The new FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL) season kicks off tomorrow [Wednesday 23 March], with both divisions returning to action.
Clubs and players are gearing up for the season with 17 fixtures taking place in the opening week. In FA WSL 1 last season’s FA WSL 2 title winners Reading will travel to two-time champions Arsenal for their curtain-raiser on Wednesday. 2015 runners-up Manchester City will host Notts County with commentary live on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, while Liverpool will face Birmingham City.
The following day, Chelsea, last season’s champions, will take on top-division newcomers Doncaster Rovers Belles at the Keepmoat Stadium, with the game live on BT Sport 1 from 7.15pm.
In FA WSL 2, promoted Sheffield FC will host Durham on Wednesday 23 March. Newly-named Bristol City, who were relegated from FA WSL 1, welcome Yeovil Town while London Bees host Watford. The next day [Thursday 24 March] Everton will play Aston Villa and Millwall Lionesses will travel to Oxford United.
There will also be eight ties played across Easter weekend with full match and ticket information at www.FAWSL.com.
FA director of football participation and development Kelly Simmons said: “This is a pivotal year for The FA WSL as we look to build on the great momentum, awareness and attendances that the league generated in 2015.
“A strong FA WSL will really lay the foundations for success elsewhere in the women’s game – from a winning England team to inspiring more girls and women to take up playing football at any level.
“There has been a real excitement in the room today about the new season and I know the players can’t wait to get started. I’m sure that this season will bring more of the exciting, entertaining and quality football that our supporters have come to expect.”
Download every FA WSL fixture to your calendar with eCal here. Alternatively you can see them all here.
Fixtures
Wednesday 23 March
FA WSL 1
Manchester City v Notts County 7.00pm
Liverpool v Birmingham City 7.30pm
Arsenal v Reading 7.45pm
FA WSL 2
Bristol City v Yeovil Town 7.00pm
Sheffield FC v Durham 7.00pm
London Bees v Watford 7.45pm
Thursday 24 March
FA WSL 1
Doncaster Rovers Belles v Chelsea 7.45pm
FA WSL 2
Everton v Aston Villa 7.30pm
Oxford United v Millwall Lionesses 7.45pm
Saturday 26 March
FA WSL 1
Sunderland v Reading 6.00pm
Bristol City v Sheffield FC 6.00pm
Sunday 27 March
FA WSL 2
Aston Villa v Oxford United 2.00pm
Millwall Lionesses v Everton 2.00pm
Watford v Yeovil Town 2.00pm
Monday 28 March
FA WSL 1
Chelsea v Liverpool 2.00pm
Manchester City v Arsenal 3.00pm
FA WSL 2
Durham v London Bees 12.00pm
