FA WSL 1 Save of the Year

The shortlist consists of a sterling line up of the league’s best shot stoppers including Chelsea’s Carly Telford, Arsenal’s Sari Van Veenendaal and two Manchester City keepers, Karen Bardsley and Ellie Roebuck. Also in contention for the award are Bristol City’s Sophie Baggaley and Liverpool’s Siobhan Chamberlain. Watch all the saves and vote for your favourite via The FA’s Twitter page here and online here

Save 1 – Carly Telford – Chelsea v Reading

Save 2 – Sari Van Veenendaal – Arsenal v Bristol City

Save 3 – Siobhan Chamberlain – Liverpool v Bristol City

Save 4 – Ellie Roebuck – Chelsea v Manchester City

Save 5 – Sophie Baggaley – Arsenal v Bristol City

Save 6 – Karen Bardsley – Arsenal v Manchester City

Katie Brazier, Head of Women’s Leagues and Competitions at The FA, said: “We are delighted to introduce this new award to showcase the level of great goalkeeping present throughout the league. An increased number of young girls want to become goalkeepers and that is testament to not just the keepers shortlisted but to all the great goalkeeping role models in the game. The shortlist is made up of some phenomenal saves; it will no doubt be tough for fans to pick an outright winner.”

FA WSL 1 Goal of the Year award

Bristol City’s Lauren Hemp, Sunderland’s Lucy Staniforth and Arsenal’s Dominique Janssen are joined on the list by Manchester City’s Georgia Stanway and the Reading pair of Fara Williams and Remi Allen. Watch all the goals and vote for your favourite via The FA’s Facebook page here and Twitter page here.

Goal 1 – Fara Williams- Liverpool v Reading

Goal 2 – Lauren Hemp – Arsenal v Bristol City

Goal 3 – Lucy Staniforth – Sunderland v Liverpool

Goal 4 – Dominique Janssen – Liverpool v Arsenal

Goal 5 – Georgia Stanway – Manchester City v Chelsea

Goal 6 – Remi Allen – Manchester City v Reading

Adam Sills, Head of Sport, The Telegraph said: “We’re delighted to be involved in The Telegraph FA WSL 1 Goal of the Year for the first time. It’s an exciting award to be associated with and the excellence of each goal is a testament to the ever-growing quality and entertainment fans can expect from the FA WSL.”

The winners will be announced at the 20^th annual FA Women’s Football Awards on Friday 1 June. The ceremony will celebrate the very best of women’s football including grassroots, domestic and international football. Voting is now open right up until the night of the awards itself on 1 June.

Lead photo shows Manchester City’s Georgia Stanway iwith her FA Women’s Super League 1 Player of the Month award for February 2018.

Courtesy of the FA via Pitch

As the club begins its transition towards a full-time model, the club are announcing the advanced departure of long standing manager Jamie Sherwood following the final league match of the season on 20th May.

Joining midway through the 2014 season, the club has seen year on year progress on the pitch, which culminated in winning the FA Women’s Super League Two division in 2016 and then promotion to the top tier of the women’s game.

Still competing in the top tier, but under a part-time status, Sherwood and his side have committed to big changes in the 2018/19 season, which will undoubtedly help performances and results in what is a very competitive league.

With 11 league games still remaining and 5 of them at home, Sherwood and the club felt the time was right to release this news now so that the club could begin preparations immediately in finding a long term replacement to follow on from the success over the last 4 seasons.

Speaking of this announcement, Jamie Sherwood said “Every decision that I’ve ever made has always been for the stability, growth, and development of the club and this decision can be treated no differently.

“It is important that the club has an idea of my future plans as this can now create the timing for a new appointment that can still assess the current playing group as well as the support which is around them.

“Yeovil Town Ladies FC is my home and I fell in love with this club the moment I met it. To watch it grow from such a privileged position has been truly magical.

“I can assure you that all the players and staff will remain focused and determined to deliver performances and displays that we can all be proud of for the rest of this season and I urge everyone to continue to support them throughout.”

Club Chairman Steve Allinson said “There is never a good time to release news of a management departure, however, both the club and Jamie wanted to be proactive, open, and honest to allow the opportunity in finding the best possible replacement. Someone who is going to carry on the excellent work already carried out by Jamie over a long and successful period of time.

“There is no-one more emotionally attached to Yeovil than Jamie. This decision has been an extremely tough one to make but one which is correct to announce at this time – taking into account both his personal reasons and the realism of the new structure and environment.

“Fans will undoubtedly acknowledge the success that Jamie has had and will see the ever-committed manager right until the final whistle this season.”

In terms of the looking forward,  Allinson added, “We are in discussions with Jamie with regards to him moving in to a role at the club at a senior level and at this stage we wouldn’t rule out a potential position as a Director at Yeovil Town Ladies FC. We aim to keep everyone posted in that regard.

“But now is the time we invite applications for the next Head Coach of Yeovil Town Ladies Football Club to take this club to the next level within the top tier of the Women’s game in England.”

The club’s application process is now open for this position, with the deadline to apply at 6pm on 23rd February 2018. To find a Job Description of the role and how to apply, please click here. Interview dates are week commencing 19th March 2018.

For more information, please email jobs@yeoviltownladies.com

Report courtesy of Yeovil Town Ladies FC

Fran Kirby has been a key player in Chelsea’s challenge for The FA WSL 1 title and FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup this season and has continued her fine form in December. Playing in all three of Chelsea’s FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup games, the forward found the net six times including goals against Yeovil and Tottenham and a match winning hat-trick against Liverpool to set up a semi-final against rivals Manchester City this Sunday.

Kirby fought off tough competition from a shortlist including Reading’s Brooke Chaplen and Manchester City forward Claire Emslie. Chaplen helped her side progress in both of their FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup fixtures with two goals against Millwall before holding her nerve in a penalty shoot-out versus Everton. Claire Emslie was also in fine goal-scoring form, playing a vital role in Manchester City’s victories over Birmingham City and Doncaster Rovers.

The FA WSL Player of the Month award celebrates the best players in FA WSL 1, FA WSL 2 and FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup. Each month, three players are shortlisted based on their performances before a media panel selects a winner for each league.

Presented with The FA WSL 1 Player of the Month award, Chelsea’s Fran Kirby said: “Overall, I was really happy with how I performed and also as a team we got some really good results so it was a really positive month and hopefully I can continue that form throughout the year.”

You can watch Fran Kirby in action for Chelsea when they take on Manchester City in the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup semi-final this Sunday 14 January at Kingsmeadow, k/o 14.00

Fans are able to get their FA WSL fix with a selection of live games on BT Sport, BBC Online and The FA’s WSL Facebook page here as well as live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.

For more information on the FA WSL and to get match tickets visit here.   Join the conversation on Facebook  and on Twitter  @FAWSL using #FAWSL.

Report courtesy of The FA

Yeovil celebrate (Photo: Terry Fisher)

Following considerable hard work from all departments, an application was submitted that allowed Yeovil Town Ladies FC to fulfil the FA’s criteria for Tier 1 status.

The criteria meant that the club had to put plans into place, that were expected to take 2-3 years, in 2 months.

The club are delighted to have achieved this status but the hard work continues now as the club put this plan into action and are calling on your support in maintaining this status.

The club have extended their gratitude to all current partners: business, education, charity and others, for their support in this application and look forward to growing their community further in the coming months and years.

Finally, they give special mention to the YTLFC faithful. The club’s mantra, Achieve By Unity, has really been put into practice this season and this will form the foundation for the club’s future.

More details will follow about initiatives and plans that are incorporated into the application in due course.

Report courtesy of Yeovil Town Ladies FC

Williams had a dream start to her Reading career, recording two goals in her first four league games helping keep The Royals in the FA WSL 1 top three at the end of October. The accolade for Williams’ comes after a string of impressive performances including an early goal of the season contender as she rifled home a 25-yard volley in the 3-0 victory over Liverpool.

Williams fought off tough competition from a shortlist including Chelsea defender, Magdalena Eriksson, and Manchester City’s Jane Ross. Chelsea kept four clean sheets in the FA WSL 1 in September and October with new signing Eriksson playing a pivotal role in the team’s defence. On the contrary Jane Ross, who found the net twice in the side’s first two games of the season, dominated in midfield for Manchester City.

The FA WSL Player of the Month award celebrates the best players in FA WSL 1 and FA WSL 2. Each month, three players will be shortlisted based on their league performances before a media panel selects a winner for each league.

Launched as a summer league in 2011 with eight teams, the FA WSL is now in its seventh season. In 2014, a second division, FA WSL 2, was created as the league grew which has led to 20 teams, 10 per league, now competing in FA WSL 1 and 2 for the 2017/18 season.

Presented with the FA WSL 1 Player of the Month award, Reading’s Fara Williams said: “I feel I’ve performed well, as the whole team have. We’ve hit a really good vein of form and things are really starting to click as a squad and that’s credit to Kelly, Phil and all the girls for working so hard in training, but yes for me I’m really happy to have helped the team pick up points in the last two months.”

Fans are able to get their FA WSL fix with a selection of live games on BT Sport, BBC Online and The FA’s WSL Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FAWSL/) as well as live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.

For more information on the FA WSL and to get match tickets visit www.FAwsl.com. Join the conversation on facebook.com/FAWSL/ and on Twitter @FAWSL using #FAWSL.

*October’s Player of The Month also takes in to consideration the performances in the fixtures that took place at the end of September.

Report courtesy of the FA via Pitch

Having toured the county during the recent Spring Series, Ladies action will return to Huish Park from September with the FA Women’s Super League season now aligned to the traditional winter football calendar.

Visiting Huish Park in the 2017/18 season will be Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton, Birmingham City, Reading, Sunderland and Bristol City, with fixtures scheduled on both Saturdays and Sundays throughout winter, along with midweek matches too.

Despite entering a maiden season in Super League One, Huish Park will become the fourth largest regularly used home ground in FAWSL, with only two other EFL or Premier League clubs sharing the first-team pitch with their female colleagues.

Manager Sherwood was delighted to see his side back where they belong saying, “Huish Park is a special place and one where we have had much success of recent times.

“The support which we have had whilst playing in front of the home crowd here, has undoubtably helped us, as we really do play for our fans.”

Sherwood went on to say “We hope to do everyone in Yeovil, Somerset and the surrounding area proud and by bringing top flight football to Huish Park, we hope that we can see excellent support towards the club.”

Yeovil Town Ladies’ opening match is on Sunday 24th September with more information on their opponents being released on later today.

Yeovil Town Ladies FC would like to place on record their thanks and appreciation to both Taunton Town FC and Bridgwater Town FC, who kindly helped host WSL1 Spring Series matches in the April to June period this year.

Season tickets are due to be announced soon.

Report courtesy of Yeovil Town Ladies FC

Sarah Wiltshire (Photo by Julian Herbert – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Wiltshire, who was the leading goalscorer in the WSL2 championship winning season, joined Yeovil from Watford in 2014, before she was snapped up to play professionally for Manchester City. She then returned to Yeovil and in July 2016, she took a break from playing due to pregnancy.

Following the opening game at Huish Park against Liverpool, the team will then play all remaining games at Taunton Town FC and Bridgwater Town FC.

With a huge crowd expected to watch former champions Liverpool, it is then thought the club would be able to engage with new fans across different parts of Somerset at the Viridor Stadium and Fairfax Park.

General Manager, Trevor Jenkins said “Our fan base is superb and this has been proven by finishing 2016 with the highest average attendance in the whole of the FA Women’s Super League Two division last season. 

“We are pleased to be able to play the opening game at Huish Park, but are also looking forward to being made to feel so welcome at Taunton and Bridgwater. I’d like to thank both Chief Executive Kevin Sturmey at Taunton and Chairman Adrian Byrne at Bridgwater, for being so accommodating and able to host these games away from Yeovil. They’ve been very supportive.

“The players and staff are looking forward to showcasing top tier women’s football in all three towns and there are some very exciting games scheduled, which will certainly generate high levels of interest, as we get our first taste of WSL1.”

The Huish Park pitch and stadium will be ready for the season opener before pitch maintenance is carried out during spring. Yeovil Town Ladies FC have been in talks with the staff and board members at Yeovil Town FC and hope that they will embrace and continue to support the team for the commencement of the new winter league in WSL 1, however at this stage, it is unconfirmed where fixtures will be held in the winter season.

Bristol City Women and Reading Women visit the Viridor Stadium, before Sunderland and Notts County come to Fairfax Park in Bridgwater. If drawn at home in the 5th Round of the SSE FA Women’s Cup, the game will also be hosted at Bridgwater Town FC on 19th March.

Our fixtures and venues for home matches of the 2017 Spring Series can be viewed by clicking here.

Tickets are now on sale for the Liverpool Ladies FC game on 23^rd April, please click here.

Report courtesy of Yeovil Town Ladies FC

Yeovil Town Ladies FC have announced that they are delighted to have signed Welsh International, Helen Ward for the Spring Series season.

Helen is the highest goal scoring Welsh International of all time (male and female), having netted 41 goals in her international career to date.

Manager, Jamie Sherwood said: “I am really happy with the signing of Helen Ward, she is a player that I have admired for a number of seasons.”

Ward is an exceptional forward with an evident amount of experience within Women’s top flight football Nationally and Internationally; earning 71 caps for Wales, spending three seasons at Reading FC Women and winning the WSL2 title trophy in 2015.

Sherwood went on to say: “Helen brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field and she will be an excellent addition to the squad in our first campaign in WSL 1.”

“What I am looking forward to is Wardie’s appetite, attitude and determination to remind others that she is a centre forward and a goal scorer” he added.

Prior to her time at Reading, Helen won the league twice with Arsenal (2009-2010), plus the FA Cup once and whilst at Chelsea (2010- 2013) she scored in the FA Cup final but missed out on lifting the trophy losing at penalties.

On joining Yeovil Town Ladies FC, Ward said: “I am excited to join Yeovil, I was very impressed with how the girls won the title last year especially up against tough opposition throughout, it’s a tough league to get out of and so to win the league was fantastic.

“What strikes me the most is the togetherness of the squad and that will stand us in good stead for WSL 1.”

Ward added: “As an experienced player I’d like to think I can add a bit of know-how to the squad, I have been lucky enough to play in this league for a few seasons and I hope that adds to what we’ve already got.

“As a forward my main aim is obviously to contribute with goals and assists so hopefully that’s what I can do!”

Yeovil Town Ladies FC first fixture as a WSL 1 club in the Spring Series will be competing against Liverpool on April 23rd.
Tickets for all our home matches will be available to buy via www.yeoviltownladies.com soon.

Meanwhile in WSL2 Yeovil Town Ladies beat Everton by 1-0 to keep their hopes of clinching top spot and promotion alive.

Sunday 25 September 2016

FA WSL 1

Birmingham City Ladies    2-1      Liverpool Ladies FC

Manchester City Women   2-0      Chelsea Ladies FC

Notts County Ladies FC     2-1      Sunderland AFC Ladies

FA WSL 2

Millwall Lionesses               1-2      Watford Ladies FC

Oxford United Women       0-1      Aston Villa Ladies FC

Sheffield FC Ladies              0-1      London Bees

Yeovil Town Ladies FC       1-0      Everton Ladies FC

Saturday 24 September 2016

FA WSL 1

Doncaster Rovers Belles   1-4      Reading FC Women

FA WSL 2

Bristol City Women            1-0      Durham Women FC

WPL – Sunday 25 September 2016

Northern Division

Cup    Blackburn Rovers Ladies              3 – 1    Nottingham Forest Ladies

L          Bradford City Womens                  5 – 1    Stoke City Ladies

L          Derby County Ladies                      0 – 2    West Bromwich Albion Womens

L          Newcastle United Womens FC    1 – 5    Fylde Ladies

Cup    Sporting Khalsa Women                2 – 6    Huddersfield Town Ladies

Southern Division

L          Cardiff City Ladies                           2 – 1    C & K Basildon Ladies

L          Charlton Athletic Womens First   1 – 5    Coventry United Ladies

Cup    West Ham United Ladies               2 – 2    Swindon Town Ladies       (Pen 3-2)

Northern Division One

L          Blackpool Wren Rovers Ladies   4 – 2    Chester le Street Town Ladies

Cup    Long Eaton United Ladies              1 – 1    Liverpool Marshall Feds Ladies (Pen 3-4)

L          Mossley Hill Athletic Ladies          1 – 5    Hull City Ladies First

Midlands Division One

Cup    Long Eaton United Ladies               1 – 1    Liverpool Marshall Feds Ladies (Pen 3-4)

L          L’boro Students Women’s              3 – 4    Rotherham United Ladies

Cup    Sporting Khalsa Women                2 – 6    Huddersfield Town Ladies

L          Wolves Women                                 5 – 0    Leicester City Ladies

South East Division One

Cup    Denham United Ladies                  3 – 2    Brislington Ladies

Cup    Gillingham FC Ladies                     8 – 2    Norwich City Ladies

L          Lowestoft Town FC Ladies           3 – 4    AFC Wimbledon Ladies

L          Milton Keynes Dons FC Ladies    4 – 1    Actonians Ladies

South West Division One

L          Cheltenham Town Ladies             1 – 3    Larkhall Athletic Ladies

Cup    Denham United Ladies                  3 – 2    Brislington Ladies

Cup    Horndean                                           0 – 6    Shanklin Ladies

L          Keynsham Town Ladies                13 – 0  Exeter City Ladies

L          Plymouth Argyle Ladies                4 – 1    St Nicholas Ladies