Source: Alex Livesey - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Women’s Football Weekend returns with back-to-back WSL fixtures

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Following the success of The Football Association’s inaugural Women’s Football Weekend last season, the spotlight will once again be on the women’s game next month with its return on the weekend of November 14-15.

With the men’s international weekend creating a pause in the English Premier League and Championship calendars, The FA is once again calling on supporters to capitalise on the opportunity to back Women’s Football Weekend and to tune into live fixtures being broadcast or to attend those further down the pyramid where guidelines allow.

Last season over 75,000 fans attended Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship fixtures during the first Women’s Football Weekend, and due to current government guidelines not permitting access to the stadiums, The FA has moved to ensure every Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture can be watched across broadcast.

For the first time, every Barclays FA WSL fixture will be staggered over the weekend, which means all six matches can be watched without any kick-off clashes.

The weekend sees the Barclays FA Women’s Super League play host to another mouth-watering line up of fixtures. Amongst the highlights are two derbies in Manchester and Birmingham with Manchester United hosting Manchester City and, for the first time in the Barclays FA WSL, Aston Villa facing rivals Birmingham City. The league champions of the two previous seasons, Arsenal and Chelsea, are also due to face off.

The FA Women’s Championship promises to be equally exciting with Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool being streamed live on The FA Player, while Charlton Athletic v London City Lionesses and Coventry United v Leicester City will be streamed by the home clubs.

Kelly Simmons, The FA’s Director of the Women’s Professional Game said: “Women’s Football Weekend was a huge success last year and the images of big crowds in main stadia is a special memory.

“It is sad that we can’t welcome Barclays FA WSL and FA Women’s Championship fans into the stadiums this year, and for that reason we have focused the weekend on ensuring people can watch as many games as possible from the comfort of their own home. For those who follow a club at grassroots level, where fans are allowed, it is a great opportunity to show your support by attending in person. It’s sure to be another fascinating and exciting weekend.”

Further announcements concerning Women’s Football Weekend will be made in the lead up to the weekend of 14-15 November.

Barclays FA Women’s Super League

Saturday 14 November (FA Player unless stated):

Manchester United v Manchester City (12.30pm) *BT Sport 1
Aston Villa v Birmingham City (2.30pm)
Everton v Reading (4.30pm) *BBC Red Button
Bristol City v Tottenham Hotspur (6.30pm)

Sunday 15 November (FA Player unless stated):

West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion (12.30pm)
Arsenal v Chelsea (2.30pm) *BT Sport 1

FA Women’s Championship:

Sunday 15 November (all 2pm)

Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool *FA Player
Charlton Athletic v London City Lionesses
Coventry United v Leicester City
London Bees v Lewes
Sheffield United v Durham