The Matildas factory: Melbourne City's historic treble push rooted in youth development | Joey Lynch

A policy of signing some of the best young talent from around the country and turning them into international calibre players is reaping rewardsAt...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 22

Project ACL: NWSL joins WSL in initiative aimed at expanding injury research

Effort takes holistic approach to high ACL injury ratesFifpro first launched project in England in 2024The National Women's Soccer League is...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 22

European Championship qualifying may switch to Nations League-style format

Men's tournament could follow Women's World Cup methodNew format would likely come in after Euro 2028An adapted version of the Nations League...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 22

‘Not just for us' – Chelsea Women to play all WSL games at Stamford Bridge from next season

Champions to leave Kingsmeadow at end of campaign‘It's for every player to have worn shirt,' says open letterChelsea Women have announced that...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 22

‘Unwanted from day one': Dijon Women fight on despite feeling abandoned by club

Players have hit out at ‘confused and careless' management off the pitch, despite their success on itDijon are punching above their weight for yet...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 21

Russo fires England to four wins from four – Women's Football Weekly podcast

Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Emma Sanders and Marva Kreel to discuss England and the home nations' international games and preview the...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 21

Reading Women 5-0 Woodley United Ladies: Match Report  

Tia Johnson's first-half hat-trick helped Reading Women continue their good run of league form, with a resounding 5-0 victory over Woodley United...
SBNATION.COM Apr 20

Iceland v England: Women's World Cup 2027 qualifier – live

⚽️ World Cup 2027 qualifying news, 5.30pm BST kick-off⚽️ England face landmark 500th game | Mail XaymacaHello and welcome to minute-by-minute...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 18

Iran footballers granted asylum in Australia vow to continue chasing sporting dream

Former Iranian women's team players ‘overwhelmed' by supportRamezanisadeh and Pasandideh have trained with Brisbane RoarThe two members of the Iran...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 17

England v Spain: Women's World Cup 2027 qualifying – live

⚽ Updates from the Group A3 qualifier; kick-off 7pm BST⚽ Moving the Goalposts | Follow on Bluesky | Mail SimonHello! Gird thy loins, world – it's a...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 14

Hemp leads England past Spain to remain top of Women's World Cup qualifier group

England 1-0 SpainLionesses win first meeting between sides since Euro 2025 finalEngland gave their chances of automatic qualification for 2027's...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 14

US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker leaves for role with Saudi Arabia

Crocker hired Emma Hayes and Mauricio PochettinoSporting director duties to be split in the meantimeUS Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker will...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 14

‘I could wipe the floor with you, man': the exhibition on female football fans' experiences

Prof Stacey Pope's showcase highlights how women have always been required to defend and justify their fandom“You can be the thickest bloke and you...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 14

Iran releases assets of women's football team captain in Australia asylum drama

Zahra Ghanbari had been on list of ‘traitors' whose assets were frozenLatest move taken ‘following her change in behaviour'Iran's judiciary said on...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 13

Unequal game: Levy paid more last season than entire Spurs women's team and staff

Former executive chairman received £5.76mPay exceeded combined wage bill of women's teamDaniel Levy, the former executive chairman of Tottenham,...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 13

Spain much-changed but DNA will test England in first clash since Euro 2025 final

The reigning world champions have a new coach and some new faces since losing the Euro 2025 final to Sarina Wiegman's LionessesEight-and-a-half...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 13

AFC Portchester 1-1 Reading Women: Match Report  

Reading Women put in one of their performances of the season to pick up a valuable point yesterday, with a 1-1 draw against title-chasing AFC...
SBNATION.COM Apr 13

Owners treat many WSL clubs as ‘an afterthought', Angel City's co-founder says

Kara Nortman talks Monarch Collective's sports ownership portfolio and potential investment in EnglandMany Women's Super League clubs are treated...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 13

Wasted weekend takes wind out of WSL's sails … and get ready for more

With the season reaching its climax and weather improving, it's ideal for attracting fans, but the fixture list is blankMomentum can be extremely...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 12

Lavelle and Heaps score as USA women ease past Japan to open friendly series

Lavelle scores on landmark 100th US startHeaps adds winner after sweeping counterEmma Hayes' side make it 10 straight winsRose Lavelle celebrated...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 11

Australia v Malawi: Fifa Series women's international football friendly – live

Updates as Matildas play Scorchers in KenyaKick-off at Nyayo National Stadium is 2pm local/9pm AESTAny thoughts? Get in touch with an emailG'day...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 11

Women's football in England at risk without WSL academy teams in third tier, FA claims

Game could be held back without radical change, it saysIt wants more competitive games for young playersSue Day, the Football Association's...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 10

Maidenhead United Women 1-0 Reading Women: Match Report 

Reading Women suffered another narrow cup defeat in their Combined Counties Cup quarter-final tie at Maidenhead United on Wednesday night, with the...
SBNATION.COM Apr 9

‘Absolute disgrace': FA's plan to restructure Women's National League criticised

WSL academy teams would play in third tierPrevious FA expansion plan was withdrawn last yearPlans to include four Women's Super League academy...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 8

Women's Super League academy teams to play in third tier under new FA proposals

Four youth sides picked could not be promotedPlans involve mid-season split and up to £1m investmentMajor structural changes to the Women's...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 7

Brighton stun Arsenal in FA Cup as WSL 2 title race heats up – Women's Football Weekly podcast

Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Tom Garry and Anne-Marie Batson to review the FA Cup quarter-finals and assess a dramatic run-in at both...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 7

Keira Barry gets first England call-up and Niamh Charles joins Wiegman's squad

Bay FC forward Barry in for injured Freya GodfreyLionesses face Spain and Iceland in qualifiers The Bay FC forward Keira Barry has received her...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 7

‘Something you only see in films': Czech case yet another example of sexual abuse crisis

Petr Vlachovsky's non-contact sexual abuse has had long-term effects and could finally be the catalyst for safeguarding policy change for women and...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 7

Can the USMNT and USWNT become ‘America's favorite sports teams'? Their CEO thinks so

JT Batson is hopeful the influx of funds and interest around the home World Cup will have a transformative effect on American soccerUS Soccer chief...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 6

Haley and Hayes fire Brighton to shock FA Cup quarter-final win at Arsenal

Brighton two wins away from first major trophyCharlton and Liverpool play in second quarter-finalArsenal made a surprise exit at the quarter-final...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 5

Sam Kerr set for Chelsea exit after reportedly signing with US club Denver Summit

Striker expected to return to NWSL and join ambitious new club Australian pours doubt on transfer with cryptic social media postMatildas captain...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 2

Barcelona hit six past Real Madrid again to set up WCL semi-final with Bayern Munich

Barcelona 6-0 Real Madrid (agg 12-2)Graham Hansen brace in front of capacity crowdA sold-out Camp Nou was treated to a memorable performance from...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 2

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi apologises for past comments on Mason Greenwood

‘I didn't meant to take a stance,' says Spurs head coachFan groups had opposed De Zerbi's appointmentThe new Tottenham head coach, Roberto De...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 2

Matildas stars return to squad for friendlies as Joe Montemurro builds to 2027 World Cup

Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord named as Mary Fowler rests after Asian CupAustralia to play 153rd-ranked Malawi followed by India or KenyaMatildas coach...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 2

Late double takes Bayern past Manchester United into Women's Champions League semi-finals

Manchester United's Women's Champions League journey ended in Germany as Bayern Munich struck with two late goals to propel themselves into the...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 1

Sophia Wilson, Tierna Davidson return to USWNT for friendlies against Japan

Wilson hasn't played for US since 2024 due to pregnancyDavidson makes return after ACL injury last yearUS play Japan on 11, 14 and 17 AprilSophia...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 1

Chelsea break English football record with £262.4m pre-tax loss for 2024-25 season

Blues surpass Manchester City's £197.5m loss in 2010-11Club compliant with PSR rules for three years to 2024-25Chelsea on Wednesday reported a...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 1

Manchester United wage bill revealed as half that of WSL rivals Arsenal last season

Skinner's side spent £5.88m while Arsenal spent £11.3mUnited face Bayern in Champions League on WednesdayManchester United's wage bill was about...
THE GUARDIAN Apr 1

Interpol arrest warrant requested in Congo-Brazzaville for Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas

Football federation president on the run with wife and sonConviction in absentia of wide-ranging corruption chargesAuthorities in Congo-Brazzaville...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 30

Badshot Lea Ladies 0-7 Reading Women: Match Report

Reading Women returned to winning ways in some style after a second-half demolition saw them run out 7-0 winners against Badshot Lea at the...
SBNATION.COM Mar 30

Why your moon photos look so bad (and how to fix it): the best Australian photos of March - video

From tips to capture a perfect blood moon to a frantic run through Sydney airport in pursuit of the shot of the day, these are the stories behind...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 30

Landmark changes to insurance cover for female athletes to be implemented

Pregnancy, contraception and menopause to be coveredGroundbreaking changes an ‘incredibly welcome' stepFemale athletes are to benefit from a major...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 30

Lionesses star Missy Bo Kearns announces ‘we’ve lost our baby’ in heartbreaking statement

Missy Bo Kearns currently plays for Aston Villa (Picture: Getty) Aston Villa midfielder Missy Bo Kearns has revealed that she and her partner,...
METRO.CO.UK Mar 29

Denver Summit smash NWSL attendance record with 63,004 fans at Mile High Stadium

Summit set NWSL record with 63,004 spectatorsExpansion side draw 0-0 with Washington SpiritThe expansion Denver Summit's match against the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 29

Super League at 30: how the sport has changed for matchgoing fans

A lot has changed since 1996 – summer matches, bigger crowds, more foreign players, a salary cap, skin-tight jerseys and female referees – but some...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 28

Arsenal v Tottenham: Women's Super League – live

⚽ WSL updates from the 5.30pm GMT kick-off in the derby⚽ Katja Snoeijs interview | Sign up to Moving the GoalpostsArsenal and Spurs are separated...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 28

Miedema propels Manchester City closer to WSL title with derby stroll against United

The latest leg of Manchester City's victory lap took them to Old Trafford and they did not simply show Manchester United why they are going to...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 28

England reaction, Scotland buildup and derby day in WSL – matchday live

⚽ News, discussion and buildup before day's football action⚽ Get in touch! Email us here with your thoughtsRight, who's ready for four hours of...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 28

WSL derby weekend is here but glut of games could have diluting effect

Organisers take advantage of no Premier League football but staggering games across season may draw greater focusDerby weekend has arrived in the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 27

US star Catarina Macario departs Chelsea for record $8m, five-year deal with San Diego Wave

26-year-old is set to join NWSL side immediatelyForward has 16 goals in 29 appearances for USWNTUS international forward Catarina Macario has...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 27

‘This group of girls is writing history': how Nantes Women are shaking up the French hierarchy

We spend a day with the surprise package of the Première Ligue to find out how they have taken the top flight by stormThere is one video that is on...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 26

‘Trust your own feeling': Everton's Katja Snoeijs on her endometriosis diagnosis

The Netherlands striker opens up on the condition that temporarily derailed her Everton career and the symptoms to look out forWhen the sharp,...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 26

The Matildas' coach wants the side to face the world's best – so why are they playing Malawi next? | Samantha Lewis

In the afterglow of the Asian Cup, Australia will begin preparations for the 2027 Women's World Cup with a friendly series alongside three...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 26

Manchester United v Bayern Munich: Women's Champion League quarter-final, first leg – live

⚽️ WCL updates from the 8pm GMT kick-off at Old Trafford⚽️ Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea | WSL trophy revamp | And mail LukeOn their debut in the main draw...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 25

Alisha Lehmann Goal, But Can Leicester City Women Survive and Escape the Bottom of the Table?

Embed from Getty Images Leicester City Women fell to the bottom of the table after the recent 1-2 home defeat to Aston Villa. Alisha Lehmann the...
FILBERT WAY Mar 25

FA resists Manchester United lobbying for rebuilt Old Trafford to host 2035 World Cup final

Home nations frontrunners to host Women's World CupUnited's New Stadium Development wants showpieceThe FA is resisting lobbying from Manchester...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 25

Women's Super League to get new trophy in time for 2026-27 expansion to 14 teams

Current trophy is embossed with old WSL logoWSL2 trophy also set for a complete redesignThe Women's Super League trophy will be redesigned for the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 25

Arsenal v Chelsea: Women's Champions League quarter-final, first leg – live

⚽️ WCL updates from the 8pm GMT kick-off in London⚽️ Live scores | The latest Moving the Goalposts | Mail LukeArsenal Women won the big prize last...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 24

Manchester United Women take to main stage for biggest week in their history

Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and WSL derby will shape the rest of United's seasonIt is no exaggeration to describe the next...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 24

‘Sport gave me new dreams': the emergence of Brazil women's blind team

Only existing since 2024, the team, who came fourth at the world championship, has changed its players' lives“We are the first, but we will not be...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 24

Parma footballer Claudia Morelli deliberately misses wrongly awarded penalty – video

The Parma Women's second team player Claudia Morelli deliberately missed a penalty that was wrongly awarded, while their match against Hic Sunt...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 24

Reading Women 0-1 AFC Portchester: Match Report

Reading Women narrowly missed out on a place in the League Cup final after a 1-0 defeat to AFC Portchester at Arbour Park on Sunday. A goal in the...
SBNATION.COM Mar 23

Matildas rise to a grand occasion but are left to rue the goal that never came

Australia had Japan on the back foot for long periods but a flurry of shots were scuffed, saved and blocked in a narrow Women's Asian Cup final...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 21

WSL roundup: Shaw's 13-minute treble edges City closer to title as Chelsea falter

Manchester City striker completes fastest WSL hat-trick Manchester United go second after injury-time winnerKhadija Shaw scored the fastest...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 21

Matildas suffer heartbreak as Japan stunner enough to claim Women's Asian Cup crown

Japan 1-0 Australia (Hamano 17) in final in SydneyHosts fall short despite multiple attempts on goalIn a repeat of their past two finals, Japan has...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 21

Man City v Tottenham, London City Lionesses v Chelsea and more: WSL clockwatch – live

⚽ Updates from the 12pm GMT WSL kick-offs⚽ Women's Football Weekly | WSL table | Mail EmilliaManchester City starting line-up: Keating, Rose,...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 21

Japan v Australia: Women's Asian Cup 2026 final - live

Updates from the Matildas' clash at Stadium AustraliaKick-off time in Sydney is 8pm AEDTAny thoughts? Get in touch with an emailHello everybody and...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 21

‘We need to believe': Matildas embrace underdogs tag for last shot at home glory in Women's Asian Cup

Time is running out for the Australia team led by captain Sam Kerr to win a major trophy as they prepare to meet a red-hot Japan in the final on...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 20

‘It's 50-50': coaches dodge ‘favourites' question before Matildas meet Japan in Women's Asian Cup final

Japan coach Nils Nielsen delivers comic turn at press conferenceJoe Montemurro calls on Matildas to ‘manage the moments well'The Matildas are...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 20

Record crowds, empty seats and the Matildas in a dream final: has the Women's Asian Cup been a success?

Tournament organisers point to strong TV audiences and reaching a wider range of fans even as Australia have failed to sell out matches on home...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 19

A lost generation of female footballers: ‘When I got in my kit aged 46 I started crying'

Today's newsletter looks at the women who grew up in the 1970s, 80s and 90s loving football but had little or no opportunity to play. I was one of...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 19

Japan's ruthless streak poses fresh challenge for rising Matildas in Women's Asian Cup final | Martin Pegan

The world No 6 team have scored 28 goals and conceded just one, starting Saturday's final against hosts Australia as clear favouritesIf the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 19

Iran women's football team arrive back home after asylum drama in Australia

All but two of party complete long journey back to IranWelcome ceremony planned for ‘children of the homeland' The Iranian women's football team,...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 18

WSL roundup: Lexi Potter makes grade as Chelsea leapfrog Manchester United

Teenager scores winner against Brighton on full debutUnited lose ground in title race after draw with West HamChelsea leapt above Manchester United...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 18

Reading Women 1-1 Actonians Women (8-7 Pens): Match Report

Reading Women progressed through to the next round of the Combined Counties Cup in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night, after a last-gasp goal for...
SBNATION.COM Mar 18

Julie Pritchard obituary

The journalist Julie Pritchard, who has died aged 59 of bowel cancer, was the founder of the Nottingham Forest fanzine Brian (aka The Almighty...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 17

‘Brisbane is getting a taste of it': fire ants at New Farm shows invasive species is on the march – and an outbreak may follow

The detection at a popular park of ‘one of the worst invasive species to reach Australia' is causing concern that suppression efforts are...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 17

Chelsea crowned League Cup champions again – Women's Football Weekly

Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Sophie Downey and Ayisha Gulati to discuss Chelsea's 2-0 win over Manchester United at Ashton Gate, the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 17

Kerr and Foord propel improved Matildas past China to Women's Asian Cup final

Plucky Australia beat defending champions 2-1 in crucial win Structure and steadiness on show as injured stars returnThe Matildas are through to...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 17

Marseille moving at ‘speedboat pace' after rebrand in their aim to make waves

Independent team now called Les Marseillaises want to become an iconic club and have the history-making Corinne Diacre at the helm“Here in...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 17

China v Australia: Women's Asian Cup 2026 semi-final – live

Updates from the last-four clash at Perth StadiumKick-off time is 7pm local/9pm AEDT | Any thoughts? Email JoeyChina are a formidable opponent...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 17

Iranian women's footballers shouldn't have to choose between their sport and their safety | Nos Hosseini

Locked in a cruel lose-lose scenario, the players must contend with a regime designed to make resistance almost impossibleWhen seven members of...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 16

Matildas and Chinese football teams speak before Women's Asian Cup semi-final - video

China's women's head coach, Ante Milicic, says it will be 'a dream' to face his former side of Australia when the two countries clash in the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 16

Fifth Iranian football player leaves Australia after initially accepting offer of asylum

Minister Tony Burke confirms another member of Iran's women's football team left Australia late Sunday nightFollow our Australia news live blog for...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 15

Australia news live: hybrid car sales hit record high as buyers steer away from petrol; man shot dead in Sydney unit

New AAA data shows petrol vehicles fell to a record quarterly low of 66.3% of sales. Follow today's news liveGet our breaking news email, free app...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 15

Chelsea's James leads way to win Women's League Cup against Manchester United

Final: Chelsea 2-0 Manchester UnitedJames 19, Beever-Jones 76Death, taxes and Chelsea women winning trophies. Regardless of their form this season,...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 15

WSL roundup: Leaders Manchester City stumble at Villa as Arsenal close on second

City held to goalless draw at Villa ParkArsenal win 2-0 away at London City LionessesRunaway leaders Manchester City stuttered in their quest to...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 15

Chelsea v Manchester United: Women's League Cup final – live

⚽️ Updates from the 2.15pm GMT KO at Ashton Gate⚽️ Tom Garry interviews Fridolina Rolfö | Email BillyThis time last year, there was talk that...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 15

Embattled Spurs face Liverpool, Women's League Cup final, and more – matchday live

⚽ News, buildup and discussion before today's action⚽ Live scores | Tables | Follow us on Bluesky | Mail YaraHello and welcome to another Matchday...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 15
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