Back in 2024 I signed up to join the Halifax Amateurs Lionesses, a brand new team forming in Halifax who would be playing 9 a side football, a mixed ability team with some players coming across from other teams, some getting back into football after years of not playing and some who had never played before. The team has come on leaps and bounds since the first ever training session and in today's post we get to chat to Lioness goalkeeper Becky Alderson who is also in charge of the women's team and set the wheels in motion for the team to be where it is today, here is how that chat went...

EOTA : So to get things under way tell us a bit about the Lionesses and how the team formed ready for their first season.

BA : So the team was formed just over 12 months ago now. We came together after I stopped playing elsewhere and decided to start a new team within the my own club. The team is a mix of some that have played football before and some that haven’t. We began training mid-way through last season really and then started to get some friendly games in ready to start the season this time.

EOTA : The team play in the 9 a side division for beginners & developers do you think these 9 a side leagues are perfect for those just trying to get into the game or get back into it? 

BA : Yes I absolutely do. They are a great format that allows anyone to be apart of it really. There doesn’t seem to be as many barriers in the 9v9 format than that at the 11v11. Its great because the kick off times are slightly later than normal which allows those with kids ( or those who coach) to be able to do both. The length of the game is better too, so that definitely helps with the fitness concerns. The rules around subs etc help to as that means that people can play for a few minutes and keep rotating depending on the ability and fitness levels.

EOTA : Do you think these leagues are going to be a big part of growing the women's game?

BA : I think as a whole the 9v9 will grow the game, but possibly not in the way people would think. It will naturally grow the game because they allow a wider range of people to be involved, there is no upper limit so absolutely anyone can be involved. I think some will see them as a negative league and think that football should be played 11v11 at adult level but its good to see the game expanding. Most of these women will have possibly been involved in the game in some capacity just maybe not a playing one, so they definitely increase participation that way.

EOTA :  The team is a mixed ability team with plenty of opportunity for everyone, those who came with little confidence have really grown into the game is this one of the most important things you hoped for when starting the team? 

BA : Yes definitely I am no professional footballer and certainly not the best player, and I wouldn’t be able to get into a team with the level of kids coming through these days. It’s a team that is available to everyone, as with any of the teams within our club. Seeing the confidence of a lot of the players increase throughout the past year has been amazing to see. Ladies that haven’t played football before or haven’t played for many many years, absolutely loving the game. I remember the first session I took it was a bunch of women that didn’t really know each other and were all really shy and didn’t really speak. Then fast forward 12 months and you can see the difference that’s what makes it special.

EOTA : We have seen the team start their first season really strong what do you think has been a key factor on their performances so far?

BA : I honestly think just making sure the ladies play with a smile. From the first game we played I've always said we have to enjoy what we are doing and be proud and that exactly what they do. We have taken one game at a time and worked hard when things maybe haven’t gone as planned and we have been able to adapt and learn which is what we need. The team work hard for each other and that also helps.

EOTA :  In the first season we have already seen the team step out of their comfort zone and move to 11 a side for the cup and make it into the second round how proud did you feel seeing those players step up and show just what they are capable of?

BA : The cup game was a great occasion, some will laugh at that but It really was. We were lucky to be able to play at the ground the majority of our teams play at, and experience the grass pitch. It was our first 11v11 game and we just said we needed to enjoy it, we needed to win our individual challenges and that what we did. I was in goal and it was a joy to watch (although freezing) we played some great football against a very well established team and it was great to get the win in front of many friends, family & off course our junior players.

EOTA :  The women's game is growing massively and you can now say your club is apart of that with the lionesses playing under the club name, as someone who has been in women's football for a while now how does that make you feel?

BA : The over riding emotion has to be pride, we started with two teams that were all male so to have a women's team in the club is amazing. We have girls playing in junior teams too which is also great to see, the women's game is always going to keep growing so hopefully we can continue to grow the female participation within our club too.

EOTA : The Lionesses have gone from strength to strength and with the season coming to an end what are your hopes for season 2?

BA : Season 2 will bring some different challenges hopefully. The league we are in at the moment is a small one so we have played the same selection of teams over and over again so hopefully we can increase the number of teams in  the league and play against some different teams and continue to learn and develop as a team.

EOTA : Finally for anyone local who might be reading this and wanting to put the boots on for the first time or return to the game after a long absence what would you say to them? 

BA : Just do it, you will never know if you don’t try it. The team are a lovely bunch who welcome anyone with open arms, ask as many questions as possible and enjoy the buzz of being apart of the team.

So there you have it, you can follow the Lionesses on Facebook & Instagram to see their journey going into season 2. Being a part of this teams first season has been absolutely brilliant and I know that personally I am really excited to see what season 2 has in store for the team as there is some great potential. 

Thank you Becky for taking the time to chat to us and all I can say is expect plenty more content about the HAJFC Lionesses in the future as they are a big part of our day to day and with season 2 on the way there is plenty to write about so watch this space.

Jonas Eidevall is heading Stateside after taking charge of the San Diego Wave. 

Eidevall is taking on the challenge in the NWSL after taking over from interim manager Landon Donovan. Landon the former USMNT forward took over on a temporary basis after the Wave relieved former England international Casey Stoney back in June as the team were struggling to keep up the pace of what they created in their first season in the NWSL. 

Jonas Eidevall was most recently manager at Arsenal until he resigned back in October. In the build up to his resignation from Arsenal results just started slipping and players didn't look like they were being played to their full potential. He had also lost a lot of fan support after the return of Miedema from her ACL injury and subsequently her departure from the club. Eidevall was with Arsenal for just over 3 years though and in that time we saw him lead the team to two League Cup wins and a Champions League semi-final so we know that the quality of management is there and that San Diego Wave could have found someone to mimic the success they had in their first season with Stoney.

Stoney led the San Diego Wave to winning the 2023 NWSL & 2024 Challenge Cup however, results in the second season started to slip and in the recent 2024 season the Wave only managed a 10th place finish missing out on the play-offs something which fans weren't happy with after all they saw in their first season. 

San Diego may be one of the newer teams to the league however, their fan base is already super passionate and the culture of the game is ever growing in the area. Jonas recently said 'I'm eager to build a winning legacy here, together with the players, staff and supporters I look forward to achieving great things and making unforgettable memories for this club.' Now this may be a bold statement for the incoming manager to make but if given the right budget and support there is definitely the potential for Eidevall to take the Wave back to where they were in their first season and start building the trophy cabinet.

The club really is entering a new era already with the appointment of Eidevall but also they are going into their first full season without legendary forward Alex Morgan playing for the club due to her retirement at the end of last season. There are going to be plenty of changes for the club as they prepare for the new season with staff changes and player changes with the transfer window which is currently going on. It could take a few weeks of the season for the team to gel properly but the leadership seem very optimistic of what is to come for the club.

Players have just reported back to the club to get their preseason underway, transfers are taking place all over the league which Eidevall and his team will be keeping a close eye on to see what they are up against and the season gets underway in March which will soon be upon us. 

We are really looking forward to seeing how Eidevall gets on in the NWSL and we are also looking forward to watching a lot more of the competition going forward, it really has been all change Stateside recently with retirements, transfers and new management so it really is going to be all to play for when the competition gets underway. Keep an eye on the site as there will be a whole host of NWSL content coming throughout the preseason and during the season & cup campaigns. 

What do you think to Jonas Eidevall's move to the NWSL?

Orlando Pride finish the 2024 season with the double after winning both the shield & championship.

Over the years I have been lucky enough to watch some absolutely fantastic players play football in the women's game who all brings something to the game which impact plays in different ways. A lot of those players who inspired me growing up have now retired however, a whole host of new talent is coming through and now I am back on the pitch myself I am noticing specific players types of play more which got me thinking about which players I would love to start watching even closer to add bits of their style into my own game. So here are just a few of the players whose style I would love to add in to my own when I am on that pitch...

Katie Zelem

I have really enjoyed watching Zelem play for numerous years now and I think it is due to how she can really work the central midfield role and get into some good attacking positions when required. Her set pieces are fantastic too with some pin point corners and threatening free kicks. Zelem is a strong force defensively too who isn't afraid to get stuck in for a tackle and track when needed. We have also seen a lot of her in the CDM role where she can hold up play and create some great passes to move her team forward. 

Lauren Hemp

Hemp is still so young yet she is already showing us all how much of a world class player is. Scoring goals, helping defend and just causing the opposition so many I issues I would absolutely love to add some of Hemp's style into my own play. The main thing I think I would love to add is her speed as she is absolutely rapid which causes some big problems with the opposition. If I could finish like her to that would also be fantastic as she scores some brilliant goals.

Khadija Bunny Shaw

Who wouldn't love to play like Shaw, her ability in front of goal is absolutely brilliant and she just looks like a constant threat when the ball gets played to her, whether it is with her feet or head you can just anticipate her name popping up on the score sheet and it is rare if it doesn't. Not only can Shaw score goals but she has a great play reading ability that helps her and her team mates get into some brilliant areas. Scoring and reading the play are definitely two key parts I would love to take from Shaw's game and add to my own.

Rachel Daly

The versatility of Daly is something that I would love to add into my own game. If called upon Daly can really stand out at the left back position and putting in some great defensive work but she really stands out up front and we have seen her score goal after goal with some fantastic reading of play. Daly might be a goal scorer but she is also a creator of play with some great vision for passing when on the ball and for movement when she is off it. No matter where Daly plays though she stands out and gives it 110%.

Here we go part 2 of our ones to watch for the WSL 202425 season, if you missed part 1 you an catch up here. Part 1 focused on the first 6 teams alphabetically so part 2 is going to be those next 6 teams that make up the league. It is safe to say there has been plenty of movement for these 6 teams however, our ones to watch are a nice mix of old and new. So here are our ones to watch for the final 6 teams that make up the WSL...

Leicester City 

Ruby Mace

Mace spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Leicester and this season she has made that move permanent after minimal game time on her return to Man City following that loan spell. Mace has the potential to develop into an absolutely fantastic footballer however, Man City were holding her back due to the lack of game time she received. Keep an eye on Mace this season though as she has the chance to really thrive at Leicester and help them get the results on the board.

Deanne Rose

The Canadian forward is entering her second season with Leicester City and will be hoping to get more game time and more goals under her belt. From pre-season performances it looks like Rose has the potential to become a key player for Leicester this season and after scoring little goals last season you can't help but think that season 2 with the club is going to be a chance to improve on last season and find the back of the net more often.

Asmita Ale

The former Tottenham player clearly impressed on loan last season as she has now made that permanent move to Leicester City. The full back is back to keep on adding strength to the defensive line and we are looking forward to seeing how she gets on now she has made the move permanent. At just 22 she really is in those stages of making a name for herself and she has the potential to make a start on that process this season.

Liverpool

Gemma Evans

Liverpool have saved Evans from the bench of Manchester United and we are looking forward to seeing how Evans performs in that already impressive back line for Liverpool. A disappointing season last season for Evans saw her move to Man Utd and spend far too long on the bench with minutes lacking. You can't help but hope that Evans breaks into the Liverpool team as a regular and puts in some superb performances to show United what they are missing.

Olivia Smith 

The 20 year old Canadian will be hoping to hit the ground running for Liverpool after joining in the summer transfer window. Smith joined Liverpool from Sporting CP where she scored 13 goals in 18 games for the club and won the clubs player of the year award alongside the leagues best young player of the season award. With the added pressure on Liverpool after a great season last season we can't wait to see what Smith brings to the Liverpool team this season. 

Cornelia Kapocs

Liverpool really aren't messing around this season with signings and Kapocs is another forward they have added to their ranks this summer. Kapocs is another goal scorer too with 18 goals in 25 games for Swedish side Linkoping in 2023. There are plenty of forwards at the club now however, you could imagine Kapocs gets plenty of minutes if she makes the right impact straight away. You would definitely expect to see her name on the score sheet a fair few times for Liverpool this season.

Manchester City

Vivianne Miedema

Miedema has made the move up North this season and is definitely a player to watch. We have all seen over the years just what Miedema is capable of and even post serious injury she looks like there is no sign of slowing down. We can't wait to see how the Shaw, Miedema combination works and we have a funny feeling she is going to be a key player for Man City and their plan of chasing Chelsea for the title.

With the loss of Houghton through retirement it is going to be key for Gareth Taylor to keep his defensive line fit and injury free and one player we are hoping we will see plenty of is Allana Kennedy. Unfortunately Kennedy seems to have been plagued by injuries since her move to City so fingers crossed we see her get plenty of game time and stay injury free this season as her experience could really help City push for that top spot. 

Khadija Shaw

We unfortunately saw Shaw finish the 23/24 season injured however, she still finished with the golden boot due to a fantastic season. We can't wait to see Shaw this season though as with the addition of Miedema we are bound to see Shaw not only on the score sheet but also on the assist sheet. Shaw really is the gift that keeps on giving so keep an eye on the impact she has over the course on the capmaign.

Manchester United

Phallon Tullis-Joyce

With Earps out of the picture at United it is finally time for another 'keeper to step up and make a name for themselves and we can't wait to see what sort of impact Tullis-Joyce has on the United results. We never really got to see anyone other than Earps in goal previously but from the glimpses of Tullis-Joyce we did see we were impressed. She has got a big name to follow on from but keep an eye on Tullis-Joyce as she may just surprise you.

Melvine Malard

Malard has now signed for United on a permanent deal and we are really hoping this means she will get more game time as she is a player with a whole lot of potential if given a real chance. With the exits at the club this summer you would like to think that Malard was going to get much more game time than last season and really make an impact on the teams results. From what we did see last season she can impact results and that is definitely what United need these days.

Celin Bizet

Bizet moves to United this season from Tottenham and she is a player we are really looking forward to seeing play for United. We saw Bizet and Clinton linking up fantastically last season whilst Clinton was on loan at Tottenham so we are hoping that happens again but this time in United colours. Bizet can be a huge threat in front of goal given the right delivery and the United squad still have players who can provide those crosses into the box so no doubt she is going to be on the score sheet plenty of times over the course of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur

Hayley Raso

Finally Raso is back in the WSL and we can't wait to see how she gets on at Spurs. It seemed like Everton didn't get the most out of Raso before her move over to Spain so we are wondering what sort of performances we are going to see from her upon her return to the English top flight. Spurs have really added to their squad with the addition of Raso and she could play a key part in Spurs causing some upsets throughout the season.

Clare Hunt

Raso isn't the only Australian added to the Spurs squad this summer as they have also added defender Clare Hunt to their squad. Hunt has joined from PSG and her strong defensive ability is going to really help Spurs if they want to progress up that league table. We can't wait to see the impact Hunt has on the Spurs squad.

Bethany England

Since moving to Spurs we have seen England really make a name for herself and we can't help but feel that she is going to go from strength to strength this season and really help Spurs cause some upsets and finish in a decent position come the end of the season. We will no doubt see her on the score sheet plenty of times but with Raso in the squad too we could really see a strong front line with both players providing plenty of goals and assists.

West Ham 

Kristie Mewis

It feels like us WSL fans are still to see anything from Mewis due to injury however, if she manages to stay injury free we feel we could be back to seeing the quality she brought to the NWSL week in week out. Mewis has so much potential and we saw that whilst she was in the USA and if West Ham get the same level of performances from her with those around her we could easily see a few upsets during the campaign. Now let's just hope she get's a good run this season injury free.

Katrina Gorry

We just can't help but get excited when we see Gorry play as she commands that midfield. This is Gorry's first full season at the club and she has just been announced as captain for the season which just goes to show what the club think to her ability. Gorry is one of those players you would just love to play like so keep an eye on her movement this season and the impact she has on the West Ham team.

Shelina Zardorsky

Zardorsky has made the move to West Ham permanent this season after joining on loan last season which just goes to show the impact she made during that loan season. Zardorsky is a no nonsense defender who is going to be influential in keeping the scoreline down each week and when needed she can grab a goal too so it is going to be interesting to see what sort of impact she has with her first full season at the club. Zardrosky is also vice captain for the season which again shows how highly thought of she is at the club.

So there you have it that is part two of the WSL ones to watch for the 2024/25 season. It is safe to say with each season the teams are just getting stronger and that in turn is making for some really interesting football each game. Now please can the season just hurry up and start...