Good Day Footies! ⚽ Get ready for this week’s newsletter—it's packed with more drama than a penalty shootout! ⚽ The WPLL is flipping the script on streaming and media deals, while Nikki Doucet casually throws in Taylor Swift quotes like she’s on a world tour (we love it) 🎶. Over in the NWSL, things are getting spicy 🌶️ with all the changes stirring up debates. Across the pond (where Sofia Huerta is headed), Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey is serving up magic on the pitch 🪄. Meanwhile, FIFA’s pondering WWC expansion, and both the U-20 Women's World Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League are seriously heating up!🔥

Upcoming games have been shifted to the bottom of the newsletter. There’s just so many! 😳⤵️

⚽️ GOAL OF THE WEEK

Alexia ➡️ Esmee ➡️ 🥅

What does a beautifully floated ball into the box and a cheeky volley get you? The Footy Goal of the Week!

UWCL NEWS

2️⃣ Round Two

UEFA Women’s Champions League second qualifying round is set to bring drama, thrills, and a few underdog surprises as 24 teams battle for the final spots in the group stage. Arsenal will face BK Häcken, and Manchester City take on Paris FC—both clubs will need to earn their way in, and nothing is guaranteed! Arsenal’s commanding performances against Rangers (6-0) and Rosenborg (1-0) in round 1 were a statement, but the Swedish club won’t be an easy obstacle, especially with their impressive run to last year’s quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Manchester City must overcome Paris FC, the very team that eliminated Arsenal AND Wolfsburg last year. Talk about a plot twist! 😅

Beyond the English clubs, Paris Saint-Germain will meet Juventus in a clash of giants, while Wolfsburg, Champions League finalists in 2023, take on Fiorentina in another exciting match-up. Don’t sleep on Hammarby’s debut in the competition either—they’ll be squaring up against Benfica, and anything can happen! ⚽

This round features two-legged ties on September 18-19 and 25-26, with only the toughest moving on. The winners will join Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, who are already sitting pretty in the group stage. Barcelona, last year’s champions, will be watching closely, waiting to see who their next challengers will be. The road to European glory has never been so tense, with every game in this stage offering up the possibility of a Cinderella story or a major upset. LFG!

WSL NEWS

📝  WPLL’s Game Plan

The Women's Super League (WSL) is entering a transformative season with the newly established Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) now steering the ship. As the WSL embarks on this new chapter, the league faces a blend of opportunities and challenges. Nikki Doucet, CEO of the WPLL, has been candid about the hurdles, acknowledging that the transition is still in its early stages. With an expired media rights deal and the League Cup in search of a sponsor, the league's future direction hinges on securing both investment and engagement. The move to YouTube as the primary streaming platform is already drawing attention, with viewership numbers far surpassing the previous FA Player platform, giving hope that this expanded reach will help sell the league's value to future broadcasters.

At the ❤️ heart of it all, however, is a desire to keep women's football distinct from its male counterpart, something Doucet is keenly aware of. The fanbase is diverse, passionate, and not easily reduced to marketing jargon or corporate personas. Doucet's talk of bracelets and Taylor Swift comparisons raised some eyebrows, but her broader vision—to prioritize fans while driving long-term growth—remains key. As the WPLL navigates sponsorship deals, media rights, and a market in flux, the challenge lies in finding that balance between community spirit and commercial success without losing what makes the women's game unique.

NWSL NEWS

👊🏻 The Reform Rift

Recent player reforms in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have ignited a heated debate among general managers (GMs), who argue that the changes might have overreached. Following a series of sexual misconduct scandals that rocked the league in 2021, the NWSL and the Players Association negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that includes total free agency, a higher salary cap, and expanded benefits like parental leave. While these reforms aim to create a safer and more equitable environment, some GMs claim that they have created an overly cautious atmosphere where staff feel constrained in their interactions with players. Concerns include the fear of inadvertently breaching new guidelines or facing backlash for everyday interactions, which they argue could undermine the effectiveness of team management.

In response, Meghann Burke, head of the NWSL Players Association, has defended the reforms, calling the GMs' concerns "disingenuous." Burke argues that the player-centric changes are a necessary outcome of the league’s efforts to address past abuses and foster a healthier work environment. She stresses that balancing player rights with staff support is crucial and that the league’s focus should remain on creating a supportive atmosphere for both players and coaches. Despite the controversy, the league has seen significant growth and record-breaking attendance, highlighting its ongoing recovery and the complex nature of implementing sweeping reforms.

WSL NEWS

🪄 Marvelous Mariona

Mariona Caldentey is making waves at Arsenal, and the Gunners are feeling the spark! 🌟 In her recent performances, including a stellar showing against Rosenborg in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Caldentey has been a revelation. Her versatility, combining attacking flair with defensive diligence, earned her the Player of the Match award and a new fan chant at the Emirates. 🎶 Arsenal’s 1-0 victory, along with their 6-0 rout of Rangers, highlights their strong start this season. With Caldentey’s creativity and work ethic, the Gunners look poised to challenge Chelsea's dominance in the Women’s Super League. 💪

Despite limited summer signings, Arsenal's squad is strengthening, and Caldentey’s impact could be the game-changer they need. As they navigate a new season without Emma Hayes, Arsenal fans have every reason to be excited about what this dynamic Spanish international will bring to their campaign. 🌟⚽

WSL NEWS

🦺 Kerr's Kaution

Sam Kerr, Chelsea’s all-time leading goal scorer and Australia’s pride, is taking her time to recover from a second ACL injury, determined not to rush her return. After missing both the Paris Olympics and the 2012 London Games due to injuries 🩼, Kerr is now laser-focused on ensuring longevity in her career. With a new Chelsea coach, Sonia Bompastor—known for her Champions League-winning ways—Kerr has her 👀 eyes set on the one trophy that has eluded her: the Women’s Champions League. Despite averaging 0.61 goals per 90 minutes last season (a personal low since 2019), Kerr remains confident that Chelsea, under new leadership, can break their European duck. Kerr also signed an extension with the 🔵 Blues, showing her commitment to end her career with as many trophies as possible. As Chelsea kicks off their season on September 20, fans will have to wait a bit longer for Kerr’s return, but with her determined mindset, it’ll be worth it. 🏆✨

WWC NEWS

⚽️ FIFA's 48

The buzz is building for a potential Women’s World Cup expansion to 48 teams, and it could put the UK and Ireland in prime position to host the 2031 tournament. ⚽🌍 FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under pressure to replicate the men’s World Cup growth, and the Football Association is keen to seize the opportunity. England, fresh off a thrilling Euros and World Cup runner-up finish, is rallying support with a campaign that could make the dream of a home World Cup a reality. 🌟

Chloe Kelly and Lucy Bronze, stars of the Lionesses, are all for it. Kelly reminisces about the electrifying atmosphere at Wembley and envisions a World Cup equally as unforgettable. Bronze, with her extensive experience, sees a potential UK-hosted tournament as the ultimate stage for women’s football, setting a new benchmark in the sport. 🌟🏆 Meanwhile, French manager Sonia Bompastor praises England’s rapid progress and dedication to women’s football. With stadiums ready and enthusiasm high, the UK is gearing up to prove it’s ready for the world’s biggest stage. 🏟️👏

⛓️‍ Akida’s Chain Reaction

From the pitch to the pages, Kenyan football star Esse Akida continues to make waves both on and off the field. Launching her memoir ⛓️ CHAINED, Akida breaks barriers once again, sharing her inspiring story of triumph over adversity. From her humble beginnings in Kilifi to becoming Kenya’s first female footballer to release a memoir, Akida’s journey is filled with grit, perseverance, and defiance of societal norms. In CHAINED, she opens up about the ⬆️ highs and lows ⬇️ of her career, including racial abuse in Europe and the shocking sex scandal that rocked Kenya’s national women’s team.

Esse's impact goes beyond her personal achievements. Through her foundation and community work with Moving the Goalposts, she's empowering the next generation of Kenyan girls to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative role football can play in overcoming societal barriers. Akida's legacy, both on the field and in life, continues to inspire young girls to break the chains of limitation and aim for greatness. ⚽✨

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

🇨🇦 Fighting for Fair Play

The Canadian women’s national soccer team is one step closer to victory off the field, as Canada Soccer and its players have reached a "framework" for a long-awaited collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This agreement, aimed at bringing pay equity and better resources, could finally put an end to a lengthy, heated labor dispute. However, the deal hinges on renegotiating a marketing and broadcasting arrangement with Canadian Soccer Business (CSB), which has long frustrated the women’s team.

Despite having to make tough concessions, the women’s squad—ranked 6th globally—remains united in the fight for fairness. They’ve battled legal threats, job actions, and even launched a $40 million lawsuit against Canada Soccer’s leadership. Now, with the possibility of a restructured CSB deal, the future looks brighter for Canadian women’s soccer as they push for the respect and resources they deserve, paving the way for the 2026 World Cup and beyond. 💪⚽

NWSL NEWS

🇫🇷Bonjour, Huerta

Sofia Huerta is packing her bags and heading to France! 🛫 The Seattle Reign FC defender has been loaned to Olympique Lyonnais until June 2025. With an impressive resume—19 games played this season, 2 goals, and a heap of defensive stats—Huerta is ready to test her skills in the French Première Ligue. Seattle Reign’s General Manager, Lesle Gallimore, made it clear this move was the right fit for Huerta both personally and professionally. Coach Laura Harvey praised the team's strong locker room energy, as they remain laser-focused on playoff ambitions. Huerta, with a fresh three-year contract still in hand, is grateful to the club for supporting her decision to experience European football. ⚽ But fear not, Reign fans—she’s cheering from afar and confident her team will push for trophies without missing a beat. 💪

LIGA MX NEWS

🇲🇽 Lyon to Liga MX

Amandine Henry, the celebrated French midfielder with a trophy cabinet that rivals most, has embarked on an unexpected journey to Toluca in Liga MX Femenil. After a brief and challenging stint with the Utah Royals, Henry has traded the American league for a fresh start in Mexico. Despite Toluca’s current spot in the lower half of the table, Henry’s arrival could be the spark needed to ignite their season. Known for her pivotal role in Lyon's seven Champions League victories and her leadership of the French national team, Henry’s move is set to shake up the Liga MX Femenil scene.

As she joins Toluca, the Diablas Rojas are hopeful that Henry’s world-class talent will help turn their fortunes around. Her new chapter promises to be an exciting one, offering both her and the club a chance for reinvention. With high expectations and a lot to prove, all eyes will be on how quickly Henry can adapt to her new environment and make an impact on the pitch.

UPCOMING GAMES

CLUB FRIENDLIES

SEPTEMBER 13TH

PSG v Reims W 5am

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Chelsea v PSV W 5am

SEPTEMBER 15TH

Tottenham v Man United W 8am

Check out more UWCL matches here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

SEPTEMBER 15TH

Brazil v Korea DPR 3:30pm

Netherlands v Columbia 3:30pm

Japan v Spain 7pm

USA v Germany 7pm

Check out the rest of the fixtures here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

NWSL

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Courage v Bay FC 7pm

Pride v Current 8pm

Thorns v Red Stars 10pm

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Racing v Angel City 7:30pm

Royals v Wave FC 10pm

SEPTEMBER 15TH

Spirit v Dash 1pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

USL

SEPTEMBER 13TH

DC Power v Ft. Lauderdale 7:30pm

Dallas Trinity v Lexington SC 8pm

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Tampa Bay v Brooklyn FC 7pm

SEPTEMBER 15TH

Spokane v Carolina Ascent 9pm

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

Liga F

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Barcelona v Sociedad 2pm

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Real Betis v Real Madrid 2:30pm

SEPTEMBER 15TH

Atl. Club v Granada CF 6am

Atl. Madrid v Deportivo 10am

Check out the rest of the fixtures here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

UPCOMING GAMES

Bundesliga

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig 12:30pm

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Jena W v Wolfsburg 6am

SEPTEMBER 16TH

Hoffenheim v Freiburg CF 12pm

Check out the rest of the fixtures here.

ALL TIMES ARE EST

🥇 Perfect Gift For Your Little Champion

Dive into vibrant scenes of young athletes owning the field, the waves, and more. It’s a fun way to celebrate sports, break stereotypes, and color your way to empowerment! Grab one for the young champion in your life and watch their confidence soar!