Jean-Pierre Thiesset rounds up all the actions from Week Twenty-One of the D1 Arkema, French women’s football’s top flight.
Above: Signy Bruun – scorer of two goals in a comfortable win for PSG to keep them top of D1 Arkema. Photo: LTA Agency
Le Havre won 1-0 at home against Paris FC. Le Havre’s goal scorer was Francisca Alejandra Lara Lara (34). In a game with nothing really riding on the outcome, Le Havre keep alive hopes to avoid finishing bottom.
Dijon, at home, won 2-1 against Guingamp. The goals for Dijon came from Léa Khelifi (6 and 11) and the goal for Guingamp was from Sarah Cambot (16).
Montpellier won 2-1 at home against Soyaux. Elisa De Almeida (52 and 55) grabbed both of Montpellier’s goals with Laura Bourgouin (63) finding the net for Soyaux. After this victory, Montpellier regain fifth place in the table, but they still are only two points ahead of Guingamp and their place is not secured yet.
Fleury won at home against Issy 3-1. Goals for Fleury from Léa Le Garrec (14), Dominika Grabowska (74) and Julie Piga (86) and Issy’s strike came from Batcheba Louis (50). With this defeat, Issy will not be able to finish better than at the eleventh place.
Paris Saint Germain won 4-0 away from home against Reims. Goals for Paris SG from Signe Bruun (19 and 44), Sandy Baltimore (43) and Perle Moroni (90+5 penalty). PSG put in an impressive performance which never game Reims a chance.
Olympique Lyonnais won away from home against Bordeaux 1-0. Goal for Lyon from Eugénie Le Sommer (9). Another difficult win for Lyon who can still hope to win the title if they beat Paris SG on May 30.
@Dandals brings us our weekly wrap of all the news in the Swedish women’s game. This week, there’s news from the national camp, the latest round-up of action from the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan plus transfer news.With additional reporting by Ben Gilby.
Above: Jonna Andersson and Caitlin Foord tussle for possession when Sweden last met Australia at the 2017 Algarve Cup. Photo: Football Australia.
Sweden have announced a friendly against Australia in June at Kalmar’s Guldfågeln Arena on 15th June, writes Ben Gilby. The match will have added interest after the two nations were drawn together in the same group for the Olympics which will take place around three weeks later. Additionally, the new Matildas head coach is Tony Gustavsson, a big name in Swedish women’s football.
Speaking about the news, Sweden’s head coach Peter Gerhardsson said: “We have been in long-running dialogue with Australia about this match for a long time and even before the Olympic group stage was drawn, it was largely clear that we would be playing each other in June. Australia are a very good opposition to face at this stage of our build-up to the Olympics and after the draw we both continued to agree to play the match in Kalmar. Now it feels good that it is formally ready.”
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson placed real importance on the friendly: “Since learning of our opponents for the games, we quickly shifted our attention to ensuring that we were best equipped for the matches ahead. We had lots of insights from our games in April against Germany and the Netherlands. Ranked fifth in the world, in Sweden, we will have another top team that will challenge us with a different style and tactical set-up.”
The two sides last met at the 2017 Algarve Cup when Sweden claimed a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Charlotta Schelin.
Juventus reports that national team defender Linda Sembrant suffered a knee injury in training at the end of last week. She has suffered damage to her cruciate ligament and meniscus which requires surgery. The national team doctor Houman Ebrahimi has been in touch with Juventus medical team and has confirmed that she will not be available for the Olympics.
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
Above: Clara Markstedt – on target for Vittsjö GIK in their win over AIK. Photo: Vittsjö Svenskaleg
Vittsjö GIK were dominant against AIK and earned a 4-0 win the process. Clara Markstedt put them ahead on 24 minutes and added a second just before half-time. In between an own goal pushed out the lead to 3-0. Australian international Emily Gielnik completed the rout with a quarter of an hour left.
Above: Olivia Schough’s goal was the difference for Rosengård in their win over Växjö . Photo: Rosengård FC
Rosengård made it five wins from five to stay top after a 1-0 win over Växjö thanks to an early goal from Olivia Schough.
Above: Wilma Öhman was on target for Örebro in their win over Piteå. Photo: laget.se
Piteå suffered a double blow in their game against Örebro. First, they lost 2-0 after goals from Wilma Öhman and an own goal. If this wasn’t bad enough, they also lost star forward Anam Imo on 65 minutes with a foot injury.
Above: Another goal from Stina Blackstenius as BK Häcken saw off Djurgården. Photo: BK Häcken
BK Häcken returned to winning ways after what eventually turned into a comfortable 4-1 win over Djurgården. Sara Olai gave the Stockholm based side the lead before Häcken hit back on the hour mark with a strike from Pauline Hammarlund. Julia Zigioti Olme then put Häcken just two minutes later before two further goals in the last nine minutes from Stina Blackstenius, who was involved in all her teams’ goals, completed the rout.
Above: Vaily Barsley, whose late strike sealed a draw for Eskilstuna United against Hammarby. Photo: @vailab23.
EskilstunaUnited and Hammarby played out a 1-1 draw. Emilia Larsson put Hammarby ahead after just 15 minutes and looked to have ensured the Stockholm side the win. However, four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the second half, a header from Vaila Barsley earned a point for Eskilstuna.
Above: Kristianstad celebrate Jutte Rantala’s equaliser against Linköping. Photo: fotballskanalen.se
Linköping were held to a 1-1 draw by injury hit Kristianstad. Linköping were on top for much of the game and took the lead after 38 minutes thanks to Frida Maanum. Jutte Rantala levelled on 55 minutes.
Table from: svenskfotboll.se
Round Six Fixtures:
Hammarby v Djurgården
BK Häcken v Eskilstuna United
KIF Örebro v Växjö
Kristianstad v AIK
Linköping v Vittsjö GIK
Rosengård v Piteå IF
ELITETTAN:
Above: Agnes Nyborg, scorer of two goals for IK Uppsala who are now clear at the top of the Elitettan. Photo: UNT.
IK Uppsala moved three points clear at the top with a 3-1 win over Mallbackens IF Sunne despite going a goal behind to Svea Renberg’s strike. Agnes Nyborg (2) and Beata Olsson hit back for Uppsala. Umeå IK lost further ground in second after only being able to draw 1-1 against an Alingsås FC United side who are just above the drop zone. The top two meet each other this weekend in what will be a huge clash. We’ll have extended coverage of the game in next week’s Swedish Scene. Älvsjö AIK FF remain third, four points behind Uppsala after a 0-0 draw with mid table IFK Kalmar. At the bottom, Bollstanäs SK earned their first win of the season, 4-2 against winless Borgeby FK.
Round Five Fixtures: IFK Norrköping 1-1 IF Brommapojkarna, Alingsås FC United 0-0 Umeå IK, IFK Kalmar 0-0 Älvsjö AIK FF,IK Uppsala 3-1 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Morön BK 2-1 Jitex Mölndal, Sundsvalls DFF 0-1 Lidköpings FK, Bollstanäs SK 4-2 Borgeby FK.
Round Six Fixtures: Mallbackens IF Sunne v IFK Kalmar, Umeå IK v IK Uppsala, Älvsjö AIK FF v IFK Norrköping, Borgeby FK v Alingsås FC United, IF Brommapojkarna v Lidköpings FK, Jitex Mölndal v Bollstanäs SK, Morön BK v Sundsvalls DFF.
Table from: svenskfotboll.se
NEWS ROUND-UP:
National team forward Fridolina Rolfö who is presently at VfL Wolfsburg, has been linked by French sporting newspaper L´Equipe to be an imminent signing for Olympique Lyonnais.
Above: Rosengård’s Nathalie Björn and Hanna Bennison who have both been linked with a move to Everton. Photo: fotbollskanalen.se
FAWSL side Everton are supposed to have shown interest in Rosengård players Nathalie Björn (24) and Hanna Bennison (18). Rosengård’s Sporting Director Therese Sjögran says the club has no received any bids for the players, who are both under contract.
BK Häcken has signed a co-operation deal with Elitettan club Lidköping FK, making it possible to loan players between the clubs. First to benefit from the arrangement is Häcken’s 19 year-old forward Evelyn Ijeh.
Above: Natalie Tobin pictured in her new colours after signing for Perth Glory. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
After their frustrating 2019/20 campaign, W-League side Perth Glory have announced two major signings in the past week.
First was the hugely exciting arrival of Natalie Tobin from Sydney FC. The 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, became a key part of the Harbour City side’s squad after debuting in 2012, eventually chalking up more than 60 appearances in total and starting every game as the Sky Blues took out the Premiership title last season.
The former Australia Under-17 and Under-20 representative, who was also a part of two Grand Final-winning Sydney FC squads in 2013 and 2019, is relishing the prospect of starting a new chapter of her career in the West.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity to play for what has been a very successful team over the years with the likes of Sam Kerr and so on,” she said.
“Head coach Alex Epakis has given me a lot of information on the vision that he has for the team going forward and it all sounds very promising.
“The club went through a bit of a transitional phase last year, a growing phase and I’ve been a part of those in the past not just at Sydney FC, but at NPL clubs as well.
“So I think that’s always something exciting to be a part of and you can come together that way which is awesome.
“Alex has a great vision for the team culture in particular and a very positive outlook towards the season which further cemented my move over to Perth.
“I’m looking to have a really successful season, solidify a starting eleven spot which I was able to do at Sydney FC last year, grow as a footballer and help the team push for Finals, Premierships and Championships.”
Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, believes that signing a player of Tobin’s experience and pedigree represents a major coup for the club.
“We’re delighted to have Nat sign on for next season and represent Perth Glory,” he said.
“She is a well-established and respected player within the W-League competition and I am excited to coach her next season.
“Nat brings so many qualities as both a player and as a leader.
“Her experience and on-field quality will prove to be a key part of helping the team and group move in a positive direction.
“She perfectly fits the type of player we are looking to have within the club and is a determined character and strong competitor who knows how to win.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly delighted that Tobin will be wearing purple next season.
“I worked with Nat during my time at Sydney FC and can certainly vouch for Alex’s assessment of her as both a player and as a character,” he said.
“We are determined to build a strong, competitive squad to take the club forward in the W-League in 2021/22 and have already taken major strides towards that by re-signing a number of key players and now securing the services of a proven performer in Nat.”
The magnitude of this signing for the Western Australian club has been emphasised by the outpouring of sadness in New South Wales at their star defender’s departure.
Above: Morgan Aquino pictured in action for Perth Glory during her previous spell at the club in 2019/20. Photo: The West Australian.
In addition to the arrival of Tobin, the club have also announced that highly-rated young goalkeeper Morgan Aquino has rejoined Glory on a long-term deal.
The Junior and Young Matildas representative made her Westfield W-League debut for Perth in the 2019/20 season and played on another two occasions for her hometown club before completing a move to Brisbane Roar.
Having added a further four W-League starts to her tally with the Queenslanders last season, the 19-year-old is thrilled to now be embarking upon a new chapter in her career amidst familiar surroundings.
“I’m very keen to be a part of what Alex Epakis is building at Glory,” she said, “especially as his vision is not just for this season, but for the future beyond that as well.
“He’s been giving young players opportunities and putting a lot of faith in them and that is exciting to see.
“Coming home for me was a no-brainer as the opportunity to play and be with family too is great to have.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes that Aquino has huge potential which she can fulfil with Glory.
“Securing the services of Morgan back from Brisbane is a great addition to the club in a key position,” he said.
“She is a proud West Australian, is passionate about the club and wants to do well.
“My job is to get the best out of her over the next few seasons and help her really grow into her undoubted talent and ability.
“Morgan is a very technical goalkeeper and will certainly suit the way in which we will want to play.
“She is driven and determined and I am happy that she believes this is the best club to help her grow as a person and as a player.”
Aquino joins and Natalie Tobin in pledging her future to Glory and club CEO Tony Pignata feels that the timing of these signings, plus the earlier announcements that Natasha Rigby, Hana Lowry and Tijan McKenna have all committed for another season illustrates the club’s determination to make a major impact in the W-League next season.
“We are committed to having as much of our squad in place as soon as possible in order to lay solid foundations for the 2021/22 campaign,” he said.
“The signings that we have already made are very exciting ones and with plenty more to come, I’m sure that our Members and fans are really looking forward to seeing the women in action next season.”
The club have indicated that further Westfield W-League signings are expected to be announced in the near future.
Above: A triumphant FC Barcelona lift the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy after a stunning 4-0 win over Chelsea. Photo: @UWCL
Barcelona produced one of the greatest performances of any women’s club team in totally dismantling Chelsea to win their first Champions League title.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes showed recognition of the threat posed by her team’s Catalan opponents by swapping Jess Carter and Niamh Charles’ backline positions around in a bid to counter the threat of Barcelona’s threat down the wings from Lieke Martens and Caroline Graham Hansen.
Whilst Spain might not quite have broken through to the top level in international women’s football as yet, it seems to be merely a matter of time. Of Barcelona’s squad of 25 players, 20 are Spanish and nine came through their own club academy. The bulk of these players know each other inside out playing together for both club and country; something which is a big part of the club’s success and Spain’s emerging status in Europe.
This is a squad of players who average 60% of possession across their domestic league games and scored 128 goals in a 26 game campaign. Only five club sides in Spain scored a single goal against them all year – Granadilla, Levante, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Deportivo la Coruna. In doing so, Barca won the league by 16 points from nearest challengers Levante who they humiliated 7-1 in a league clash.
The threat facing Chelsea up front was not just Spain’s all-time leading scorer Jenni Hermoso, but eight other players scored more than seven goals with Alexia Putellas notably adding 16 with the other hot shots including Asisat Oshoala (15), Lieke Martens (11), Aitana Bonmati (nine), Caroline Graham Hansen (eight), Bruna Vilamala (eight), Mariona Caldentey (eight) and Marta Torrejon (seven).
Also of pre-match interest was the Chelsea star Pernille Harder facing off against former VfL Wolfsburg team-mate, the Norwegian superstar Caroline Graham Hansen creating a further 12 goals to the eight she’s scored all season. Additionally there was the battle for the competition’s Golden Boot with Chelsea’s Fran Kirby tying with Jenni Hermoso with six goals.
The threat that Barcelona pose on the wings was emphasised from the kick off with Martens dancing down the left and firing in a shot which crashed off of the bar and came back immediately to Hansen on the right. Her first time ball in wasn’t quite dealt with in the air by Magda Eriksson and a shot deflected off of Melanie Leupolz and into the net
Above: Alexia Putellas celebrates after dispatching a penalty to put Barcelona 2-0 up. Photo: Getty Images
Going into the game a common thread of thinking was that Barcelona would not be able to cope with the quality of Chelsea’s attack because they would have not faced such quality since their 4-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais in the 2019 Champions League Final.
What had been missed or glossed over pre-match was the fact that such has been Chelsea’s dominance in England this season – even against the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal – they were not used to facing a side with the relentless pace and threat of this Barcelona team who possess so many world class attackers not just centrally but out wide too. The FAWSL top sides in attack are far more ponderous than this incredible Catalan side.
What these two schools of thoughts did guarantee now that they seemed to be colliding in front of our very eyes were the fact that an attacking classic could be consequence. That attacking classic turned out to be more one sided that anyone expected. In fact, it was a first half masterclass par excellence.
Whilst Barcelona kept both Ji and Kirby quiet all night long, Kerr and Harder were in evidence with the Dane having two excellent chances – first from a Carter ball across the box which she got a toe to just outside the six yard box and then on 9 minutes when Leupolz found Kerr. The Australian played a glorious back heel to Harder who was denied by a superb tackle from Marta Torrejon.
Despite Carter moving sides at the back in a bid to combat Graham Hansen, it clearly wasn’t working. With 12 minutes played, the Norwegian star escaped her with ease and rolled a ball across towards Hermoso who went down under a tackle from Leupolz. The penalty was given somewhat harshly and Putellas dispatched it comfortably.
The dazzling footwork of Barcelona saw Chelsea floundering at the back with 21 minutes gone. The pressure and split runs from the Catalans’ offensive five left the Blues struggling to pick out who to close down and how to do it. Carter was caught badly again in the centre with Hermoso running through which allowed Aitana Bonmati to dispatch with ease.
With ten minutes of the half left, the wide players took Chelsea apart again. A long ball out to Martens on the left saw her get past Charles as if she wasn’t there and play a low pass through Millie Bright’s legs which Hansen was able to touch home comfortably for four.
Above: Caroline Graham Hansen and Lieke Martens celebrate the Norwegian’s goal which made it 4-0. Photo: Getty Images.
The set-up of the Barcelona midfield and attack simply enabled them to pick out their passes and keep the ball moving rapidly. Mentally, Chelsea never recovered from going behind so early. It was perhaps the downside of their domestic dominance in England.
Last week I wrote that Chelsea don’t have the strength in depth defensively that they can boast in offensive positions. This final emphasised that.
Chelsea’s first choice back four is good enough in the FAWSL. With them, Chelsea win against the top teams and dominate them. Winning is a habit, but when you come up against top quality who are totally ruthless, switch the play in ways you haven’t faced before and move with such pace, then it’s a shock and you get exposed.
Chelsea aren’t used to coping with a team attacking them so relentlessly. And it showed.
Above: Chelsea’s Pernille Harder, who had several chances to score, suffered Champions League Final heartbreak for the third time. Photo: PA Media.
Barcelona suffered a four goal humiliation in their first Champions League Final. The aim now for Chelsea is to come back from a similar thumping to claim European club football’s greatest prize in the future.
1st Rd – Pomurje (SLOVENIA) (4-0/4-2), 2nd Rd Fortuna Hjørring (DEN) (4-0/5-0), QF Manchester City (ENG) (3-0, 1-2), SF Paris St. Germain (FRA) (1-1, 2-1).
Above: Huddersfield Town on the ball in difficult conditions at Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday. Photo: Jess Hornby.
Huddersfield Town Women exited the Vitality Women’s FA Cup at the fifth round stage after losing 6-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
The scoreline may read a harsh one, but to face a team two divisions above – in the Women’s Super League – and hold their own for large parts of the game is credit to the Terriers’ spirit.
In a game surrounded by heavy rain and muddy conditions, both teams continued with the tie at the People’s Pension Stadium in Crawley, looking for a place in the Quarter Finals and the hosts looked the more likely to open the scoring in the early stages, an early chance for the Seagulls coming after the ball was deflected behind for a corner.
Brighton showed no respite despite Town staying in the game and soaking up early pressure in the opening minutes as another chance came the hosts’ way as the ball was delivered into the box but the header went well over Bethan Davies’ goal.
Just after the 15-minute mark, though, the hosts took the lead. A misguided header played Nora Heroum through and the number 11 fired the ball beyond Davies, giving her no chance.
Town registered their first attack in the game two minutes later when Britt Sanderson broke away only for a Brighton defender to get back to cover before the ball bobbled up for Katie Nutter to get a shot away, but Katie Startup was equal to it and palmed the ball away from danger.
As the rain continued to constantly Lash down, the hosts went about doubling their lead as Rianna Jarrett headed in from close range after getting on the end of a curling cross in the danger area. An own goal would make it three for the Seagulls shortly after.
Town did restore some hope, however, after Brighton were awarded a very dubious penalty in the 39th minute and the Davies was the heroine, tipping the ball over.
But the Terriers’ hopes of a comeback were soon squashed in the second half as the Seagulls continued to dominate the contest. Town tried to force proceedings to find a foothold in the game, but Brighton continued to hold out.
Despite an energetic start to the second half by the visitors, looking to find the killer pass to open up the Brighton defence, the Seagulls registered their fourth and fifth within four minutes of each other.
Felicity Gibbons nodded in shortly before Danique Kerkdijk scored after the ball fell into her path following a corner, the header from another Brighton player ricocheting off the Town defence.
Macy Ellis was brought on in the 69th minute and made a good impact with her energy but the game was all but put out of sight once a sixth goal was added in the 77th minute, another goal by Danique Kerkdijk rounding off the scoreline.
Although the result wasn’t what the visitors were looking for, the Terriers are proud to have represented the National League in the competition amongst fellow lower-league side Southampton who were also eliminated away from home at Birmingham City.
Town manager Jordan Wimpenny praised his players for the run in the competition at full time.
“Proud is the perfect word to use. I couldn’t be more proud of the players and the staff for the performance that they showed not only today but all season.
“Despite the result and not progressing further, I couldn’t fault their efforts. They never gave up, they kept going and showed a great character and desire through the game to not give in and like I said I couldn’t have been prouder of them.”
Wimpenny said he thought Town’s ‘keeper, Davies, had a great game between the sticks.
“If she didn’t save the chances that Brighton had, the scoreline would have been a lot heavier. Without her in goal, the score would have been different. Credit to her and some of the saves she made: a strong right hand in the first half, a penalty that if she hadn’t have saved would have gone in, the ones in the second half she put her body on the line for. I think she had a tremendous game.”
So that’s that for 2020/21. A campaign that saw Town finish top of the league before it’s curtailment, a record points haul and the joint-longest FA Cup run in their history. Not bad for Wimpenny’s first season in charge. They’ll now how have a six-week break before regrouping for pre-season and preparing for 2021/22.
WSA Member Ben Gilby joined The Women’s Sports Alliance Mental Health Discussion: With Fran Kirby on Wednesday evening as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. Fran spoke candidly about her own struggles and how she tries to manage them now as well as supporting others. With permission granted from the Women’s Sports Alliance, Ben has produced an article surrounding the key discussion points. As the WSA provided a safe space for Fran to talk openly and honestly, there were a few things that couldn’t be published, but here is a summary:
Above: Fran Kirby has had an incredible season. Photo: Mark Atkins/Getty Images
Fran Kirby is currently in the form of her life and one of the most respected female footballers in the world. Yet in order to reach that status, she has had to overcome some major hurdles. Hurdles that occasionally re-appear and need to be overcome again.
“I lost my Mum at the age of 14, Fran explained, “I didn’t allow myself a grieving space. I went to school the next day. It wasn’t until I was aged 16-18 that I noticed that things weren’t right in me.
“I didn’t understand who I was or what I wanted to be. With my Mum gone, I was growing up in a male dominated household and we weren’t good at speaking about our emotions. We didn’t mention the word ‘Mum’ for four years after her passing.”
It was incredibly hard for Fran to chart a path forwards to overcome these difficult times. For Fran, the support of a physio at Reading FC was instrumental in her mental state improvement.
“It’s so important to find someone that you can talk to. Quite often it’s someone who doesn’t know you all that well. The physio at Reading was older than me and I’d sit on her sofa and just cry.”
“I could see that (my mental condition) was affecting other people around me. I was becoming a person that I wouldn’t like to be around myself.”
“I stopped playing football for a year after Mum died. I knew that I would get back to football eventually. I needed to find joy in myself. At the age of 13 I had people telling me I would play for England – that was tough to hear and live up to. I had anxiety about coming back, but football was the biggest part of my life. For a long time I knew how much my Mum wanted me to play football. Now it’s a dream that I want to have. I still have bad days and I just accept that.”
Fran has also had to battle several major injuries and health scares over the course of her career. She outlined how the mental impact of this is not quite the same as the struggles that she faced after her Mother’s passing, but that didn’t make them any easier to overcome.
Above: Fran in action for Chelsea in the 2016 FA Cup Final against Arsenal. She would soon face a tough injury battle. Photo: Zimbio
The period between 2016 and 2017 when the Berkshire born player suffered back to back injuries which were hampered by slow recovery times due to problems diagnosing the exact nature of the injuries. It led to a period of around 12 months out of the game during which Kirby suffered pain so bad that she struggled to walk due to knee problems and bone edema (deep internal bruising).
“I went through so many ups and downs (in that period) and I didn’t know how to deal with it. I found in the end that the best thing to do was to be honest with the people around me about how I was feeling. I learned a lot about myself and took a lot of time to work things out.”
Last season saw Kirby experience another incredibly challenging period after being diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the fibrous sac that surrounds the heart which left her with sharp chest pain, fever, shortness of breath and general weakness.
“Mentally it was one of the craziest things that I’ve experienced in my life, Fran said. “It was a trauma. Just thinking about coming back and playing football scared me because of how I was feeling. I just couldn’t think of anything worse than getting back playing.”
“Then I got injured in my first England training camp after recovering from the pericarditis. That was possibly my biggest mental battle.”
Fran feels that it is incredibly positive that more professional sports stars are talking about their mental health battles. “We have to be honest. We’re not robots, we’re human beings. It gives the fans more of a personal relationship with you. If they can see our struggles and we’re getting through it then maybe they see that they can too if they have struggles.” The relationship with fans is something that comes with positives and negatives for sports players’ mental health. “When the fans are happy with you, it’s great. When they are not, it’s hard to separate this. I try not to get too caught up in opinions of me. I don’t look at comments about my performance because it can impact you.”
In terms with how mental health is dealt with at Chelsea, Fran is hugely positive. “Emma Hayes has been amazing through everything that I’ve been through. You need to feel reassured and valued. You need to feel what you are doing for your job is important. I was still being told how valued I was and how I was part of the squad.”
Fran concluded with a suggestion for everyone on how to try and support as many people’s mental health as possible. “Little things like a smile is a big deal. When you’re walking down the street, look up from your phone at the people who walk past and smile at them. I always try to make a conscious effort to do that. Smiles are infectious! You don’t know, maybe someone you passed and smiled at was really struggling and that smile you gave them was a big positive thing for them.”
Ben is a Women’s Sports Alliance Member and took so much from the Mental Health Discussion: with Fran Kirby event. As supporters of the WSA and their work, we urge you to become a member, today. Register here: https://www.wsportsalliance.com/membership to ensure you are able to access the range of events coming up.
Thank you to the Women’s Sports Alliance, Fran Kirby and WSA Founder Jordan Guard for putting on such a great virtual event.
Overnight, a major development was announced in Australia as a world class, purpose built training and development centre specifically for all of the national women’s football teams was announced.
Above: An artists impression of the centre. Photo: La Trobe University.
Football Australia and Football Victoria (FV) were delighted to hear the Victorian Government’s announcement confirming their investment to make the world-class Home of The Matildas at La Trobe University, Bundoora, a reality.
This announcement, following the 2020 commitment of $15 million from the Federal Government, provides a green light for construction of the Home of The Matildas and Home to Football Victoria, within a purpose built, state-of-the-art State Football Centre, alongside a State Rugby Union Centre at La Trobe University, Bundoora.
The commitment was made by Acting Premier, the Hon. James Merlino and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, the Hon. Martin Pakula, at the future site of the facility.
The precinct is expected to be ready to receive the Westfield Matildas in advance of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
In addition to supporting Australia’s national women’s football teams, the facility will provide year-round access to elite training and match facilities for the Victorian football community. Both junior and senior players will be able to follow in the footsteps of their football heroes with opportunities to train and play on the five natural, hybrid and synthetic pitches and a purpose-built futsal court.
The historic announcement is three years in the making, with Football Australia and FV partnering to drive the project with the support of the Victorian State Government, since 2018.
Westfield Matildas captain, Sam Kerr was excited upon learning of this news.
“This is wonderful news for the Westfield Matildas and the prospect of having a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed for our use is very exciting.
“The team loves playing in Melbourne and we really look forward to having a dedicated base where we can train and prepare for matches when we are in Victoria.”
Above: Matildas captain Sam Kerr is hugely excited by this landmark development. Photo: Herald Sun
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson celebrated the investment into football at all levels.
“This substantial commitment from the Victorian Government, combined with the Federal Government’s earlier $15 million contribution to the project, will have a significant impact on the development of women’s football, and football overall, in Victoria and Australia for decades to come. This commitment is also a good launching pad for the Facilities and Infrastructure pillar of our ambitious Legacy ‘23 plan which was recently launched.”
“The high-performance environment that will spring to life on the La Trobe University grounds in Bundoora will feature world-class facilities and amenities that will ensure Victoria can regularly play host to the Matildas, as well as other youth and senior national teams and touring international nations and clubs.”
“Crucially, The Home of The Matildas at La Trobe University will not only be a space that caters for the elite levels of the game, but the community and grassroots, too. The site will become home to Football Victoria’s Administration, ensuring consistent, year-round use by the football community through football, futsal, all-abilities, multicultural, and social programs.”
FV President, Antonella Care was delighted to establish a home base for female football in Victoria.
“This is a milestone day for our Victorian football community. The Matildas have captured the imagination of our nation, establishing themselves as one of Australia’s most loved teams,” Care said.
“The team are the ultimate ambassadors for our beautiful game, providing inspiration for football fans of all ages to step off the sidelines and get in the game.
“FV and Football Australia’s target of 50/50 male/female participation by 2027 is ambitious, but this announcement provides us with the ultimate launchpad to make that ambition a reality for Victoria,” she said.
The next phase of the project includes detailed design and planning, with construction expected to commence in December 2021 and be completed in time for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
Above: Huddersfield Town’s Katie Nutter gets a shot in on the Manchester United U21 goal in a recent friendly game. Photo: Jess Hornby.
FA Women’s National League Northern Premier side Huddersfield Town Women make the journey to play Brighton and Hove Albion in the fifth round of this season’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup in a 12pm kick-off on Sunday afternoon.
The Terriers won three games to reach round five, beating Liverpool Feds, Brighouse Town and Derby County en-route to the latter stages.
Super League side Brighton are fully professional and boast international stars so fitness may play a big role on Sunday but, having gone to extra time twice in the Cup this season, Town will be hard to out-run.
Brighton’s WSL campaign finished with a commanding 3-1 win against Bristol City – the same side the Seagulls beat to set up the tie with Town – last weekend, as opposed to the months of league-free football that the Terriers have had since the FA WNL season was curtailed shortly early in the year.
Manager Jordan Wimpenny, however, hasn’t focused on how Brighton will have geared up for Sunday’s showdown.
“Brighton are a [Women’s] Super League side. As I’ve said, they’re very athletic and are ahead of us with the amount of training, the opponents and surfaces they play on, so we have to prepare for situations that we’ve never faced before.
“My team are well prepared. We’ve had two friendlies against strong sides and have put in solid performances. We will continue those preparations.”
Town have only reached this stage of the competition once before when they miraculously came from three goals down against Charlton Athletic to eventually win on penalties. Although he wasn’t at the helm back then, Wimpenny’s side have also taken teams all the way in this season’s competition.
With many of the current squad featuring on that famous day in the capital, he wants to use memories of Charlton to full advantage.
“To have that history is massive for the Club. We’ve had tough games, gone to extra time, to penalties and also done it in ninety minutes. We know we’ll give them [Brighton] a good game and it would be amazing if we go through.
“It’s a Cup game, which means anything can happen. We need to look at characteristics: leaders, desire, wanting to go through. That will all play a massive part in the result.
“The players will need to be together more than ever this weekend. We have to give everything we’ve got. We have nothing to lose. We’ll be going in as the underdogs, so we have absolutely nothing to lose. The players have had a fantastic season and I would love to see them progress into the next round.
Huddersfield and Southampton are the only two FAWNL sides left in this season’s FA Cup. After both facing grueling fixtures to get this far, Wimpenny wants to do the lower leagues proud.
“I had a look at Southampton’s run and they have come a long way, so congratulations to them. If we can put a stamp on this competition for the lower leagues then it just shows the quality that is in the lower leagues and the growth of the women’s game that can happen. We’re challenging Championship and WSL sides, long may it continue.”
Town are just one win away from the Quarter Finals and, having never reached the last eight, this weekend’s game is arguably the most anticipated in Town’s history. After a record-breaking league campaign with goals flying in left, right and centre, the Terriers will travel to Brighton with one thing on their mind: to do themselves and the fans proud.
The latest column from @DandalBs, sees a focus on the Swedish Cup Final, the fourth round of Damallsvenskan and Elitettan and more transfer news.
SWEDISH CUP FINAL:
Above: BK Häcken celebrate Stina Blackstenius’ goal which put them 2-0 up over Eskilstuna United. Photo: svt.tv
BK Häcken took on Eskilstuna United in this year’s Swedish Cup final on Thursday. Going into the game, Eskilstuna were playing in their first ever Cup Final while Häcken’s previous incarnation Kopparbergs/Göteborg played in three, against Tyresö (2011 and 2012) and Kristianstad (2019) and won them all. The even earlier incarnation Kopparbergs/Landvetter lost the 2002 final to Umeå.
In the end, it was a comprehensive win for BK Häcken. Eskilstuna’s defensive set up worked well for the first half, but the second half was a totally different story as Häcken completely dominated. Eleven minutes into the second period, Filippa Angeldahl put the Gothenburg based side ahead. An outstanding second goal from Stina Blackstenius with 20 minutes left ensured that she ends the competition as the joint top scorer with Hammarby’s Emilia Larsson. Pauline Hammarlund completed the scoring after 87 minutes.
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
Above: Amanda Edgren (left) and Kristianstad celebrate her winner against Vittsjö. Photo: Bildbyrån
Kristianstad earned an impressive 1-0 win over Vittsjö thanks to a goal from Amanda Edgren. The result puts Kristianstad up to second place, just two points behind leaders FC Rosengård.
Above: AIK’s Rose Kafaji who earned the Solna based side a draw against rivals Hammarby. Photo: AIKfotboll
AIK’s positive start to the campaign continued after Rosa Kafaji scored a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw in their Stockholm derby at home to Hammarby. Nora Rönnfors scored the Solna based side’s other goal. Eva Nyström and Madelen Janogy were on target for Hammarby. It was a lively match that the visitors will be frustrated not to have won.
Above: Uchenna Kanu, who scored Linköping;s winner against BK Häcken. Photo: trendupdate.ng
BK Häcken have slipped to third after a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Linköping. Uchenna Kanu scored the only goal after she finished a great move when Maanum played in Simonsson who back-heeled a pass to Kanu who scored.
Above: Piteå celebrate Anam Imo’s winner against Växjö. Photo: fotbollskanalen.se
Piteå returned from their enforced break due to a coronavirus outbreak to grab their first win of the season as they beat Växjö 1-0 thanks to a goal from Anam Imo.
Above: Rosengårdare the only team in the Damallsvenskan with a 100% win rate after four games after this win over Djurgården. Photo: fotbollskanalen.se
Rosengård stay top and are the only team to have won all four games after they saw off Djurgården 3-0. Sanne Troelsgaard and two goals from Jelena Čanković, the first of which was an outstanding free kick. Rosengård are looking more and more confident.
KIF Örebro drew 1-1 with Eskilstuna United. Örebro 1-1 Eskilstuna. Jenna Hellstrom was on target for the hosts with Fanny Andersson finding the net for Eskilstuna.
Above: Cornelia Kapocs, scorer of two goals for Linköping in their dramatic re-arranged game with Piteå. Photo: Linköping FC
Linköping took the spoils in a seven goal thriller against Piteå in the rearranged game between the two sides after the original game was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in the Piteå camp. The game looked to be won with just over half an hour played as Linköping built a 4-0 lead. Cornelia Kapocs and Uchenna Kanu both scored twice in the period. Maja Green got a goal back for Piteå in first half stoppage time. Anam Ino got another goal back for Piteå with 19 minutes left. The visitors got a late third goal to throw some doubts into the minds of Linköping when Guro Petterson scored with a free-kick, but they couldn’t quite get a fourth to earn a point.
Table from Svensk Fotboll.
Note – this table does not reflect Linköping’s 4-3 win over Piteå played on Thursday.
Round Five Fixtures:
Vittsjö GIK v AIK
Växjö v Rosengård
Piteå IF v KIF Örebro
Djurgårdens v BK Häcken
Eskilstuna United v Hammarby
Linköping v Kristianstad
ELITETTAN:
Above: Linn Bogren, whose goal for Älvsjö AIK FF ensured her side, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Elitettan last season remain just two points from the top of the table. Photo: svenskfotboll.se
IK Uppsala couldn’t fully take advantage of Umeå IK not being in action as they could only draw 1-1 in their game with third placed Älvsjö AIK FF. Beata Olsson gave Uppsala the lead just gone the half hour mark before Linn Bogren levelled on 58 minutes. The top of the table is now very tight with the top three only separated by two points. Umeå IK’s game in hand will be at home to winless Borgeby FK. At the bottom, Lidköpings FK gained their first win of the season after seeing off Morön BK 2-1. Sundsvalls DFF and Bollstanäs SK are still looking for their first wins of the campaign.
Round Four Results: Borgeby FK v Umeå IK POSTPONED, IF Brommapojkarna 5-1 Bollstanäs SK, Sundsvalls DFF 0-5 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Alingsås FC United 1-0 IFK Kalmar, Lidköpings FK 2-1 Morön BK, Jitex Mölndal 0-3 IFK Norrköping, Älvsjö AIK FF 1-1 IK Uppsala.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
Round Five Fixtures: IFK Norrköping v IF Brommapojkarna, Alingsås FC United v Umeå IK, IK Uppsala v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Morön BK v Jitex Mölndal, Sundsvalls DFF v Lidköpings FK, Bollstanäs SK v Borgeby FK.
NEWS ROUND-UP:
EskilstunaUnited have signed former KIF Örebro keeper Mimmi Paulsson-Febo, as the second back-up to Emma Holmgren and Emelie Lundberg.
Above: Mimi Paulsson-Febo, newly signed at Eskilstuna United. Photo: M.A.V. Foto/Örebrotribune.se
Frida Manum of Linköping has set her sights on a move to England and Spain. She has said she hopes that Linköping get a transfer fee for her when she leaves after the club developed her since the age of 18.
Adelaide United have recently completed their best ever W-League season which saw them win more games than ever before and smash the record attendance for a stand-alone match in the competition’s history. These successes were tempered by the club missing out on a first ever place in the Finals on goal difference. Ben Gilby reviewed the club’s season with head coach Adrian Stenta in our latest #DubWrap feature.
Above: Adelaide United head coach Adrian Stenta had a hugely positive first season in charge. Photo supplied by Adelaide United FC.
Going into the W-League season, Adrian Stenta stepped up to the head coaches role after serving as assistant to Ivan Karlovic, who was appointed as the club’s first ever head of women’s football.
“My aims for the season were to push hard for a spot in the Finals and for us to be a side who were not just competitive, but who consistently won matches by playing a good style of football,” the head coach said.
Adelaide started the season with an incredible game at Canberra United which saw the South Australians take a 2-0 lead within the first half hour thanks to goals from Cote Rojas and Isabel Hodgson before the side from the national capital hit back to draw level and then score a further two goals in two stoppage time minutes at the end of the game. There was still time for Mallory Weber to get a third for Adelaide in a 4-3 defeat.
“I learned a season’s worth of lessons from that game,” admitted Stenta.
“The first half told me that we could be a competitive side who play good football and can achieve good results. To concede four goals in the second half was disappointing. What it did teach me though was that kind of result in a first game had the potential to derail our season and dent our confidence. The way we responded to that result was really positive and it showed me that the side had a lot of fight, spirit and character.”
Stenta also highlighted several other massive positives that he saw from his team that bode well for the future. “Their work ethic – the players work extremely hard and never looked for or made excuses when things were not going their way.
“The way the players all came together was pleasing. We had a great environment and culture within the playing group. When you have that and a strong work ethic then you set yourself up for success. The players worked hard and professionally to achieve their goals.”
With the team missing Finals football by the narrowest possible margin, Stenta is already clear in his mind about what needs to happen next season to ensure that Adelaide United get over the line.
“We need to be going along a similar path to what we have been doing for the last few seasons which is stability among the core group of players. We need to keep as many players from this year’s squad if we possibly can and add some quality players where we need to.
“We just have to keep building on what occurred this season and the positives from before. We were really pleased with what we were able to achieve from a certain point, but we still fell a bit short from the goals that we set ourselves at the start of the season. Stability will be the key thing in the off season if that is possible.”
In terms of recruitment for the next W-League campaign, the Adelaide United head coach was positive due to the strong links that the Reds have to their state NPLW clubs. “Recruitment can be a challenge. There is a lot of technology and footage available these days to help with the process.
Above: Adrian Stenta makes a point during a training session. Photo supplied by: Adelaide United FC.
“We’re lucky in that we have very close links with Football SA and one of our coaches is involved with coaching the state NTC girls as well. That link and that pathway is strong.
“Then it’s a case of watching as many games and as many players across the local SA NPLW to see how players already attached to our club are performing and those we could be interested in. I like to engage in lots of dialogue with the NPLW coaches about how players are progressing within their own programs because that is the league that underpins our W-League. It’s really important to keep close tabs and see how players are performing in that competition. Our local coaches are a great source of information in regards to that.”
We also look at the national competitions plus any players abroad that we have our eyes on as well. The fact that we have a really long off season does help that recruitment process, but it’s a challenge when we don’t know many details about the next W-League season yet.”
These details include the timings of the season, something which impacted the last W-League season as players, including Adelaide United’s Dylan Holmes departed for Scandinavia with the Australian season still in progress. Charlotte Grant’s subsequent move to Sweden at the end of the W-League campaign also came with an announcement that could allow both stars to return for the new W-League season if the calendar’s line up correctly.
Above: Adrian Stenta sees plenty of scope for growth within his Adelaide United squad. Photo supplied by: Adelaide United FC.
“There is potential there for Charli to return. Firstly, it was great for both Dylan and Charli to make their moves as it will be good for their careers. That’s a big positive.
“We do know that players can play across both leagues if they wish to, but there are some unknowns about the timing of the next W-League season which makes it hard to be sure at this stage. But the pleasing thing is that both Dylan and Charli have indicated that they are keen to return to us if they can and we’re certainly keen to have them back.”
The other massive positive for the club was the record breaking crowd for a stand-alone W-League match which Adelaide United achieved when 5,159 people attended their final home game with Western Sydney Wanderers at the club’s A-League regular venue, Coopers Stadium.
“That was a fantastic event,” said Stenta, “It was well promoted by the club and well attended by our fans. We’re hoping to be able to play at Coopers Stadium more often in the future, and it just goes to show that when sport is promoted properly and supported, people will come out to watch because the product is worth it. The players are worth it. I was so glad that the players were able to experience that for their final experience in the season just gone.”
Building on that crowd figure and the performances in the season just gone, Adrian Stenta’s goals for the club in the future are all about providing opportunities.
“We’d like to have some success, first and foremost within our program and that will come with making a Finals appearance for the first time in the club’s history. Yet, something we have taken away from this season is that we’re not just about trying to make Finals, we want to push for a Championship as well.
“Our broader focus as a club is about providing pathways for our young South Australian women to play at the highest possible level for them whether that be with us here, or opening up opportunities for South Australian footballers to play overseas potentially, that would also be part of our goals moving forwards.”
Look out for another #DubWrap feature with another W-League Head Coach/Player looking back at their season soon!
Impetus’ coverage of Australian Women’s Football is supported by The Chicken Salt Co. They are offering every Impetus reader 5% off all orders of Chicken Salt from their website. Go to https://www.chickensalt.co.uk/?mate=impetus and place your order – 5% will automatically be taken off of the cost. The coupon code is impetus.
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