Above: Melbourne Victory coach Jeff Hopkins. Photo Melbourne Victory.
Competition is heating up for places at Melbourne Victory, and coach Jeff Hopkins says that the players have challenged themselves to be at their best for longer periods and put teams away when they have the chance.
“We are a very, very good side. And we need to start proving it and start proving it not just for parts of games, Hopkins told the media.
“We’re capable of dominating games, dominating teams, and killing teams off, and we haven’t done that yet.
“That’s the challenge for us this weekend, can we get on top of Canberra? And when we get on top of them, can we really get on top and kill them off and really take the game to another level and not let them back in? Give them a sniff? So that’s kind of our aim this weekend.”
Hopkins was talking about the upcoming match against Canberra United but also reflecting on last week’s 2-2 draw with Wellington Phoenix.
“I thought we were quite wasteful with a number of balls into the box and a number of chances,” he said.
“We could have put ourselves in a much more comfortable position than we did.
“The consistency of our performance has got to be better. At times we were as bad as we were as good.
“I’m confident that we’ll put in a really good display on the weekend, and I’m looking forward to the game.”
That confidence stems in part from the quality at his disposal and the growing chemistry among his new signings. Striker Kurea Okino has scored in her last two games while Mackenzie Weinert has consistently been one of Victory’s most lively attackers.
Hopkins said that both players needed to improve on parts of their game, and highlighted the language barrier that Okino has needed to work around, but believes the best is yet to come from his attack.
There is a sense that Victory view the hard fought draw with Wellington as two points lost. Hopkins said that after the match the senior players in the team were eager to push Victory to reach their potential.
He mentioned Kayla Morrison, Emma Checker, Elise Kellond Knight and Lydia Williams as those who spoke up to encourage the team to play to their full capabilities. But the highest praise was reserved for injured striker Emily Gielnik.
The Matildas attacker remained in Melbourne last weekend nursing a calf injury but spent time watching the reserve and youth development players train and play.
Gielnik also attended a meeting of Victory’s youngsters to provide feedback and advice. Although she is unable to play this week and unlikely to the next, Gielnik is still a big presence in training and helping the team prepare.
“We’ve got some real good knowledge of the game and is really important that we use that,” Hopkins said of his senior core.
“I’m leaning on those players a fair bit and they’re more than willing to participate.”
In team news, Emma Checker is likely to return to the starting lineup, where her experience will be valuable against the likes of Michelle Heyman and Vesna Milivojevic. Grand Final winning captain Lia Privitelli is also in the frame to return to the pitch.
With the exception of Gielnik, Victory are looking close to full strength which poses a welcome problem for Jeff Hopkins but it is that depth and quality that has him excited about this season. He acknowledged that there are a number of sides that can challenge for honours this season, with Melbourne City being particularly impressive, but backs his players to deliver against any of them.
“On our day I think we’re as good if not better than most teams in the league.”
“Talk is cheap, we’ve got to start proving things.”
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Impetus’Ryan Miller Woods, Ben Gilby, and Jamie Spangher report on four media conferences from A-League Women’s clubs ahead of round eight (14/12/23).
Adelaide United
by Jamie Spangher
Above: Miley Grigg (centre) in training with Adelaide United FC. Photo: Adelaide United FC.
“This is actually happening.” At 15 years and 54 days old, Miley Grigg became the youngest player to debut for Adelaide United across both the men’s and women’s game. The last week has been a whirlwind for Grigg, the 15 year-old having only put pen to paper in Adelaide just last week.
Grigg spoke on her historic week, describing to the media just how it all panned out. “Crazy week, I definitely didn’t expect it, it all happened so quickly. I was training and then afterwards got an email saying that I’m signed and then a couple days later said that I might be benching or on the emergency list. Then, the emails came out and I was on the emergency list, then I got moved to be playing on the bench and I couldn’t believe it.”
If signing her first professional contract only to be included in the matchday squad just days later wasn’t achievement enough, Adelaide United manager Adrian Senta told Grigg to lace up in last Saturday’s clash with Western United.
Grigg said, “It took a while for it to click in, that I was where I was. Then when Michele said to me that I’m going on in ten to fifteen minutes it was like, this is actually happening.”
“Sents (Adrian Senta) just told me he wanted 20-25 minutes of just all the energy I have and just to press when I can and go and go.”
Above: Miley Grigg making her debut in the Liberty A-League. Photo: Adelaide United FC
2023 has been a catalyst year in Grigg’s career, having also made her first squad selection for the Junior Matildas, proving that she is one to watch. Having been described as an endurant box-to-box midfielder, it comes as no surprise that Grigg has made her professional breakthrough at only 15. Grigg spoke on what her hopes are going forward with Adelaide United as she progresses throughout this season.
She said, “Hopefully just keep training well, doing what I can to hopefully get on the bench more but it just depends.”
In what has been a remarkable week for Miley Grigg, it can be said with confidence that this is definitely just the beginning for the young midfielder.
Canberra United
Above: Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich addressing the media ahead of his clash with Melbourne Victory. Image: Canberra United.
by Ryan Miller-Woods
The media heard from Canberra United head coach Njegosh Popovich and recently announced signing Sarah Clark ahead of United’s upcoming match against Melbourne Victory on Saturday.
Canberra will hope the signing of Clark, a defender from North Courage in the NWSL, can shore up the backline with her experience and help the club prevent the number of goals conceded out on the pitch.
When asked more about her, Popovich said, “Sarah comes to us at a very good time. She’s a player that defensively adds a lot of value to us as well but in saying that, she has the ability to go forward and look for a longer pass.”
Canberra had their best performance of the season last round against Brisbane Roar where star player and the most in-form player in the league Vesna Milivojevic put on a masterclass that included a hat-trick, as well as leading the A-League Women’s Golden Boot come the end of the round with eight goals.
Unfortunately, her afternoon came to an abrupt halt in the 75th minute when she was clutching her knee which many people at the time suspected might have been another ACL injury to a player in the league.
When asked about news on her, Popovich provided the best possible update, “Vesna will be travelling with the squad. She’s been cleared from the MRI of any ACL damage which is fantastic, ligaments are all intact. I think it’s just more a case of bone bruising. She’s trained well today.”
Given how Canberra went against the Roar, it’ll provide them with confidence against Victory knowing what they’re capable of with an all-around performance.
When asked what he expects from Victory, Popovich said, “Melbourne Victory are one of the top performers in this country. For us, it’s not going to be an easy challenge, they (Victory) have a few Matildas on their books as well but we just take it one week at a time and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
As for new signing Clark, she’s an important signing for Canberra in terms of their aspirations for finals. If she and the defence can instantaneously click together, that’ll significantly bode well for United as goal differential could be the difference between making the finals or just missing out.
Above: New signing Sarah Clark speaking to the media. Image: Canberra United.
When asked how she has felt she’s slotted in at Canberra so far, Clark said, “Pretty good! I think this team is really welcoming and Gosh (Popovich) said that he really values a family aspect in his team and I can definitely see that here. All the girls are super nice and willing to answer any questions that I have. So it’s been a super easy transition so far.”
Clark’s arrival to Australia joins a very long list of 100+ Americans who have come to the country to play in the A-League Women, which in many cases has allowed players not only consistent game time, but vast opportunities to hone their craft, and most importantly showcase their talent to a wider audience.
When asked about what stood out to her with the opportunity to play in Australia, Clark said, “Obviously, coming to Australia (which is) so far from home but (a) great opportunity for an awesome experience and the A-League (Women) has a really great reputation, a lot of Americans come here in the off-season to play because they know that it’s good quality. So, I was excited when the opportunity came up.”
Central Coast Mariners
by Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Central Coast Mariners head coach Emily Husband speaking to the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
The Mariners will be looking to bounce back against Melbourne City tomorrow night after last week’s 3-0 defeat against Western Sydney Wanderers.
When asked how she was feeling ahead of the match itself, head coach Emily Husband said, “Coming off the back of the Western Sydney Wanderers’ result, obviously we had a fair bit to get back on the pitch and work on but at the same time, every single game is a new game and it’s another challenge and we’re 100% ready for this challenge.”
When asked what she is expecting from City, Husband said, “Everyone knows that they’re a quality side, they play some really good football. So, no doubt they’re going to be a threat, it’s up to us to make sure that we come in disciplined, to do our job, to work hard, and get the result.”
Despite the defeat against the Wanderers, one player who had a very respectable debut in the A-League Women was midfielder Tess Quilligan who will be looking to continue from where she had left off in tomorrow night’s match.
Above: Midfielder Tess Quilligan sharing her thoughts with the media ahead of their match against Melbourne City. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
Reflecting on her debut, Quilligan said: “I think I did pretty well. (There is) definitely stuff that I can improve on but it was my first game and it’s a good start for me.”
From this season’s Central Coast squad, Quilligan as well as Annabel Martin, Bianca Galic, and Taren King came from Sydney University in the NPLW NSW and were also coached by Emily Husband during the most recent season.
When asked how she has felt transiting into the A-League Women with a familiar face like Husband being the Head Coach, Quilligan said, “It was good that she (Husband) was with me at Uni (Sydney University), so I kind of knew how she would like to play and I guess (that) it makes it easier for me to come into the team.”
Perth Glory
by Ben Gilby
Above: Perth Glory boss Alex Epakis speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s big game at home to Sydney FC. Image: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis goes into Sunday’s huge encounter with Sydney FC with a fully fit squad, and one which is riding the crest of a wave after winning at Melbourne City in the battle of the A-League Women’s top two last weekend.
Reflecting on last week’s performance and result, the Glory boss said: “We had to acknowledge what we did well in that performance and how important that result was for us, as it’s huge. When you go away to Melbourne City and you play the way we did that’s a huge confidence boost, and for the players who contributed to that. It’s a performance we can hold in high regard, and it’s going to really set the platform for what I want us to achieve in the coming weeks.”
The result was achieved despite Perth having less possession and far fewer attempts on goal – plus a number of regular starters missing due to a mixture of coming back from international duty and, in the case of Claudia Mihocic, a concussion protocol. Once more, the strength in depth that the Western Australian side have this season was underlined, along with the team ethic and spirit.
“There were three or four players who didn’t start who were the spine in key positions in all the matches leading up to that fixture against City, and all the players who came in did a sensational job and contributed to the performance and to the outcome. The internal competition is strong. I have to make these decisions (about team selection this week) and make these assessments, (but) I have clarity.
“The squad is very aware that we have strength in depth and it has been a key part of our success. We have great players here who are all contributing to a common goal. They respect that and we make decisions based on what it is for that weekend, but everyone is open-minded to putting their best foot forward to contribute.”
Sunday’s home game with reigning A-League Women premiers Sydney FC presents another major test. The Harbour City side also boasts a five-match winning streak against the Glory. Yet Epakis believes that, despite the experience in the Sydney side and their capabilities, this season Perth are more than capable of getting a result against Ante Juric’s side.
“It’s another opportunity for us to play against a big team and a successful team and we are ready to compete with anyone. We are aware that if we play and perform at our level, then we give ourselves every opportunity to get a result. We are aware of what their strengths are, they have some Matildas in that team, and past Matildas, future Matildas. We are coming up against a very good squad and a very well-coached team. We need to make sure we’re performing at our level, at the level of our last game.
“This run of games that we’re in, stretching back to (Melbourne) Victory, (Wellington) Phoenix, (Melbourne) City, then Sydney, and Western (United), I knew we’d really see what type of group we are, what character we have, what resilience we have, what quality we have, and I think we’re starting to see that we are a serious outfit our selves and we can beat the best. That internal belief is really strong.”
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Four Impetus writers, Tara Murray, Ava-Marianne Elliott, Ben Gilby, and Elsie Nash identify and profile some of the best players aged 22 or under in the Championship this season(13/12/23).
Tara Bourne
Age: 20.
Club: Sheffield United.
Above: Sheffield United’s Tara Bourne. Photo: Sheffield United Women.
by Tara Murray
Throughout the last three seasons, Tara Bourne has played her way through the Championship at Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, and Birmingham City while on loan from Manchester United. After a successful campaign last season at the West Midlands side where the Blues finished in second place, just one point below champions Bristol City, Bourne signed for Sheffield United in August 2023.
Bourne’s impact in the backline has been notable this season as she has become a regular starter for the Blades. So far this season Bourne has made nine starts, 10 appearances, and played a total of 820 minutes, with her presence as a strong and dynamic defender making her a valuable addition to the side. A notable moment from Bourne this season was her goal from Jodie Hutton’s corner in the Conti Cup against Sunderland.
Additionally, Bourne’s positive performances for Sheffield United this season led to an England call-up for the Under-23 age group in October where she made her first and walked away with a clean sheet. This successful international performance highlights her strength as a player not only within the realms of the Championship but that she also has the ability to shine alongside the best in England, solidifying her status as one of the brightest young players in the game.
Freya Godfrey
Club: Charlton Athletic (on loan from Arsenal).
Age: 18.
Above: Freya Godfrey (red shirt) battling away for Charlton Athletic against Sheffield Untied. Photovia: Freya Godfrey on X.
by Tara Murray
Since age 12, Freya Godfrey has been climbing the ranks of the Arsenal youth system and impressing at every step of the way. A powerful attacking midfielder Godfrey scored 13 goals in just 18 appearances in the WSL Academy League before making four senior appearances for Arsenal. Godfrey spent the 2022/23 season on dual registration at Arsenal and Ipswich Town in the FAWNL where she had a number of impressive performances culminating in her scoring the only goal for Ipswich Town against Oxford United in their last match of the 2022/23 season.
Over the summer Godfrey signed her first professional contract for Arsenal and then a season-long loan for Charlton Athletic. And this seems to have been the right move for the young player as, since the beginning of the season, Godfrey has built momentum, developing, and maturing as a player.
So far Godfrey has made 10 total appearances for the Addicks including her first start for the side in a 1-0 Conti Cup victory against Birmingham City. Despite only playing 284 minutes for Charlton so far this season Godfrey has already made two assists demonstrating her profound impact on the pitch. Additionally, Godfrey has made three appearances for the England Under-19s this season. Her ability and potential as a player is clear, and we can expect to see more quality performances from her throughout the season.
Molly Pike
Club: Southampton
Age: 22.
Above: Molly Pike celebrates her goal for Southampton against Arsenal in the Conti Cup. Photo: Southampton FC.
by Ava-Marianne Elliott
At 22 years old, Molly Pike is chalking up to be a real threat to any opposition. A dynamic and forward presence in Southampton’s midfield, Pike signed to the club in the summer after leaving previous club Leicester City for a new challenge this 23-24 season.
Despite the fact she sits within the younger bracket of players currently taking flight in the Championship, Pike is no stranger to big competition. Her experience across four different England youth teams, including captaining the under-19’s side, boasts a confidence on the international stage alongside her years of club experience spent with WSL sides.
This season, Pike has been a consistent appearance-maker for the Saints and a rock in their midfield. Her efforts for her side so far this season have been crucial in helping the team into their current spot fighting that sees them fighting for promotion. It’s also worthy to note that alongside her four Championship goals this season, Pike scored the opening goal in the Continental Cup tie against Arsenal in front of a record-breaking crowd at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Katie Reid
Club: Watford (dual-registration with Arsenal).
Age: 17.
Above: Watford’s on loan teenage star Katie Reid. Photo: Watford FC Women.
by Ava-Marianne Elliott
Katie Reid, despite appearing just six times in the Championship so far this season, has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with in defence. Last season, Reid was brought into to the Arsenal first-team bench to provide reinforcement after injury crisis struck the squad, and this season we have seen her break out in the Championship on dual- signing agreement to Watford.
Alongside her club experience and time in the Arsenal youth teams, Reid’s international experience is a huge contribution to her abilities on the pitch in the Championship. She has represented England at three different youth levels so far, with her most recent time being spent with the under 19’s team. Throughout the under-17’s Euros tournament this previous May, Reid made four appearances and scored a header in the semi-finals.
With 494 minutes played so far this season for Watford, Reid is quickly and surely developing further as a player. The minutes she has spent on the pitch have seen Reid display exactly what she is capable of for such a young player, and as her career progresses, she is a player to keep eyes on moving forward to see where her defensive talents take her.
Lexi Potter
Club: Crystal Palace (on loan from Chelsea).
Age: 17.
Above: Young star Lexi Potter, who is in sensational form for Crystal Palace this season. Photo: Crystal Palace.
by Ben Gilby
Epsom-born Lexi Potter is a supremely gifted midfielder with the confidence to shoot from distance to score rocket shots as well as an outstanding vision to bring her teammates into the play.
Potter has been at Chelsea since the age of eight where she was a key member of the side that won the U16 FA Youth Cup and FA Women’s Academy Cup. On loan this season at Palace, the midfielder has been a revelation. Her close control, rapid pace, and adventurous attitude in taking on and beating opponents make her a joy to watch.
The midfielder has also made her mark at international level. Part of the England U19 squad during this month’s window, Potter captained the England U17 side that reached the final of European Championships earlier this year.
Polly Doran
Age: 22.
Club: Crystal Palace.
Above: Polly Doran (left) winning a defensive battle for Crystal Palace against Lewes this season. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
by Ben Gilby
The Australian defender is now in her second season at Palace and has already established herself as a favourite with the fans in the same way she did at her previous club Melbourne Victory.
Doran is a hard worker as well as an elegant and extremely capable defender. Starting out in the third tier of the women’s game in the state of Victoria, the 22-year-old began moving up the pyramid to top tier Calder United who have a record of developing outstanding female footballers. Doran hit the headlines there as an attacker rather than a defender – with 14 goals in 29 games during the 2019 season – not surprisingly she was then approached by top A-League Women side Melbourne Victory.
Coached by former Crystal Palace hero Jeff Hopkins, Doran was switched to defence and soon became one of the A-League Women’s best full-backs. Her move to South London has been one of gradual improvement and now, once more she is a calming and strong presence in Palace’s backline – becoming one of the league’s key players as a result.
Lily Simkin
Age: 20.
Club: Birmingham City.
Above: Birmingham City’s young star Lily Simkin. Photo: Lily Simkin Instagram.
by Elsie Nash
Birmingham City’s 20-year-old defender Lily Simkin has been part of the scene at the West Midlands club for 10 years. Simkin’s huge promise has been reflected in international age group caps at U17 level. Making her debut in 2019 in Birmingham City’s WSL game against Brighton and Hove Albion, she remains a key part of the squad aiming for a return to the top level of the game in this country.
Mia Ross
Age: 20.
Club: Charlton Athletic.
Above: Mia Ross in action for Charlton Athletic this season. Photo: Mia Ross Instagram.
by Elsie Nash
Mia Ross is a 20-year-old who joined Charlton Athletic from Liverpool. Ross’ initial campaign in South London two years ago saw her makeover 20 appearances and scoring against London City Lionesses. Her form led to a Young Lionesses (U23s) call-up where she featured in the squad’s goalless draw against Spain. This followed in the footsteps of her experience with England U19s where the Charlton star was included in the age group European Championship squad. During this tournament, Ross came off the bench and featured in the encounter against Norway. The starlet is a key part of Karen Hills’ squad that is pushing hard for a place in the WSL for 2024/25.
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Above:Leyton Orient celebrate their second successive promotion in the 2022/23 season with two games to spare, finishing their season unbeaten and 10 points clear at the top. Photo: Leyton Orient Official Media.
The current Leyton Orient team lie in the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division, the seventh tier of English women’s football, and have been off to a flying start in their first three seasons as a team. But this success hasn’t arisen without prior obstacles, and the story actually began almost 20 years ago.
KIKK United were an independent side founded in 2004 by two Swedes, Andrea Berg and Karin Revelj, with their home being at Mile End Stadium. The name translated from Swedish slang meaning to score in the top corner. The team achieved three league championships and one league runner-up in four seasons, from the 2008/09 season through to the 2011/12 season.
Later, in 2015, the side were given permission to use the name Leyton Orient WFC from the men’s club and competed in the Greater London Women’s Football League. The women’s team ran completely apart from the men’s club despite the established name change. During the six years under the name, the O’s climbed their way up the pyramid earning a solid spot in the fourth tier under the management of Chris Brayford, and bagged a league and cup double in the 2015/16 season.
Although Orient experienced a substantial amount of triumph, themselves and the men’s team continued to run as a separate entity under the same name. Running the teams split from each other, however, did not prove as successful with the board deciding to completely cut ties with the women’s team in 2021, just weeks after a memorable FA Cup third round fixture against Chichester and Selsey – a match that attracted over 4,000 views on the clubs streaming service.
The thought process behind this approach was to create a new academy system from under-9s through to under-18s to eventually engrain players into the first team, mirroring the boy’s academy. The club’s aim was to develop and grow women’s football at Leyton Orient and “pave a better way for girls in the future”. But the reactions from players, volunteers, and a considerable number of fans, however, was not so approving.
Many expressed their concern in the way the situation was dealt with. The former women’s side claimed in their statement it was handled in an “unhelpful and damaging way” being left just nine days to find a new identity, whether that be finding ties with another men’s team or going independent. The club was also offered the licence to operate in the fourth tier, giving players the chance to be eased into the first team at a higher standard of the game. However, this offer was declined, and didn’t want to be negotiated either.
Rea Laudat was on loan from Charlton Athletic to Orient at the time of the events and voiced her concern on Twitter at the time, “I am left utterly flabbergasted by the treatment the women’s team have received. I am tired! We are tired! Tired of being treated unequally! Tired of being treated as a quick fix to financial dismay”. Other players stated it was “a slap in the face” after all their success under the name, and a handful of fans claimed they would not be renewing their season tickets due to this.
Above: Leyton Orient WFC in a team huddle following their league championship in the 22/23 season with head coach Danny Martin in the centre. Photo: Leyton Orient Official Media
The club announced their new identity as London Seaward FC, with the name having ties with the area’s links to the sea. London Seaward became one of the only independently run women’s football clubs in London, making their aim to make sure no other side was treated the way they were and wanting to “prove you don’t need to be someone else’s women’s team to compete” as claimed on their website.
At the beginning of the 2021/22 season, the side began a fresh season in the fourth tier under their new identity for the first time, whilst the “new” Leyton Orient side embarked on their journey up the football pyramid starting from the bottom. A first-ever season for the current side left them third in the table but gained a promotion to the Greater London Women’s Football League Division One North.
Moving swiftly onto the 2022/23 season, Danny Martin was named the new Head Coach of the team along with six new additions to the squad with hopes for another season of victory. This is exactly what was achieved by the group of emerging talent. The O’s completed the season unbeaten with plenty of highly convincing wins. This success led them to earn their second successive promotion, winning the league with two games to spare and 10 points clear at the summit. They were now another step closer to the next tier up in the pyramid.
Now Orient are happily working their way through the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division. The team currently sit fifth in the league on 16 points, only six behind the top spot with three games in hand. If they keep their current form up, only having lost one game so far this season, a third promotion would not be out of reach for the team. Also this season, the squad came close to their first-ever FA Cup First Round spot but lost out to tier five Wroxham.
In an interview at the men’s teams’ Brisbane Road stadium last season, captain Grace Alexander stated, “Hopefully we can grow in the next ten years and potentially even be playing WSL, Championship football.” With the way Leyton Orient WFC have kicked off their first few campaigns, this dream is not impossible with the skill and ability this group of gifted players have. The hindrance that may come from aiming for this could potentially be the smaller budget due to being linked with a League One side, compared to one higher up the football hierarchy.
The future is definitely bright for this Leyton Orient WFC side so it would not come as a surprise to see them competing higher up the leagues in years to come.
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Above:England lift the European Championship trophy – an achievement which accelerated a boost in interest in the women’s game. Photo: Lionesses.
Since the European Championships 2022 when the Lionesses brought football home, the UK has seen swift growth in the women’s game, and the incline of interest is becoming bigger each day.But is it like this for all aspects of the game in the country?
It is hard to ignore the attention that women’s football is attracting within the UK. The increase in record attendances, equal pay agreements, and broadcasting deals with household names is something that we have clearly seen grow in women’s sport over the last two years. It is clear the game is growing significantly.
The rate of growth of the women’s game in public consciousness began to notably increase during the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022 which was held in England, making the games extremely accessible either live or televised for people all over the country. Whether you were a football fan or not it was impossible to ignore the impact the Lionesses were having on the nation, and this was pivotal for the increase in popularity.
From Old Trafford to Brighton, record-breaking crowds arrived at stadiums ready to see their national team compete in one of the most well-known tournaments internationally. The opening game which was held in Manchester, was played between England and Austria, with an outstanding 68,871 fans in attendance and 4.5 million watching from home. The largest crowd the women’s tournament has ever seen for an opening match.
As more games went by, more people were drawn in by the success of the Lionesses and the tournament altogether. Eventually, as England made their unbelievable entrance to Wembley, in front of 87,192 spectators for the final against Germany, it was clear that no matter the result the fans’ hearts had already been captured in the beauty of the women’s game.
Above: England celebrate during their opening Euros game against Austria in front of a huge crowd at Old Trafford. Photo: Lionesses.
This was a huge step forward compared to the four million UK viewers who watched the 2017 version of the tournament which was held in the Netherlands.
Despite the obvious growth within the women’s game, there are still negative and uneducated opinions with people assuming that women’s football is only increasing in views due to greater female audiences. However, it is evidently proven that the Euros 2022 spectator statistics stood at 59% male and 41% female.
In fact, the tournament was the fourth most-watched sports event by both men and women in the UK in the year 2022 and this led the 2022 Euros to be the most-watched women’s European football championship in history.
Ex-women’s professional footballer Karen Carney MBE states that “it is clear that the women’s game in this country can become a world-leading sport that not only generates immense economic and social value but sets the standards for women’s professional sport globally.” Therefore, having a wider impact all over the world, not only England.
One year on from the European Championships 2022, we saw the record-breaking World Cup take place in Australia and New Zealand. The sustainability of the women’s game was further proven in this tournament, with 12 million UK viewers tuning in to the final of the competition between Spain and England.
In addition, this year we have witnessed major attendances in the English league. This includes the 60,000 fans attending the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal Women and Wolfsburg at the Emirates Stadium in May 2023 and over 59,000 at the same venue for the Gunners’ WSL game with Chelsea just two days ago.
Above: Wymondham Town (red kit) in action before they were forced to disband just months after the Lionesses’ Euros success. Photo: Wymondham Town.
But has this growth and sustainability filtered its way into the pathway of all clubs within England? Whilst a number of teams in the WSL have seen an explosion in popularity, it is not this way for many other clubs within England, especially in the lower leagues, and progression still needs to be made for many teams.
Many of these issues have been occurring in the lower leagues within England and despite the success of the Lionesses in summer 2022 and the record-breaking attendances at WSL games, not all teams through the UK are getting the correct facilities, pay and reliability from their club owners which is putting many at risk of careers as well as injury.
Tier four in England is one that has suffered. Just a matter of months from the Lionesses’ Euros win, both Wymondham Town and Hounslow had to withdraw from the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.
Wymondham were a side that had experienced great success in the regional and local tiers of the game, finally moving into tier four. However, the celebrations were cut short less than two months into their debut in tier four. The club announced that they would have to withdraw from the division after “losing multiple players over the season and a number of players out with long-term injuries.”
The amazingly successful Chelsea, the side who have won the WSL six times, the FA Cup five times, and made it to the Champions League semi-finals and finals have not seen their on-field successes matched by attendances.
This season, against Liverpool, Chelsea welcomed 12,802 fans into Stamford Bridge which left 28,000 seats empty. Additionally, this was at the time of the men’s international break and only a day later the Manchester women’s derby welcomed 43,000 fans into Old Trafford. Arsenal are now able to attract crowds of over 30,000 to The Emirates for games against clubs outside of the big four in the WSL. This highlights that there must be deeper issues for Chelsea.
Let’s not forget back in 2019 when the club was giving away free tickets for the Blues’ match against Spurs, but they still didn’t manage to fill the stadium. Head coach Emma Hayes calls for immediate change and improvement within the “business side of things” to attract more crowds to Chelsea games and make it sustainable for the future. If attendances are low when the team is winning so much, what will they look like if their current winning streak ends?
Overall, major changes still need to be made in the women’s game. Particularly in England, lower-league teams need to be more deeply prioritized by the FA to create a more sustainable and safer path for the future of these players and not just have all the focus being put on the teams within the higher-profile league.
Whilst we can go on to celebrate and advertise the growth of the ‘big teams’ and national sides, we must not sugarcoat the avoided areas of the women’s game within England and explore how we can improve them which will ultimately make the women’s game more sustainable and accessible for all.
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Jean-Pierre Thiesset returns after the international break with all the news from the 10th round of the 2023-2024 D1 Arkema season with his MATILDAS WATCH and exclusive photos from pitchside at Olympique Lyonnais v Lille(12/12/23).
Above: Julie Swierot of Olympique Lyonnais (multicolour shirt), fighting for the ball. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Olympique Lyonnais 5-0 Lille
Once again, Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor had to leave several key personnel on the bench or even out of the squad. Players such as Melchie Dumornay and Kadidiatou Diani were injured on international duty, as well as players who had just come back from their national team or who were well-used by their respective countries. This last group included Selma Bacha, Vicki Becho, Lindsey Horan, and Ellie Carpenter.
That gave an opportunity for young players from Lyon’s academy to to have some playing time. Wassa Sangaré, defender (17-years-old) who got 20 minutes, Julie Swierot, midfielder (17-years-old), who played 46 minutes, and Laureen Oillic, midfielder (18-years-old) who received 30 minutes of game time.
Above: Laureen Oillic, Lyon multicoloured shirt in the centre, in action. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Even with those key players missing, Lyon largely dominated this game against a team that came up to D1 Arkema this season and for whom the gap to Lyon was just too large. The young players showed that they were ready to replace their elders. At the end of the second half, Swierot had a goal disallowed and Oillic hit the right-hand post. The only worrying point for Lyon was the injury of Eugénie Le Sommer at the end of the first half. Le Sommer was named player of the month in November.
Above: Eugénie Le Sommer, Lyon multicolour shirt, in action before her injury. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
MATILDAS WATCH – Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyonnais) During to being with her national team in Canada a few days before, and to preserve her for the UWCL game which will take place on Wednesday, Carpenter did not play any part in this game.
Saint-Etienne 2-1 Guingamp
An important game for Saint-Etienne who needed the win to begin their climb from the foot of the table and earned a vital win in the process. Saint-Etienne now have the same number of points as Guingamp (seven).
Scorers for Saint-Etienne: DePriest (33’), Caputo (61’). Scorer for Guingamp: Teinturier (57’).
Montpellier 1-4 Paris FC
Above: Marie Petiteau, Montpellier goalkeeper, yellow shirt, cannot do anything about Daphne Corboz’s (8) shot for Paris FC. Photo: Montpellier.
Paris FC started the game strongly and quickly had several opportunities. Maria Petiteau, Montpellier’s goalkeeper, made several great saves. Then, after a poor clearance by Montpellier’s central defence, Gaétane Thiney opened the score with a great shot near the right post from eighteen metres out.
Above: The Paris FC team that started their game at Montpellier. Photo: Paris FC.
Paris FC continued to dominate the game in second half and won against a Montpellier side who couldn’t deny a team who are playing in the Champions League this season. Scorer for Montpellier: Mondésir (62’). Scorers for Paris FC: Thiney (12’), D. Corboz (24’), Bourdieu (41’), Ribadeira (87’).
MATILDAS WATCH – Sarah Hunter (Paris FC) After international duty in Canada with the Matildas, Sarah Hunter was not in the squad.
Reims 2-0 Fleury
It was a level game in the first half with no clear opportunities for either side as they were both content to watch and wait. Reims pushed a little bit more in second half and opened the score on the hour.
Above: Melissa Gomes, shooting the penalty to open the score for Reims. Photo: Reims website.
After their goal, Reims started to have more of the ball. In the 67th minute, three minutes after coming on, Noémie Mouchon scored the second goal for Reims after a lovely run starting from inside her own half. With this win, Reims move to fourth in the standings. Scorers for Reims: Gomes (61’ penalty), Mouchon (67’).
Dijon 1-0 Bordeaux
A game with no great action between two teams who struggle at the bottom of the standings. In the very last minute, Dijon scored the only goal of this game. Scorer for Dijon: Picard (90’+4). Red card: Seguin, Bordeaux (66’).
Le Havre 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain
PSG dominated the beginning of the match (70% of possession), but it was Inès Benyahia who opened the score for Le Havre on a counterattack and a long run from the centre of the field after the visitors’ Elisa De Almeida, gave the ball to Benyahia in midfield.
Above: Inès Benyahia, Le Havre. Photo: Emmanuel Lelaidier / HAC.
After Le Havre’s goal, PSG continued to dominate, but they were too inaccurate when it mattered to pull level. PSG continued their domination in the second half but the Le Havre players worked well together to continue to frustrate them. Jocelyn Prêcheur, PSG’s coach, replaced Amalie Vangsgaard with Marie-Antoinette Katoto and went to a 4-3-3 lineup on the hour. Unfortunately for Le Havre, PSG equalised at the very end of the game; however, it was a deserved result for PSG. PSG struggled a lot in the final third of the field in this game and will need to improve ahead of their Champions League tie this week. Scorer for Le Havre: Benyahia (19’). Scorer for Paris SG: Geyoro (90’+5).
MATILDAS WATCH – Clare Hunt (Paris Saint-Germain) Despite playing for The Matildas in Canada last week, Hunt was in the starting lineup in this game in the centre of the defence as part of a 3-5-2 formation.
Further exclusive photos from Olympique Lyonnais v Lille from Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus
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Report by Mia Kipling in the press box and EXCLUSIVE photography from Morganna King at Brisbane Road (11/12/23).
Above: Hannah Blundell (centre) celebrates her goal with Leah Galton (11). Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
After going into the game with the positive news that Bethany England was ready to return, Tottenham succumbed to another heavy defeat, as Manchester United left London with a 4-0 win.
With England missing since September due to surgery, Spurs were looking for a better fortune than the 7-0 thrashing they received against Manchester City.
Above: Beth England (left) takes on Hannah Blundell on her Spurs return last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
On the flip side, Marc Skinner’s United went into the international break with a 2-0 success at Bristol City, and it took them just under half an hour to hit the front in Leyton.
It was Hannah Blundell who put them ahead with an assist from Melvine Malard. The away team doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half with Ella Toone gaining her second goal of the season with Malard assisting once more.
Above: Manchester United’s Jayne Riviere last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
Malard’s fine form was rewarded just before the hour mark when she got on the scoresheet herself. Hayley Ladd’s strike seven minutes from time, thanks to Lucia Garcia’s assist completed the scoring.
Speaking after the game, Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner praised his side’s travelling support saying: “Our fans make it a home ground wherever we go.”
Above: Leah Galton (red shirt) and Ash Neville in a tangle at Brisbane Road last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
Skinner’s side’snext game is against Leicester City on Thursday in the Continental League Cup and the United boss wants his side to take the “same attitude into the game.” He recognised that “We have no God given right to win any game of football but what you do have is an attitude you can control.”
Above:Birmingham City (blue) look to break through at Milton Keynes yesterday. Photo: Chris Foxwell via X.
A dramatic game in the third round of the FA Cup ended with Championship side Birmingham City finally get past Milton Keynes from the league below with two goals in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes.
The Buckinghamshire side earned their place in this stage of the competition after a convincing win against Worcester City to set up this first-ever meeting between the two sides.
In the opening minutes, it was clear this game could go either way. The first opportunity fell Birmingham’s way when Lucy Quinn took advantage to feed Lucy Pennock who forced Chloe Samson into a save in the MK goal and then cleared by Sofia Stovold.
Whilst Birmingham had lots of possession, the home side were not without opportunities. A beautiful link-up between Stovold and Rush led to a cross gets played in, but it landed at the feet of Gemma Lawley who cleared to Finn, and away went City to earn a corner. Lucy Quin takes the corner which Louise Quinn heads goalwards but Sansom tips over.
Lucy Quinn continued her impressive play when she picked up the ball down the right-hand side. The move ended with yet another corner which was headed over by Finn.
Birmingham City started the second half strongly with Milton Keynes stuck in their own half. A shot on goal from Remi Allen forces Sansom to make a save the ball. From the resulting clearance, the hosts break and Wood accelerates towards Thomas in the Birmingham goal but she runs into trouble.
The energy slowly fizzled out in the final quarter of an hour. With two minutes remaining, City break through with Mason and Delvin and the former plays the ball in which alludes everyone.
The fourth official indicated there will be six minutes of additional time as Birmingham City are on the attack with Yu-Ri who slots the ball in at the back post to give the visitors a dramatic lead.
As a final roll of the dice, Milton Keynes bring on Leyla O’Brien is brought on and she is straight into the action, winning a corner down the right side. Sansom leaves her own goal to come into the penalty box, but the flag kick falls to Ivana Fuso for Birmingham City who has an empty net in front of her and she doesn’t miss.
It was a painful way for MK to bow out. Birmingham City dodged a bullet.
Report by Ava-Marianne Elliott in the press box, EXCLUSIVE photography by Lucy Copsey at The Emirates for Impetus (11/12/23).
Above: Alessia Russo celebrates – the Lionesses star hit two of Arsenal’s four goals yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.
Arsenal walked away with three crucial points at The Emirates after a triumphant win against rivals and league leaders Chelsea to go level at the top of the table in an action-packed London derby.
From kick-off, it was obvious that the battle was going to be relentless. Under the downpour in North London, the two sides fought for possession through the first moments of the game under the watchful eyes of a record crowd.
Arsenal broke the deadlock eight minutes into the fixture, with Caitlin Foord charging down the wing to send the ball across to skipper Kim Little. After close attention from the Chelsea defence, Victoria Pelova expertly turned against Niamh Charles with the ball glued to her feet, providing Beth Mead for a top-notch finish, sending the crowd into raptures.
Above: Beth Mead acclaim her goal that put Arsenal ahead against Chelsea yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.
The hosts’ lead lasted just five short minutes. A superbly executed build-up on the counterattack saw Jessie Fleming bag an assist from a well-picked pass, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s shot sneaking past Manuela Zinsberger’s glove and bringing the scoreboard level.
With the score level, there were a few moments of uncertainty from Arsenal before their composure nullified the threat of Chelsea’s attack yet again. Charles was forced to head the ball out of play, the action conceding a corner and providing the Gunners a golden opportunity to push back in front, and they capitalised.
Amanda Ilestedt’s precisely placed header into Berger’s goal from Mead’s corner kick in the 36th minute set Arsenal ahead yet again, but the team continued to confidently claim another in quick succession. A perfectly picked pass from midfield maestro Lia Wälti saw Alessia Russo charge past two defenders with ease to net herself an impressive strike just two minutes later. The home team sat comfortably in front of the league at the half-time whistle after an impressive 45 minutes of play.
Above: Alessia Russo celebrates her first goal that put Arsenal 3-1 up yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.
The second period started with three changes to Emma Hayes’ side to try and bring defensive reinforcement to the so-far shaky backline, and the team broke out strongly. Lauren James gained possession in space, but she sent the shot out wide.
Concern grew shortly afterwards for the home fans when skipper Little, was dealt a blow and forced off the field through injury- making way for Frida Maanum. Guro Reiten made her return to the field for Chelsea shortly after in the 64th minute, in the hopes her presence would help push the team’s play forward.
Pelova’s dominance in the midfield and role in Arsenal’s team dynamic continuously proved to be a problem for Chelsea. Her technicality and ability to keep the threat of the visitor’s attack at bay left the Blues struggling to find any further opportunities to catch up with the host’s lead. Her partnership with Wälti- who won the most duels for her side in the match – was something that Chelsea just couldn’t crack.
Even as the visitors doubled down on their efforts, Arsenal remained level-headed when defending Zinsberger’s goal, with Lotte Wubben-Moy making crucial clearances and the rest of the backline maintaining their control to keep the ball out of the net. Steph Catley made a crucial decision to slide in to force the ball off Rytting Kaneryd for a Chelsea throw, despite picking up a few knocks throughout the game so far.
There were shouts for a penalty kick at the 72-minute mark after Berger boldly came off her line, sending Russo to ground in the box. Arsenal’s star striker stepped up to take the penalty herself and was unfazed by the pressure, adding a fourth goal to the scoresheet for her team and securing a brace for herself in what was arguably her best performance in red and white to date.
Above: Sam Kerr was a peripheral figure for much of the game yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.
A free kick awarded to the Blues late in the half right outside the edge of the box was a worry for the Arsenal defence, but the shot was dealt with as it landed with ease into the awaiting secure hands of Zinsberger.
Defender Wubben-Moy down to the very last minute worked to eliminate the usual threat of Sam Kerr’s presence in front of goal. Her ability to remain cool and see out the game by anticipating the movement of one of the most prolific goal scorers in football who is usually a danger in the final third was nowhere near as impactful due to Wubben-Moy’s performance for the home side.
The following play saw Arsenal exercises their attacking ability moving forward yet again as a sublime pass from Wälti to Maanum gave Blackstenius the chance in front of goal to add a fifth to Arsenal’s impressive total, but her efforts were unsuccessful as the Chelsea defence pulled together. Eight minutes of extra time were added to the half due to the physicality and competition seen between the two teams, and the talented youngster Kyra Cooney-Cross was brought on to see out the final moments of game time.
The atmosphere at The Emirates was unmatched after a thrilling encounter between the two sides. When the whistle was blown, Arsenal’s impressive victory was officially sealed over Chelsea.
More of Lucy Copsey’s sensational EXCLUSIVE images from The Emirates for Impetus
Members of the Impetus team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season (11/12/23).
Player of the Week:
Above: Perth Glory’s Millie Farrow had so much to celebrate on Saturday. Photo: Perth Glory.
BEN GILBY: Mille Farrow. It may have taken her a few weeks to get on the scoresheet for Perth Glory, but the English striker had been a hardworking team player forming a promising partnership with Grace Jale. Now the goals are coming – and how. Farrow is full of confidence, full of pace, and giving defenders nightmares left, right, and centre. A brilliant hat-trick showcased her qualities perfectly in Saturday’s first against second clash with Melbourne City.
KIERAN YAP: Morgan Aquino. She’s currently the best goalkeeper in the league and played another blunder against a dangerous and persistent Melbourne City. Aquino is a little bit underrated, but has been in great form and at 22 years old, the best years are still ahead.
BEN CAREY: Millie Farrow. She was in sensational form, culminating in her scoring a hat-trick against the then league leaders Melbourne City.
Coach of the week:
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis completed a clean sweep of votes this week. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.
BEN GILBY: They’ve been in strong form all season – but Saturday’s win at Melbourne City laid down a real marker for Perth Glory. Alex Epakis has his side brim full of confidence. Whilst they had considerably less possession and shots on target than City, Epakis set his side up to make the most of their dangerous attackers who showed no mercy and took their chances when they came to pull off a superb 3-1 win on the road.
KIERAN YAP: Alex Epakis. A big win on the road against a very good team. It’s time to declare Perth Glory as the real deal this season.
BEN CAREY: Alex Epakis. Leading his side to a convincing victory over Melbourne City away from home is a big accomplishment.
Event of the week:
Above: Vine time for Sydney FC against Newcastle Jetsthis weekend. Photo: Sydney FC.
BEN GILBY: Canberra United’s big win over Brisbane Roar. They’ve found it relatively easy to score goals this campaign, and the weekend was no difference, but this week they found a way to strengthen up their backline and the result spoke volumes.
KIERAN YAP: Kurea Okino’s goal. The Victory striker needed one touch to round Rylee Foster, and from an acute angle finished through a sea of Phoenix defenders.
BEN CAREY: Cortnee Vine’s return to the A-League Women after injury. She came on and used her speed and creativity to change the match in Sydney’s favour.
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