacIver also returns with Hannah Hampton absent due to some personal issues.
      But Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby both miss England’s September clashes with Austria and Luxembourg due to injury.
      Wiegman said: “Chloe’s (injury) is just a small thing but it’s too early to bring her in and let her play.
      Read More on The Sun
      “She needs a little bit more time but it’s not too bad. Fran has a foot injury.
      “I think she’ll be alright but she hasn’t had that much training at all so she needs a little bit more time.”
      Jordan Nobbs will be part of England’s camp after battling her way back to fitnessCredit: GettyEngland Squad for World Cup qualifiers in September

      Goalkeepers:
      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City)
      Defenders:
      Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City) Demi Stokes (Manchester City).
      Midfielders:
      Ella Toone (Manchester United) Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal) Katie Zelem (Manchester United) Keira Walsh (Manchester City).
      Forwards:
      Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Beth England (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Ebony Salmon (Houston Dash), Lauren James (Chelsea), Nikita Parris (Manchester United). More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ace Berger reveals recurrence of thyroid cancer with WSL player set for more treatment

      by

      ANN-KATRIN BERGER will be receiving treatment this week after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer for a second time.The Chelsea goalkeeper, 31, shared details of the recurrence in a written statement published on her Twitter page.
      Ann-Katrin Berger is set to receive treatment after revealing a recurrence of thyroid cancerCredit: Getty
      It comes almost five years after the player was initially diagnosed with the condition in November 2017, during her spell at Birmingham City.
      The WSL ace went on to make a full recovery and was named in the PFA’s Team of the Year in 2018, before sealing a January 2019 move to the Blues.
      In her statement, Berger said: “I’ve said before that as a sportsperson, you have to fight every day to be the best you can be and that’s something I will continue to do.
      “I hope by sharing my journey I can help others that find themselves in a similar situation.
      “I am working closely with my club doctor and specialist in London, and my treatment will start this week.
      Read More Sports Stories
      “I remain positive that my treatment will be as effective as last time, and I’m looking forward to returning to the pitch and seeing you all at Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge.”
      In a message of support on their website, Chelsea wrote: “Everyone at Chelsea is behind her during this difficult time.
      “The club will provide any support we can to help her make a speedy recovery.
      “We look forward to seeing her back between the posts for the Blues as soon as possible.”
      Most read in Football
      Berger has been a solid presence in goal for the Blues over the past three years.
      The Kingsmeadow ace helped the club win eight major trophies – including three league crowns following her 2019 arrival.
      And she won the WSL’s Golden Glove award in May 2021 after keeping 12 clean sheets in the 2020-21 season.
      Berger also helped her team to a league title and FA Cup double last term. More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Kansas City ace LaBonta jokingly feigns injury before celebrating her NWSL goal with a twerk

      by

      LO’EAU LABONTA wowed fans with a comical goal celebration during a National Women’s Soccer League game on Saturday.The Kansas City Current star pretended to have a hurt hamstring before doing a celebratory twerk after netting an equaliser against Angel City.
      Lo’eau LaBonta drilled a late leveller in for Kansas against Angel City in the NWSL
      The Kansas City Current star prompted laughs from her team-mates with her goal celebration
      The memorable moment occurred after LaBonta walloped the ball in from the spot in the 82nd minute.
      Kansas, who are fourth in the women’s top flight in the USA, earned the pen after Angel City’s Paige Nielsen fouled her in the box.
      LaBonta fired her side level in the second spell after sending goalkeeper Dijana Haracic the wrong way.
      After bagging her goal LaBonta did a limping jog towards the corner flag whilst clutching her hamstring and looked to be in discomfort.
      Read More Sports Stories
      Seconds later the California-born player can be seen grinning and twerking much to the amusement of her team-mates and commentators covering the game.
      LaBonta’s eye-catching antics grabbed fans’ attention on social media including the National Women’s Soccer League’s official Twitter account.
      They described the midfielder, who has made 19 appearances for her side, as “living life and having fun.”
      Elsewhere one Twitter user gave her celebration “ten out of ten”.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Kansas shared points with Angel City after Cari Roccaro put their rivals, who are seventh, ahead in the 78th minute.
      A home clash with North Carolina Courage is up next for LaBonta and her team-mates.  
      The club are two points behind Portland Thorns, Houston Dash and San Diego Wave who currently occupy the league’s top three spots.
      The trio are on 28 points each in the NWSL. More