Today and tomorrow is England’s annual Women’s Football Weekend, and there are some huge matches for the FA WSL based Matildas.
Across the country, all FA Women’s Super League and FA Championship (second tier) matches will be available to watch both on TV and online. However, fans are encouraged to support their team by attending games – either in the WSL, where some of the world’s best players will be on display, or at one of the many passionate local community clubs further down the league pyramid.
The weekend will see some fiercely fought derbies and developing rivalries in the WSL, with matches spread out across the weekend for fans to watch and attend.
Matildas fans will have plenty of interest in the North London Derby, as Tottenham (Kyah Simon) face Arsenal (Lydia Williams, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord) at Tottenham’s 62,850 seater stadium – a game that will be broadcast on BBC One. Meanwhile, Sam Kerr‘s Chelsea travel to the Academy Stadium for a clash with a Manchester City team boasting Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso.
Carla Ward returns to Birmingham City for the first time, hoping to lead her Aston Villa side (featuring Emily Gielnik) to victory in a much anticipated West Midlands derby, while Brighton & Hove Albion host newly-promoted Leicester City at the 31,800 capacity AMEX Stadium.
Mackenzie Arnold and Tameka Yallop‘s West Ham United face Reading, and Manchester United head to Everton for a North-West derby.
The FA Championship promises to be equally exciting and every game is being streamed on The FA Player for the second Women’s Football Weekend in a row. Top two sides Durham and Liverpool meet in the North East, while there is a South London derby between Charlton Athletic (now led by Karen Hills) and Crystal Palace.
In addition to the top two tiers, there is also the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, with 56 ties to be played across the country.
When speaking about 2021 Women’s Football Weekend, Kelly Simmons (FA’s Director of the Women’s Professional Game) said: “Women’s Football Weekend is such a significant event within our season because it’s an opportunity to really showcase the very best of our sport.
“With some of the best players in the world showcasing their talents in some of the biggest matches of the season, this is a real opportunity for fans to be part of a big weekend of action.
“But this isn’t just about the top of the pyramid. Women’s Football Weekend is for everyone and I hope those at grassroots level also see new fans coming to their matches and really embrace the spirit of what the weekend is all about – our mutual love of the game.”
