Building on 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 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 the Women’s Football Weekend and 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.
Last November, the Amex played host to Albion's 3-0 victory over Birmingham City during the inaugural Women's Football Weekend where over 4,000 fans were in attendance to cheer on the team.
Due to current government guidelines not permitting access to the stadiums that won’t be possible this season, but The FA has moved to ensure every Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture can be watched across broadcast channels and their own excellent FA Player.
For the first time, the Barclays FA WSL fixtures will be staggered over the weekend, which means all six matches can be watched without any kick-off clashes.
This season Hope Powell's side will take on West Ham United at Dagenham & Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium, with the match kicking off at 12.30pm – with coverage live on The FA Player.
Amongst the other matches taking place, there are two derbies with Manchester United hosting Manchester City and, for the first time in the Barclays FA WSL, Aston Villa facing rivals Birmingham City.
The FAWSL league champions of the two previous seasons, Arsenal and Chelsea, are also due to face off.
In the FA Women’s Championship promises, Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool will be 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.