Tag: Women’s Sport

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AMY MERRICKS SHOWS FAITH IN SQUAD AS BIRMINGHAM CITY PREPARE FOR WSL RETURN

Image via @bcfcwomen on instagram

Birmingham City are one of the three clubs entering the WSL this year after being promoted from the second division as champions. The club was a founding member of the FA WSL in 2010 and stayed in the league until their relegation in 2021. However, five years later, they are back, and with an entirely new look too.

Amy Merricks was appointed as head coach in April 2024 and helped the team finish second in the league the following year. Now, in 2026 they just finished the season as FA WSL2 Champions, securing themselves a spot in the WSL, back where they belong.

As expected, the club has had an influx of departures as well as incomings in order to get the squad to where they need to be ahead of the upcoming season. Departures saw Poppy Irvine leave for Norwich City, Michaela Kovacs depart for Brondby, Lily Agg retire from football after successive injuries and take up a managing role at Athlone Town FC, Teagan McGowan sign at Ipswich Town, Christie Harrison Murray make the move to Burnley and  Lucy Quinn join Sheffield United. Adrianna Franch and Shanade Hopcroft have also left the club however their futures are currently unknown, with neither of them having been announced to sign for new clubs so far. The club has also seen the departure of three former loanees, Libby Bance has joined Leicester City on a permanent deal from Brighton, Lotta Lindstrom has departed London City Lionesses for Bristol City and Hannah Silcock has signed for Everton in the WSL.

In terms of incomings, the club kicked off the window with a bang with a double signing from Manchester United. Millie Turner joins after eight years at the club, being a part of the squad since their formation in 2018, she leaves the club after inconsistent game time following injury last season. Turner has also been called up to the England senior team on various occasions so it’s likely this move is partly in hopes to put herself in the best possible position ahead of the Women’s World Cup next summer. The defender is a proven centre back and brings wealths of experience to the backline after playing in the Champions League and winning the FA Cup in 2024. Lisa Naalsund departed Manchester United after three and a half years at the club, and she too experienced inconsistent game time last season. The Norwegian international regularly features for her national team and can play in a variety of roles in the midfield. The Blues currently have a relatively small midfield, so this will prove crucial to the club, particularly in heavy scheduling with cup competitions too. 

It soon became clear that the clubs main focus point of the summer was to strengthen the defence after Jade Rastocle was announced from Montpellier. At just 22 she already has five years of experience in senior football, meaning the club will not have to spend time adjusting her to top flight football unlike most athletes her age. Rastocle started every game in the Premiere Ligue Feminine last season and is a proven centre back, even featuring in the France Under 23’s regularly.

Next came Katie Startup, a 23 year old goal keeper who was most recently signed to Manchester City. Interestingly, this signing is likely to be third choice move, with the shotstopper having not made a competitive footballing appearance since the 2023/24 season. Startup last received regular minutes in the 2019/20 season however is also well known for her work in mental health off of the pitch.

Sophie Baggaley is the clubs most recent addition and is also a goalkeeper, having most recently played for Brighton & Hove Albion. Returning to her childhood club after nine years, the keeper will provide good competition for Lucy Thomas who spent last year as first choice with Birmingham. Baggaley received limited minutes with Brighton last season, being pushed out of the starting spot by Nnadozie after two years, however she occasionally features in England squad’s and may be looking at this move to put her in a better suited position for a potential call up for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Birmingham Cities transfer window has been relatively quiet for a club entering a new league, however it shows the trust that Amy Merricks has in her team, and may work out in favour for the club as the vast majority of players are comfortable playing with each other, and won’t have the issue of compatibility that we often see.

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WSL

Natalie Arroyo and Aston Villa aim high after new signings join in Transfer Window

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photo taken from @astonvillawomen on instagram

The window as a whole has seen big names move across the league and from overseas with the season looking to be a special one. Ahead of the new season, the villains have had 15 movements as of 9/08 with five players leaving the club, a retirement and a loan spell away from the club for a young upcoming player. Jenna Nighswonger also returned to her parent club, Arsenal after her loan spell with the club during the season. They have signed seven players permanently with six coming from overseas showing a hunger for playing in the Women’s Super League and seeing the growth of the game over in England. 

The first player the side announced was Mia McAulay from Scottish side Rangers. The Scotland International brings experience on the international stage despite being young with the forward looking to settle down and score goals, helping the side get a high finish. Next in the office and signed her name on the contract was Kamilla Melgärd from Madrid CFF. She was with the side since 2024, with the midfielder currently a U23 Norwegian International also looking to bring international experience to the squad along with many other Scandinavian players. 

The next two Scandinavian players through the door were Amalie Vansgaard and Justine Kielland. Vansgaard comes from Juventus after being there for two years with the forward already having 46 caps for the Denmark National team. Kielland comes from VfL Wolfsburg after being with the side since 2024 and the defensive midfielder has experience in European, International and Domestic football bringing a different dynamic to the midlands. 

The side have also strengthened their goalkeeping ranks bringing in Emily Ramsey and Akane Okuma. Ramsey joined from Everton after being with the North West England side since 2022, and got her first senior international call up for England in 2023. She brings experience in the WSL meanwhile Akane Okuma has her first experience in the league. She joins from INAC Kobe Leonessa after being there for two years and has international experience for Japan alongside now club-teammate, Maya Hijikata. 

Finally, on a permanent signing, Centre-back Mathilde Harviken joins from Juventus after being with the side for 18 months. She made her senior debut for the Norway side in 2022 and has featured in the EURO 2025 championship as well as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Lily Murphy was the most recent recruit after joining on loan from WSL side Manchester CIty. The forward has been with the side since 2022 and already brings European experience despite being so young. 

Aston Villa Team Celebration | photo taken from @astonvillawomen on instagram

Along with many incomings, there are always outgoings. Kirsty Hanson left the side after spending four seasons in the midlands and the forward joined Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the season. Young defender Lydia Sallaway joins Wrexham on loan for the season after spending last season on loan at Glasgow City. After a loan spell at Leicester City, Sarah Mayling joined the club permanently after starting in the academy and made over 100 appearances across two spells with the club. 

At the end of the season, Lucy Staniforth announced her retirement from professional football and therefore left the club with three more players leaving after their contract ended. Goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo went to Northern Super League club AFC Toronto and returned back to her home country, Canada. NWSL side Orlando Pride secured forward Gabi Nunes with Ebony Salmon joining WSL side West Ham United after their contracts ended. 

Overall, the club have had a successful window but will be impacted with the loss of their three forwards, Gabi Nunes, Ebony Salmon and Kirsty Hanson will all of them scoring in important games, especially during the previous season. Therefore, they might need more players with this calibre to fill in the void but the side hope to get a good start to the season to help with staying in the competitive league. 

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WSL

Arsenal Women look to the future after Seven Signing Summer

By Millie Poultney

Image via @Alessia on Instagram

Following on from their Champions League victory two seasons ago and the Gunners lifting the  Champions Cup earlier this year, Arsenal Women’s trophy cabinet remained mostly sparse for  the 2025/2026 season. They started the summer transfer window with the clear intention to  build on their previous successes and strengthen an already high achieving team. While the  squad has added quality in several areas with key, high profile signings, it is clear that the  departure of the likes of Katie McCabe and Beth Mead will reshape the overall performance and  drive of the squad. With the 25/26 team placing second overall for the domestic league and  qualifying for the Champions league semi final: the key question in everyone’s minds is can the  new signings help to redress the gaps that these departures leave, so that the Gunners can  touch Silverware this season.  

The club kicked off their summer by signing 27-year-old England midfielder Georgia Stanway,  who came on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Not only did Stanway see the German side  through to winning all four league titles during her time at the club, she was also a strong,  consistent starting member of the Lionesses squad that won back to back European trophies in  2022 and 2025. Aside from this international experience, Stanway arrives at Arsenal having  competed in the national division and winning the WSL title with the Citizens in 2016.  

The number 4 is not the only midfield addition this summer, with 27-year-old Geraldine Reuteler  signing just a week later on the 8th of July. The Swiss international arrives from Eintracht  Frankfurt, where she demonstrated her versatility across a number of different positions,  operating impressively not only in midfield but also performing strongly up front as well. While  competing within the Bundesliga, it was recorded that Reuteler provided her team with seven  goals and six assists during the 2025/6 season, further demonstrating her capability of creating  opportunities for fellow teammates. Both player arrivals at the club are set to provide Renée  Slegers with dynamic yet versatile options in the midfield as they join Gunners’ veterans  including captain Kim Little.  

Re-introducing herself back into the WSL and hoping to continue her winning streak at  Barcelona, 27-year-old defender Ona Batlle joins the Gunners on a free transfer from the  Spanish side, where she made 114 appearances and scored 14 goals over her three seasons  there. In a recent interview, Renée Slegers labels her as a “full back with strong intent”. Batlle  will be greeted in North London by a familiar face in the form of midfielder Mariona Caldentey,  having played alongside the Spanish forward at Barcelona and internationally. Batlle has the  potential to be extremely helpful when creating chances for Caldentey, as they are well  acquainted with each other’s style of play. 

Arsenal’s recruitment has also not been limited to just strengthening their defence and midfield,  it is clear that the club’s main aim is to increase the capabilities and talent of the team as a  whole, not just for this season, but to lay down the foundations for years of future success.  During this particular transfer window, Arsenal Women have brought in two more significant  additions between the posts: 27-year-old Misa Rodriguez, who arrives with a considerable level  of experience both at club level from Real Madrid, and internationally for Spain, and 18-year-old  Dane Isabella Damm who joins after spending time at Arsenal on trial last season. The contrast  of the two new signings has highlighted the importance Slegers places not just on strengthening  the current squad, but also in building for the future.  

To complete the new signings, the Gunners have also expanded their current line of attack by  introducing 19-year-old young talent Lisa Baum who has joined the club off a free transfer from  the Bundesliga side R.B Leipzig, where she made 26 appearances and scored six goals in her  single season with the club. Her arrival further underlines the Gunners’ willingness to build up  important figures for the club’s future success.  

However, while the new arrivals have strengthened the likelihood of future trophies within this  team, this summer’s window has also seen notable and unexpected transfers including the  departure of left back Katie McCabe in mid-May. After eleven years at the club having made  over 305 appearances, the Irish international leaves behind a gap that includes not only skill  that might not be possible to replicate, but also a lasting legacy. The 30-year-old has joined  Chelsea Women’s Football Club on a three-year contract with an option to add on an additional  season.  

Another significant loss comes in the form of the attacking midfielder Beth Mead. Mead joined  the North London side in the January 2017 window, and since then has established herself as  one of the most reliable attackers in the national league, and during the 2021/22 season had  the most assists in the WSL as well as being the third highest goal scorer in the national  League, winning her The Golden Boot. Mead joins Manchester City on a free transfer from  Arsenal, on a three-year deal with the Citizens. Laia Codina also left for West Ham United and  Victoria Pelova signed with rival North London side Tottenham Hotspur.  

Overall, the transfer window has been a strong one for the Gunners with a new generation of  talent arriving, despite legacy players departing the club. It is now up to Renée Slegers and the  wider Arsenal team to prove that their rebuild can translate into success on the pitch for the next  season and many more to come.  

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Brighton & hove Albion hold PSG to tight draw on South Coast

Image via Wing Chong (@thoughtsofawing) for Constancy Sport

It’s set to be an interesting match up today as Brighton & Hove Albion host Paris Saint Germain in a pre-season friendly at the American Express Stadium this afternoon.

Brighton go into today’s game having finished seventh in the league last season but after reaching the FA Cup final at Wembley and strengthening multiple positions over the summer, the Sea Gulls are hoping to have a positive start to the 26/27 campaign.

Meanwhile, PSG finished third in the league last year, were runners up in the Coupe de France and were knocked out of the champions league in the league phase, which by their standards, is sub par. They too have signed a variety of players this summer however have gone for a more youthful outlook on things.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Loeck (GK), Auee, Hayes, Minami, Olislagers, Walti, Joramo, Kirby ©, Murphy, Garcia, Seike

PSG

Starting XI: Kiedryzynek (GK), De Almedia, Karchaoui, Jourde, Chagas, Groenen, Leuchter, Feller, Mbock, Charlier, Olga

Paris Saint Germain kicked off on the South Coast this afternoon through Romee Leuchter, although both sides looked surprisingly even in the opening stages.

PSG soon earned the first corner of the game but Leuchter’s delivery sailed straight into the gloves of Melina Loeck.

Brighton registered their first real chance of the game in the ninth minute, with Kiko Seike applying pressure deep on the right-hand side. PSG’s Naomie Feller however was able to regain possession for the visitors and break through on the counter attack, but her effort flew well over the bar.

PSG looked to have a chance to break the deadlock in the 15th minute with Sakina Karchaoui and Leuchter linking up in front of goal. However, Moeka Minami produced a fantastic block to stop the visitors getting ahead.

The hosts soon won their own first corner of the afternoon, with Marissa Olislagers delivering into a dangerous area. Olivia Garcia was unable to make contact with the cross, however. 

The next real chance of the game came courtesy of a stellar cross from Isabela Chagas, Naomie Feller however missed the target once more.

Moeka Minami provided a huge ball over the top from within her own half in the 35th minute, sending Fran Kirby racing up the pitch, the seagulls looked to be through on goal, the latter however was unable to find her footing though, and the opportunity went begging. 

PSG finally found the opener three minutes later after Sakina Karchoui sent Caitlin Hayes spinning on the left, providing the perfect delivery for Alyssa Charlier to slot the ball home.

38’ GOAL – Alyssa Charlier

Brighton were awarded a free kick in dangerous territory moments before half time. A short pass from Marissa Olislagers found  Fran Kirby, who crossed the ball towards goal, Brighton looked to Caitlin Hayes, whose header sailed into the gloves of Kiedrzynek.

Seconds later, Brighton regained possession from the resulting goal kick and came close once again, with the ball flying within inches of the post. 

With two minutes added time announced, PSG earned a free kick on the edge of the box. Romee Leuchter’s ball looked to be heading straight towards the face of goal, however the host’s wall proved to be the better, standing tall and sending the ball back to the feet of Leuchter and preventing the deficit being doubled.

HALF TIME: BRIGHTON 0-1 PSG

Second half XI:

Brighton: Heeps (GK), Vanegas, Pegram, Symonds, Haley,Cankovic, Rayner, Tvedten, Peskett, Tsunoda, Rule

PSG: Kiedryzynek (GK), De Almedia, Karchaoui, Chagas, Groenen, Leuchter, Feller, Elimbi Gilbert, Ebayilin, Mbock, Morissaint

With a full team of subs from Brighton, the second half was under way. 

Sophie Peskett provided the first chance of the half in the 49th minute, crossing the ball to Madison Haley who was unable to find the target.

An unexpected misplaced pass from the PSG back line gifted Brighton the first corner of the second half. Jelena Cankovic delivered, but her effort failed to cause any real danger. 

A relatively quiet ten minutes meant that the next piece of action was a six way substitution from the visitors at the 60th minute mark with Thiniba Samoura, Paulina Dudek, Tante Diakite, Noemie Fatier, Jade Le Guilly and Marie Estella Lafontaine replaced Elisa De Almeida, Isabela Chagas, Jackie Groenen, Romee Leuchter, Naomie Feller and Griedge Mbock on the field.

Five minutes later, it looked as though PSG were about to find their second of the game. Elimbi Gilbert broke free from Charlie Rule on the wing and pushed high on the pitch, Jelena Cankovic however, denied the visitors once more.

With 20 minutes on the clock, the final hydration break of the game was made and Sakina Karchoui made way for Gabrielle Le Roux

Brighton earned yet another corner in dangerous territory once again once play continued, however Cankovic’s ball was deflected back into the possession of the parisians

After 75 minutes, Jelena Cankovic made way for the gulls’ latest addition, Gabby George, who received a warm welcome from the Albion supporters upon her home debut.

Kiedryznek was put to action soon after, with a double attack from the gulls putting the visitors’ lead under serious pressure.

With five minutes remaining, Sophie Peskett earnt Brighton another free kick on the edge of the box and it was here that the hosts found their first of the game, with Maisie Symonds shooting the ball beyond the keeper and bringing the game level.

85’ GOAL – Maisie Symonds

Four minutes of added time were announced, but Brighton were to deal with a late blow when Bex Rayner was forced off the pitch. Tahirah Heron was introduced as the hosts’ final substitute.

PSG were still searching for a late winner, with Eleanor Heeps forced into a save from a long-range effort in the dying moments. It proved to be the final attempt of the afternoon.

Full time – Brighton & Hove 1-1 Paris Saint Germain

A positive performance from both sides meant that the game ended in a stalemate on the south coast. PSG looked to have the win in the bag for the first 60 minutes however Maisie Symonds free kick provided an extra life from Brighton, who saw the game out at a goal a piece

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Netball

Breaking the Tradition: Why Uniforms in Netball need a change 

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photo taken from @ldnmavericksnetball on instagram

The modern dress in netball has been worn as part of the uniform since the early 2000’s but in recent years, there has been a change from the tradition. Players from the very top of the game to the grassroots level are starting to dislike the figure-hugging short design that it tends to have. 

In 2022, it was said that in the following year, Netball Australia would change to a new “inclusive” uniform including the option to have a singlet, bodysuit, shirt and skirt, shorts or long pants. This would therefore recognise the personnel preferences, religious beliefs and the different climates but in the Commonwealth games, they all wore dresses and this took a turn. 

In a game versus England in the Commonwealth Games is where the malfunction first came apparent with many players pulling them down: “I feel like, as a netballer, I’m always tugging my dress down… Obviously we’ve noticed lots of the comments from other people, but on the court we’re used to dresses coming up and down.” says Australian Sophie Garbin. 

Netball Uniform has always been a growing problem, whether that is sports bras or different colour shorts under the dress showing a different colour to the dress itself. 

England and Manchester Thunder Shooter Eleanor Cardwell has always been an advocate for change in the sport and the use of sports bras with her saying: “When I’m comfortable in my kit, I perform my best. Why should you wear clothes that don’t fit correctly or feel horrible?”

London Mavericks changed confidence for women in the elite level sport as in 2025 it was announced that they would change the way their kit is designed from 2026 onwards. Dresses are still in, with many still wearing the option but they also included the option of shorts, skorts, leggings and longer vests, including a variety for everyone. 

The team believe that it will make the sport more welcoming to the young generations that are scared from the sport year after year because of the way that the dress will suit their body type. 

Ex-London Mavericks and England defender Razia Quashie said to the BBC that: “I always train in leggings and that’s what I feel most comfortable in, rather than the traditional dress.” 

“To be able to wear this on the court in a match is something that I know will help me feel my best, which can only have a positive impact on performance.” 

She also stated that the new choice will help the youngsters stay involved, allowing them to dress in a kit that would suit them best rather than an outfit that might be unflattering or uncomfortable, dragging them away from the sport. 

Netball is a rapidly growing sport for females and to continue the growth, the uniform needs to be inclusive for everyone involved.