Motherhood in Women’s Football: From Career-Ending Taboo to Structural Transformation
For decades, motherhood in women’s football was widely perceived as incompatible with elite performance. Pregnancy often led to contract termination, financial instability, or early retirement, forcing players into an unspoken ‘either-or’ decision between family and career.
Today, that narrative is undergoing a significant transformation-driven by legal precedent, policy reform, and the visibility of athlete-mothers to the highest level of the game.
UWCL Quarter Finals Preview: Europe’s Star Clubs battle for Final Four Place
The UEFA Women’s Champions League is hotting up, and soon, we will know the final 4 teams battling it out for European glory.
The Quarter-final second leg matches take place over two nights (Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April), with each night providing two thrilling encounters.
Crystal Palace Victorious in South London Showdown
Crystal Palace Women took the crown in an exciting and closely fought South London Derby at Selhurst Park. Turning the streets of Croydon red and blue, 3,822 fans made the journey to the club’s main stadium for this landmark fixture against Charlton Athletic, the South-East London rivals both looking to cement their place in promotion territory of the Barclays WSL2 table.
With a family friendly fanzone, Eagles mascots dancing on the sidelines, and a cracking playlist (of course featuring the club's anthem ‘Glad all Over’), the crowd were in full voice, with fans of all demographics, new supporters to lifetime ones, wanting to see women's football on the main stage.
Kenni Thompson corner seals FAWNL Cup victory for AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth Women secured a close 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Women’s National League Cup final, despite strong opposition from the Pilgrims, who created opportunities throughout both halves and caused problems for the Cherries.
Forward, Kenni Thompson broke the deadlock in the seventh minute of the first half from a corner in favour of the Cherries, who looked composed and controlled when she crossed into the box and headed it in, giving them the lead.
It was a feisty affair, with both teams attempting to assert dominance and create opportunities in the final third, but it was ultimately Bournemouth who remained victorious in the end.
Ho values “time, belief, and consistency” at Spurs following long-term deal
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Martin Ho spoke to the media ahead of his side's away fixture against Arsenal this weekend in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL).
Saturday’s derby is expected to be a big one, as Arsenal head into the match in fine form, winning four of their last five games. Spurs are also looking to improve on harsh results against Everton and Manchester City but remain optimistic.
Players Olivia Holdt and Matilda Vinberg recently signed new contract extensions yesterday, tying their futures to the club, with Ho also extending his stay with the Lilywhites. Three extensions in three days speaks volumes, a testimony to the new trajectory of the club under Ho and his coaching staff.
The Stage is Set for the FAWNL Cup Final: Bournemouth and Plymouth go head-to-head
In the 34th edition of the FA Women’s National League Cup, AFC Bournemouth will face Plymouth Argyle in the Final at Loftus Road on 28th March 2026.
Plymouth sits six points ahead of Bournemouth in the FAWNL South, with the two sides facing one another last weekend. The Greens took the win thanks to a Phoebe Poole goal and a late minute winner from Una Lue.
Having seen this fixture as almost a test match for this weekend’s final, the Cherries look to bounce back and defy the odds with a victory. It is guaranteed that the final will be unexpected and full of excitement, with hopes of a strong crowd at Loftus Road!
Olivia Holdt “excited for the future” with long-term Spurs deal
Signed in the January transfer window of 2025, Olivia Holdt has already emerged as a highly technical and class player for Tottenham Hotspur Women.
The Danish midfielder contributes significantly to the midfield battle with her fast footwork and ability to create opportunities through intelligent visions and skilful passages of play.
Earlier this week, Spurs announced the agreement of a long-term contract which seals Holdt’s future at the club for years to come. Not only a sign of her commitment to Spurs and continuation , but also her belief in the long-term ambitions and vision of the club under new head coach, Martin Ho.
England Deaf Women’s Team: from becoming European Champions to inspiring a New Era for Deaf Sports
After thriving through the seventh European Deaf Futsal Championship in Croatia with a 100% winning record, the England Deaf Women’s Team brought it home following a 2-0 win against Poland in the final.
Not only did the result secure the title but signalled the growing impact of the Para Lionesses on the European stage. Winning this tournament is a reminder that disabilities should not limit opportunities in sports and raises awareness for deaf futsal both in England and globally.
With a flawless group stage - and securing five wins in five throughout the competition - the team cruised through the tournament and proved themselves worthy of the first place finish.
Arsenal promotes Inclusion and inspires Next Generations with Gunner Girls series
Arsenal Women launches a brand-new documentary-style series, Gunner Girls, which champions inclusion and inspires the next generation.
The new docuseries is exclusively available to watch on The Arsenal, the new digital home for fans globally. This platform allows supporters to access exclusive experiences and opportunities, whilst expressing their love and support for the club and its community initiatives.
Following the creation of a new Under-9s girls’ community team, the series spotlights their first journey in football, alongside the support of several Arsenal Women stars: Lotte Wubben-Moy, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo.
The FA Launches Made for This Game: Breaking Barriers Initiative
The Football Association [FA] in partnership with Barclays, has announced a nationwide school campaign to understand the entrenched societal barriers that affect girls’ participation in football.
The initiative Made for This Game: Breaking Barriers will provide free resources to primary and secondary schools across the country to start important conversations about the gendered barriers still present in sport, hoping to increase inclusivity and access to participation.
The FA and Barclays Girls Football in School’s Partnership has, over many years, worked to support educators in making equal access to football in schools a reality. This new campaign hopes to break down the remaining barriers with fresh insight showing that gender stereotyping, misogyny, and a lack of body confidence are the most significant factors still holding girls back.
Asian Cup Final Preview: Hosts Australia take on Japan
In a final that many predicted from the start, host nation Australia, buoyed by a home crowd and a ‘never say die’ attitude, take on terrifyingly clinical Japan in the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Saturday at 9AM (GMT).
The competition has showcased the joys of tournament football for players and communities alike with Uzbekistan making it out of the group stages for the first time in their history and 250,000 spectators entering stadiums across the country, a 5X increase from the previous record. From last minute Alanna Kennedy headers and an eleven goal thrashing in the group stage by Japan, the final could shape up to be a very exciting end to a historic tournament.
Denver Summit begin inaugural NWSL season with strong presence
As an expansion team, Denver Summit is entering its inaugural season in 2026, meaning they have no “last season” performance to look back on. Instead, they are building a brand-new legacy from scratch as the NWSL’s 16th franchise.
The club hired Nick Cushing, formerly the manager of Manchester City and NYCFC. Known for an attacking style, Cushing was brought in to establish a winning culture immediately. The biggest splash is USWNT captain and Colorado native, Lindsey Heaps, who will join the squad in June 2026 after completing her season with Lyon in France. The club bypassed traditional expansion drafts to build through free agency, signing veterans like defender Kaleigh Kurtz, goalkeeper Abby Smith and forward Ally Brazier. They also signed top young talent, including MAC Hermann Trophy winner Jasmine Aikey.
Everton edge win away in Tottenham to continue victorious run
Everton moved up to sixth place in the table after a shock 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL). Yuka Momiki opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half, while Spurs levelled through Signe Gaupset in the second half.
The Lilywhites looked to double their lead late on, but a last-minute goal from Kelly Gago ensured the Toffees took home all three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They continue their positive run of wins under new head coach, Scott Phelan.
Ho reflects on Spurs’ Preparation ahead of Everton Clash
Tottenham Hotspur Women manager Martin Ho says his side have used the recent break in fixtures as an opportunity to reflect and reset ahead of Sunday’s Women’s Super League meeting with Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ho explained that the pause in matches has allowed the squad to review their performances during a busy run of games and focus on preparing for the challenge Everton will bring.
Jeglertz praises work rate as City prepare for Villa Park clash
After a successful and busy international break Manchester City are preparing to jump straight back into wsl action as they regain their momentum to stay at the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League table facing Aston Villa.
After the mid season international break Manager Andrée Jeglertz is roaring and ready to continue their strive for silverware at his first season with the club.
Maestre ready for Arsenal Challenge: London City “must play without fear”
London City Lionesses head coach Eder Maestre says his side must “play without fear” when they face Arsenal Women’s FC in a sold-out London derby at the Copperjax Community Stadium this weekend.
With 5,000 tickets sold, they prepare for their first ever sell-out as an independent club navigating the Barclays Women’s Super League for their first season.
Taylor outlines “game to game” mentality as the Reds look to regain momentum after the break
Liverpool FC Women prepare to face Leicester City a must-win Barclays Women’s Super League clash this weekend.
Head coach, Gareth Taylor addressed the media following international break, touching on team news, momentum after the break, preparations for Leicester, their home of St Helens, and the importance of adaptability from club to country football.
Whilst the Foxes are in twelfth position with only nine points on the board, the Reds are in eleventh with just 10. Three points are vital for both sides, as they push to edge out of the relegation zone and into safety with a fairly small number of fixtures left this season.
Poppy Pattinson’s pride and “never give up” attitude succeeding senior Lionesses debut
Poppy Pattinson received her first senior Lionesses call-up and made her senior debut in a 6-1 victory over Ukraine, coming on as a second-half substitute.
The London City Lionesses’ defender spoke to the media following her first senior England experience. She outlined the highlights of camp, the pride of making her debut, what sets her aside from other left-backs, and her long-term ambitions both on the domestic and international footballing scenes.
The Hidden Economy of Semi-Professional Women’s Football
Women’s football is often framed as a rapidly expanding success story, marked by rising visibility, increasing audiences, and growing commercial interest. Yet beneath this narrative lies a complex and precarious “hidden economy”, particularly within semi-professional and lower-tier women’s football.
This economy is characterised by high levels of passion and development potential, alongside profound structural, financial, and employment insecurity.
While top-flight leagues such as the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) have benefited from professionalisation and investment, the tiers below-and many international contexts-continue to rely on a fragile mix of amateur, semi-professional, and subsided labour.
The Matildas prepare for Quarter Final test with strong Asian Cup ambitions
Australia seek deserved revenge at this year's AFC Women’s Asian Cup after they suffered an early exit back in 2022. A behind closed doors tournament due to Covid 19 saw the Matildas knocked out in the quarter finals by a strong South Korea team who went on to the final.
This year, as the hosts of the tournament, Australia have their eyes set on the trophy. With Captain, Sam Kerr back in the squad following over two years sidelined with injury (ACL), her return is a huge boost for the Matildas and significantly boosts their attacking quality and leadership powers.