Women's World Cup / Sheffield FC Women

Sunday (20/8/23) not only was the historic final of the Women's World Cup, but also the beginning of the domestic season in England for the FA Women's National League and some of the regional leagues. A decision I feel was quite poor from the FA- going into the season knowing these fixtures would clash with the final, to me felt rather myopic. Alongside this, several men's fixtures were also scheduled on the same day, some even during the final. I know at least in the FAWNL, the decision to postpone or delay kick off was offered to the clubs playing on that day, but this could potentially lead to disputes between clubs, which at this point in the season could mean getting off on the wrong foot, without a ball even being kicked.

I appreciate you can't please everyone and most will have an opinion on this matter, but as soon as it was known that England were in the final, I think all matches on that day in England (be it men's or women's) should have been postponed (or one step better- not have scheduled any matches for that day before the season began, especially with how likely the Lionesses could reach the final- you know, being European champions and all that). This would be a mark of respect for the Lionesses for such a momentous achievement and to also show that the FA takes the women's game as seriously as it likes to think it does- not just another equality check box exercise.

All the above being said, it's excellent to witness the exponential growth of the women's side of the game, especially in attendances/ ticket sales and television viewing figures. Alongside participation in the sport and media coverage. In my home city of Sheffield, a big screen was erected in the centre, with food and drink stalls, making a real festival atmosphere. This is where I watched the final and it was fantastic to witness this kind of turn out for a women's football match- it actually made me quite emotional.

Of course a win would have been even better(!), but to get to a final of a world cup is no mean feat! The Lionesses did England extremely proud and they are all heroes and history makers. The squad is packed with a plethora of talented players and I can't wait to see where this team goes next. I still believe it's coming home, though we might have to wait a little longer...

Now, as stated at the top of this post the FAWNL started at the weekend, meaning the show must go on! I'm really trying to get a photo set out each week this season, so The Home of Football Stadium was my choice of destination on Sunday. Sheffield FC Women hosted Loughborough Lightening in division one North in the delayed 4pm kick off. The game ended 1-1, with Sheffield coming back into it in the second half.

I only managed a mini set of photos for this game- due to the action predominately being at the other end for the majority of the first half. You can view those here. And I'll put a few below for good measure!