Driving Innovation off the Pitch: Women Entrepreneurs transforming Football
Women’s football is undergoing rapid growth-not only on the pitch, but increasingly behind the scenes. Supported by organisations such as Women in Football (WIF) and initiatives backed by Xero, entrepreneurial women are advancing innovation across marketing, coaching, technology, and media.
From former professional athletes to emerging founders, these women are building sustainable businesses, creating jobs, and addressing long-standing gaps within the football industry.
By combining commercial expertise with a deep passion for the game, they are shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and economically resilient future for football.
Taylor confident after first WSL win ahead of Manchester United
Liverpool FC Women head coach, Gareth Taylor believes his side carry renewed confidence into Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League clash with Manchester United Women, following a morale-boosting victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool’s dramatic late win last weekend marked a turning point after a run of draws, and Taylor says the impact has been clear on the training ground at Melwood.
Eder Maestre previews Brighton as he adapts to the “more physical” WSL demands
London City Lionesses head coach Eder Maestre spoke to the media ahead of his side’s fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Following a tough 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the WSL last weekend, London City must respond and regain positive form.
Sørensen targets response as Everton welcome Aston Villa to Goodison Park
Everton Women manager Brian Sørensen has called on his side to respond positively when they host Aston Villa Women at Goodison Park in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Sunday morning (11:55 GMT).
The Toffees go into the Barclays Women’s Super League fixture sitting 10th in the table with eight points, while visitors Aston Villa arrive on Merseyside seventh with 16 points. Despite the gap in league positions, Sørensen insists his side are focused on performances rather than the standings as they look to climb the table.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Sørensen reflected on current form, team news, and an increase in competitiveness as the season continues.
Spurs determined to respond ahead of West Ham Derby
Tottenham Hotspur Women will look to respond positively this weekend as they travel to face West Ham United in a fixture that carries added edge and importance.
Following a disappointing result in their previous outing, Spurs head coach Martin Ho has been clear in his assessment: While there were encouraging spells, particularly in possession and player intent, the team fell short of their own standards in decisive moments.
Júlia Bartel: the Future of Spanish Football
Júlia Bartel is spending the 2025/26 season on loan with Atletico Madrid from Chelsea FC Women. The young midfielder is proving herself in Spain, pushing for a spot in the Spanish National team ahead of the upcoming international break to kickstart 2026.
With experience across Europe, her journey is one of resilience and intent as she continues to become a better version of herself on and off the pitch, while impressing regularly on the footballing stage.
Youth Development in the women’s game: An analysis of Club Academy Systems and College-Based Pathways
The Football Association (FA) has introduced significant reforms to the Women’s and Girls’ Playing Pathway, aimed at improving accessibility, inclusivity, and the identification and development of elite talent across England.
Following an extensive period of consultation within the game, these changes target girls and young women aged between eight and twenty, ensuring that football development opportunities are accessible to all communities nationwide.
The Eagles fly with five WSL 2 wins in five slotting four past Durham
Crystal Palace Women continued their winning momentum as they secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Durham in the Barclays Women's Super League (WSL 2) at the VBS Community Stadium.
Durham looked the more dangerous team, pressing high and relentlessly attacking the Eagles' defence, but it was Palace that were triumphant in the end.
Two goals from Molly Sharpe in the second half sealed the win, while a goal from forward Annabel Blanchard ensured the Eagles were in top form.
Manchester City edge London City Lionesses in late drama to push nine points clear
Manchester City Women extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Women’s Super League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over London City Lionesses, secured by a late strike from Khadija Bunny Shaw at the Copperjax Community Stadium.
Despite a spirited performance from the hosts, the league leaders once again demonstrated their championship pedigree and pushed nine points clear in the league, above holders Chelsea. However, a club record crowd of 3,418 made this a special occasion for London City Lionesses.
Enderby brace earns Liverpool first WSL win this season
Tottenham Hotspur Women travel to St Helens for a must-win Barclays Women’s Super League clash against Liverpool FC.
While Spurs stand in fourth place in the WSL with 23 points, a win could take them level once again with North London rivals, Arsenal. They aim to chase the Gunners as they battle for their first ever qualification place for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
At the other end of the table, Liverpool still remain winless in the league this season, with only four points to their name. With six new signings since the New Year, Gareth Taylor’s side seek their first three points and aim to gradually edge out of the relegation zone.
Tottenham Hotspur must manage “added pressure” as Ho previews trip to St Helens
Tottenham Hotspur Women travel to St Helens on Sunday January 25, as they prepare to face relegation-fighting, Liverpool FC Women.
The Lilywhites continue to push for top three in the Barclays Women’s Super League, hoping to earn three points away against a resilient Liverpool side.
Head coach, Martin Ho spoke to the media ahead of this weekend’s match and reinforces his strong ambitions with the club.
Liverpool in “a better physical and tactical position” as they prepare to host Spurs
Liverpool FC Women host Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Sunday 25 January.
Head coach, Gareth Taylor spoke to the media ahead of a must-win fixture at St Helens Stadium for the Reds.
On the back of a dominant win in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, alongside the addition of six new players to the squad, Liverpool are fighting for points as they aim to regain form and take positive steps forward in the second half of the 2025/26 season.
Mead stars as Arsenal overcome the Blues with three points at the Bridge
Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge for the most played fixture in the Barclays Women’s Super League: the London Derby.
Ahead of kick off, Chelsea are in second place in the WSL table, six points behind current front runners, Manchester City. Arsenal are level with North London rivals, taking third place due to a higher goal difference.
While Chelsea have 27 points on board, Arsenal look to close the gap between the two London sides. With only 23 points, a win today will edge the Gunners closer to the Blues and their title ambitions.
The Foxes bolster squad depth with leadership and attacking prowess
Leicester City FC Women are currently in 9th place in the Barclays Women’s Super League table with only nine points on the table, as the second half of the 2025/26 season is underway.
With five new faces joining the Foxes already this January, it is clear the club are ambitious to invest in the women’s side and push up the table.
Already this season, there is evidence of a lack of squad depth, alongside gaps within passages of play along the flanks and something missing in the final third. However, these new signings could be the resolution to Rick Passmoor’s problems as head coach.
Sørensen previews Brighton in the WSL following FA Cup dominance
Everton manager Brian Sørensen spoke to the media ahead of the Toffees’ Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday evening.
The Toffees take on the Seagulls at Goodison Park under the lights: a fixture set to entertain with expected goals and tight margins.
He outlined squad updates and team mentality, alongside discussing Everton’s performance against Brighton, and what he expects from the players as the season continues.
The long-term health of retired female football players
As participation in elite women’s football continues to expand globally, increasing attention is being directed toward the long-term health outcomes of retired female players. While football offers substantial physical, psychological, and social benefits, evidence indicates that retired female footballers face a distinct set of long-term health challenges.
These include musculoskeletal disorders, neurocognitive risks, mental health concerns, and reproductive health issues, many of which may manifest earlier or more severely than in the general population or compared with male players.
Understanding these outcomes is essential for developing effective prevention strategies, gender-specific care models, and post-retirement support systems.
Breaking barriers: Bunny Shaw’s rise in women’s football
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw is not just redefining what success looks like for Jamaican or black women in football, she's showing that talent, determination, and belief can take you anywhere.
The Manchester City forward is in the prime of her career, clinical in front of goal and driving City towards silverware at the end of the season. However, she plays more than the role of just a footballer; she is role model and example to the next generations of aspiring young, black footballers.
Her journey is proof that representation matters and that the next generation of young girls from Kingston to London can dream even bigger because of her.
Gaupset orchestrates Spurs’ passage into the hat for the next round
Tottenham Hotspur Women secured their place in the fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Leicester City Women at Brisbane Road on Sunday afternoon, played in front of an attendance of 1,062.
In a contest that was competitive in its early stages, Signe Gaupset proved decisive, producing two moments of quality that swung the tie firmly in Spurs’ favour. Goals from captain Bethany England, Drew Spence and Lenna Gunning-Williams ensured a comfortable passage into the next round for Martin Ho’s side.
The evolution of language and tone in media coverage of women’s football
The language and tone used in media coverage of women’s football have undergone a marked transformation over recent decades. Historically characterised by sexualisation, trivialisation, and condescension, contemporary reporting increasingly adopts a professional, performance-focused approach.
This shift reflects the sport’s growing prominence, professionalisation. And success on the international stage, particularly during major tournaments, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Women’s EUROs.
Gareth Taylor on ambitions, squad fitness and aims in attack ahead of London Bees
Liverpool head coach Gareth Taylor, spoke to the media at the AXA Melwood Training Facility on January 16, ahead of his side’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup Fourth Round tie against London Bees on January 18.
With Liverpool currently sitting bottom of the Barclays Women’s Super League table, Taylor emphasised the importance of using the FA Cup as an opportunity to build confidence, rhythm, and clarity in performances, while remaining realistic about the challenges ahead.
