Tag: Women’s Sport

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WSL

Manchester City duo swoop two Barclays WSL December awards.

Photo: @ManCityWomen on X

It was a successful December both on and off the pitch for Manchester City as they extended the gap at the top of the table over Chelsea to six points. Off the pitch, striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw and manager Andree Jeglertz secured the Barclays WSL player and manager of the month awards, respectively.

Jeglertz oversaw two league games in December, one away to Leicester City and the other against Aston Villa at the Joie Stadium.

In his first league game of the festive period, City faced an early trip to the King Power Stadium with kickoff at 12:00PM on Sunday the 8th of December. After a tense first half, City were able to break the deadlock through none other than Bunny Shaw, who capitalised on a failed Leicester clearance. She got her second not long after taking her to ninety-nine goals as a City player before Kerolin Nicoli got the third, marking her return from injury in incredible fashion. Jeglertz said he was “delighted by the belief in City’s principles”, as this kept his side on top of the table.

Moving onto the final league game of December, City were set to face Aston Villa at the Joie. Unlike the previous game, Jeglertz’s side went ahead on the thirty-seven-minute mark, and it was Bunny Shaw writing her name into the history books, scoring her 100th goal as a Manchester City player, becoming the first player in the club’s professional era to do so, and becoming the club’s all-time goal scorer. The Citizens went on to run rampage with the full-time score reading six goals to Aston Villa’s one, extending the gap at the top to an incredible six points.

For the award Andree was up against Arsenal boss Renee Slegers. However, with his side securing all six points available to them, scoring nine and only conceding one, and extending the club’s unbeaten run to ten WSL games, he scooped up his third consecutive award, following victories in October and November too.

Striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw had a December to remember. In both games during the festive season, she played consecutive full matches.

In the opening December game – she got her ninety-eighth and ninety-ninth goals in a tough trip to the King Power against Leicester. She was instrumental and even grabbed herself an assist for Kerolin Nicoli’s goal to round off a three-nil win.

It was the Aston Villa game that really secured things for Shaw; she scored her 100th and 103rd goals in sky blue, putting four past the Villains in a six-one victory in a memorable game for the Jamaican international.

Shaw was nominated alongside teammate Vivianne Miedema, Everton’s Honoka Hayashi, Tottenham Hotspur’s Olivia Holdt, Liverpool’s Beata Olsson and Arsenal’s Olivia Smith.

Congratulations to both on their respective awards!

Categories
WSL

SIGNE GAUPSET- TOTTENHAM’S LATEST TALENT

Signe Gaupset is a name not so well known to Women’s Super League fans but will be very soon…

The twenty-year-old has already racked up fourteen appearances for her national side, Norway, and has scored seven goals from a central midfield position. Her first international call-up under current boss Gemma Grainger came in February 2024. She made her international debut against Croatia on the 27th of February. She came on in the 73rd minute, replacing former Tottenham midfielder Celin Bizet Ildhusøy.

However, it was her impressive performances at SK Brann that attracted the attention of WSL clubs, with Spurs ultimately winning the race for her signature. Gaupset joined SK Brann in 2021, having established her trade at youth level with Rival and Molde. She already wrote her name into the history books by scoring at the age of just sixteen on her Brann debut, solidifying her passage as a fan favourite early on.

Part of her SK Brann journey was overseen by current Tottenham boss Martin Ho. Her most well-known moment under his management? Picture the scene: European giants OL Lyonnes at home, 2-1 down and needing a draw to advance to the knockout stages… Who else but Gaupset to step up and score an equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time, securing Brann a point in the group stages and sending them through to the knockout rounds of the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history.

But it was her 2025 Toppserien season that really showed how much of a young developing talent she is. During this season Gaupset played in a centre midfield position and made twenty-six appearances, playing a total of 2,093 minutes. Of these twenty-six games, she started an astonishing twenty-five.

An even more impressive record from midfield was the number of goals and assists she managed to achieve. During the course of the season, Gaupset scored an impressive fifteen goals and secured fourteen assists, just showing how much of an incredible player she is. These incredible stats from her season saw her pick up the leagues player of the season award.

Now coming into the WSL, Spurs fans will be hoping she can kick on with her incredible form!

Categories
WSL

The WSL transfer window so far

PHOTO: @SPURSWOMEN ON X

The Barclays Women’s Super League cohort of teams have spent no time at all reinforcing their sides, with ten players already signed in the first three days since the window opened on January second. 

Here is your rundown of all the new faces in the league so far.

Starting with Arsenal, they have chosen to start their January rebuild by signing nineteen-year-old Swedish right back Smilla Holmberg. The teenager joins them on a long-term contract from current Damallsvenskan champions BK Häcken. During the 2025 season, Holmberg racked up an impressive six goals and four assists whilst featuring in all twenty-six league games.

Moving onto Liverpool, who currently sit in the relegation zone, they have started by bringing in Swedish right back Alice Bergström, a league winner from BK Häcken who, at just twenty-two years old, has already racked up an impressive one hundred and forty nine senior club appearances for four different clubs across Sweden. Last season she featured in twenty-five games for the Champions, managing an impressive eleven G/A in all competitions from right back, a strong addition to a struggling Liverpool side. 

On the red side of Manchester, they have moved quickly, with both their newest additions being confirmed in late December. In their attacking department, they have a significant boost in signing Lea Schüller. The 28-year-old joins from current Frauen-Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich Having featured in sixteen games in all competitions, she’s netted a tidy eight goals and four assists already this season, and the Red Devils will be hoping this form continues as they continue to battle for a top three spot in the league come the end of the season.

Further to this, they have bolstered their defence by acquiring the services of twenty-three year old Swedish international Hanna Lundkvist following her departure from San Diego Wave earlier in December. 

In the Leicester camp, they have strengthened in the defensive department by confirming the signing of twenty-nine-year-old Emma Jansson from FC Rosengård in the Damallsvenskan. During the 2025 season, she made twenty-four appearances, scoring four goals and notching two assists in a season which saw Rosengård stay up on the final day of the season.

And finally, the last team heavily involved in the transfer market so far is Tottenham Hotspur, who have completed the signings of five new players. The first signing they confirmed was young Norwegian talent Signe Gaupset, who excelled this season for SK Brann, as in twenty-six games she scored an astonishing fifteen goals and accumulated fourteen assists, making her one of the most sought-after talents going into January, and Spurs were the winners of her signature.

Adding to their already impressive defence this season, they have secured both Hannah Wijk and Julie Blakstad from BK Häcken and Hammarby, respectively. Wijk secured one assist last season and was part of the title-winning BK Häcken side, and Blakstad, who featured for a significant chunk of the season at left back last season, recorded an immense fifteen goals and six assists in twenty-six games, earning her Hammarby’s player of the season award. 

Back in the attacking department, Spurs have acquired yet another Swedish champion in attacking midfielder Matilda Nildén, who in twenty-five league games secured one goal and five assists; however, in this transfer to Tottenham, she joins her older sister Amanda, who joined the club in June of 2024.

Finally, in a cross-London move, WSL champion Maika Hamano joins Spurs on a loan deal lasting until the end of the season, having only featured for the Blues four times so far.

Categories
Basketball

Unrivaled Basketball: Back for 2026 

Screenshot

photo taken from @unrivaledbasketball on instagram

After the inaugural season in 2025, the competition returns in 2026 after initially being founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The League allows WNBA players to play domestically and to bypass any complications from the league’s prioritization rule for players who choose to play overseas in the offseason. 

In Summer 2025, there was a group called “The Future is Unrivaled Class of 2025” which included 14 of the best college basketball players to NIL deals (Name, Image and Likeness). The group included: Lauren Betts, Sienna Betts, Madison Booker, Audi Crooks, Azzi Fudd, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Hannah Hidalgo, Flau’jae Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, Olivia Miles, Kiki Rice, Sarah Strong, Syla Swords and JuJu Watkins. 

Rules and Regulations: 

The games are all played on a full court with two ends (being slightly shorter than the ones in the WNBA) and consists of three seven-minute periods. It is then followed by a “winning score” fourth period which is played under Elam Ending conditions (ending the game by playing to a target score). 

11 points are added to the leading team’s (or tied teams’) score at the end of the third period with the game continuing with no game clock but with an active shot clock. The first team to reach or exceed the “winning score” wins and the shot clock is shortened to 18 seconds for full possession and 12 seconds for resets. 

Another change for the competition is that the free throws resulting from personal fouls and players are awarded different points from different throw zones. The players will get one free throw after being fouled and two points if fouled on the two-point shot or three points on a three-point shot. Free throws are also earned when fouled on a made basket and are worth one point (as well as the WNBA) with the player being disqualified (or foul out) after six personal fouls. 

Breeze: 

Breeze is a new side this season with the roster of the team being decided by a selected committee, sorting them based on position and skill level. Breeze decided on WNBA newbie Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings – Guard) as their Captain for the season with five additional players being added. 

The rest of the roster includes Aari McDonald (Indiana Fever – Guard), Kate Martin (Golden State Valkyries – Guard), Cameron Brink (LA Sparks – Forward), Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm – Center) and Rickea Jackson (LA Sparks – Forward). 

Hive: 

Hive is another one of the new sides in the competition with rookie Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics – Guard) being the captain for the season. The rest of the roster includes Monique Billings (Golden State Valkyries – Forward), Saniya Rivers (Connecticut Sun – Guard), Natisha Hiedeman (Minnesota Lynx – Guard), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm – Center Forward) and Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever – Guard). 

Laces: 

Laces return to the competition for their second year with Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces – Guard) being captain for the season. The rest of the side includes Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury – Forward), Naz Hillmon (Atlanta Dream – Forward), Maddy Siegrist (Dallas Wings – Forward), Jordin Canada (Atlanta Dream – Guard), and Brittney Sykes (Seattle Storm – Guard).  

Last season, Laces came third in the regular season winning and losing seven games, clinching a play off spot. They lost in the playoffs against eventual winners Rose. 

Lunar Owls: 

Owls are one of the returning groups with Naphessa Collier (Minnesota Lynx – Forward) being captain of the Owls this season. Rounding off the roster are Aaliyah Edwards (Connecticut Sun – Forward), Rebecca Allen (Chicago Sky – Guard and Forward), Skylar Diggins (Seattle Storm – Guard), Marina Mabrey (Connecticut Sun – Guard) and Rachel Banham (Chicago Sky – Guard). 

Lunar Owls were top in the standings during the regular season winning 13 games and losing only the one across the season and was on a five game winning streak. 

Mist: 

Mist are another one of the returning clubs this season with Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty – Forward) being their captain for this round. The other players include Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings – Guard), Veronica Burton (Golden State Valkyries – Guard), Alanna Smith (Minnesota Lynx – Forward), Li Yueru (Dallas Wings – Center) and Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream – Guard). 

Last season, Mist finished in fifth position just ahead of Phantom. They finished the season winning five games and losing nine games, conceding more than they scored. 

Phantom: 

As like with many of the other teams, Phantom will return for another season with Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks – Guard) being captain for this season. Alongside Plum, the five that join her are Natasha Cloud (New York Liberty – Guard), Dana Evans (Las Vegas Aces – Guard), Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever – Center and Forward), Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics – Forward) and Tiffany Hayes (Golden State Valkyries – Guard). 

Phantom will look to improve from last season as they finished bottom of the league winning four games and losing on 10 occasions throughout the regular season. 

Rose: 

Coming back as reigning champions, Rose are looking to continue the momentum going into the second season. The six looking to retain the title are Shakira Austin (Washington Mystics – Center and Forward), Lexie Hull (Indiana Fever – Guard), Sug Sutton (Washington Mystics – Guard), Azura Stevens (Los Angeles Sparks – Center and Forward) and Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces – Guard). Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury (Guard and Forward) is their captain for this season. 

Despite coming second in the regular season, Rose won the competition after winning eight games and losing six games being and 350 points behind the league leaders. 

Vinyl: 

Finally Vinyl are returning again this season with Brittney Griner (Atlanta Dream – Center), Rae Burrell (Los Angeles Sparks – Guard and Forward, Erica Wheeler (Seattle Storm – Guard), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream – Guard) and Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx – Guard) joining the side. Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles Sparks – Forward) is captain of the side this season. 

Last season, Vinyl managed to reach the play off spots coming in fourth after winning five games and losing nine and they went through after only 24 goals difference compared to Mist. They reached the final and played against Rose but lost 54-62. 

Categories
International

2026 the year of new beginnings 

Screenshot

photo taken from @scotlandnationalteam

In the final camp of 2025, there were many new players who got called up from their international side and most countries look to play them in the future including the upcoming World Cup in 2027. 

England: Freya Godfrey

After her stellar start to life at London City Lionesses, she earned her first call up in the most recent camps after being with U23’s in the previous camps. She also captained the U19 on occasions with the 20 year old starting her career at Arsenal before moving this summer. 

She made her debut for the U23 just last October in their 1-0 win against Portugal. Meanwhile in this international break, she remained on the bench for the lionesses and did not make her debut.  

England: Anouk Denton 

The West Ham wingback featured in the previous camp in October to provide cover after Lotte Wubben-Moy dropped out. She even featured in the U23 squad against Germany a few days prior. In the final minutes of their match against Ghana, Denton made her debut for the lionesses and received the legacy number “240”. 

She started at Arsenal before committing to Louisville in the USA for College. After returning to the UK in January 2023, She joined West Ham (who she was on loan with previously) and has been at the club ever since.

Sweden: Beata Olsson 

The forward joined Liverpool this summer and after an impressive start to the season, she received her first call up for Sweden. During this international break, she remained on the bench with Sweden who came fourth in the Nations League after their games versus France. 

The 24 year old joined the WSL from Kristianstads DFF but for her previous clubs, she has been a prolific striker including scoring 27 goals for Florida State Seminoles when at College. 

Wales: Laura Hughes 

The 24 year old recently made the switch from Australia to Wales despite being born in Australia. She plays her club football there,  currently playing for Melbourne City after starting at Canberra. 

In December 2024, she made her Australian senior debut against Chinese Taipei and in November this year, she was called up to Wales after switching her allegiance. She made her Wales debut against South Korea on 28th November. 

Scotland: Maria McAneny

She made her debut against Ukraine on Friday 28th November and even scored in added time despite being on the pitch for 20 minutes. After an injury to Erin Cuthbert, she played a couple of minutes in their second fixture of the break against China. 

The midfielder plays her football in the Scottish Women’s Premier League for Celtic with the 21 year old also going on loan to Heart of Midlothian in 2021. She made her Celtic first team debut in 2021 after joining the club in 2018. 

Scotland: Miri Taylor 

She made her debut against Ukraine coming on in the 57th minute and since she came on, Scotland kept a clean sheet. She made her first start in the following fixture against China playing just over an hour in their 3-2 win. 

She spent time at Arsenal and Chelsea before moving to America for College in 2018. She was drafted in the 2022 NWSL for Angel City before moving to Liverpool in January 2023. She spent 2024 on loan to Aston Villa where she calls home now, after moving the following summer. 

Republic of Ireland: Sophie Whitehouse  

After College, she went to Tottenham Hotspur and Bristol City without making an appearance for either. She made her club debut in 2022 for Lewes where they made the FA Cup quarter-finals in her first season. She then moved to Charlton in 2024 with a one year contract but extended in the summer, quickly becoming first choice keeper as well as getting Women’s Championship Save of the Season. 

She made her international debut for the Republic of Ireland this camp in a behind closed doors friendly win against Hungary. In April 2023, she was part of the squad when Ireland travelled to the USA for two friendlies.