The profile of women’s football looks set to be greatly raised by the developments in the game recently. Firstly, on Wednesday, it was announced that the first Women’s semi-pro league in now underway. As if that wasn’t enough, it has also been announced that A super league backed by the FA will be played over the summer.
The top 8 women’s teams – Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Bristol Academy, Doncaster Belles, Liverpool, Lincoln and Everton will compete against each other to try and become the first champions of the Women’s Super League. The FA has invested over £3m in the league, which runs from April until October. The timing is aimed so that is isn’t overshadowed by the Men’s league, thus increasing attendances.
There is a break in May however, so that England can compete in Germany in the World Cup. The FA Chairman, David Bernstein, spoke enthusiastically about the Super League, which will have 5 of its matches broadcast live on ESPN. He said that this was a landmark in women’s football, and that it was a great opportunity for game in England. The league being launched and the fact that England were also taking part in the World Cup made it a very exciting time for the game, he added.
The league kicks off with a thrilling encounter between arch rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, and Faye White, captain of Arsenal and England, can’t wait for it to start. She says she has been waiting for this for a long time, and is thrilled that it has happened while she is still playing. She thanked the FA for investing in the women’s game and said it was going to be a very exciting summer.