It is almost World Cup time, here are our predictions for group A & B

 


With the World Cup very quickly approaching this week is going to be filled with a blog post every day which will be our predictions of how we believe each group will finish before we head into the round of 16. There will be two groups per day and we will break down why we think the groups will end this way then once the group stage is over we will be sure to do a post seeing if our predictions were way off or if we actually correct with a few teams placements. 

This world cup has the potential has too be one of the best and most competitive yet and when you look at some of the groups it is actually quite hard to try predict where each team will finish as there aren't really any clear cut leaders these days, each team is capable of pulling off a surprise if they play to the best of their abilities. With both group A & B housing a host nation we are bound to see a brilliant atmosphere at these games which could be crucial for those teams progressing further into the competition or it could give them a little bit of stage fright if it is something they aren't quite used to such an atmosphere behind them. So here is how we think group A & B are going to look by the end of the group stage...

Group A 

Norway 

New Zealand

Switzerland

Philippines

Hosts New Zealand have been drawn into a pretty interesting group which if they play as well as they are capable of could actually pull of some surprise results and progress further through the competition. This group could honestly go to anyone as however, we believe the Philippines might struggle in this one and finish at the bottom of the group but you never know they might surprise everyone. Norway didn't have the best Euro's campaign last summer so they will be out to prove to everyone they can bounce back and we just can't help but think they will end up topping the group. As for the group runners up it was a tough pick however, we think that being on home soil might just add extra motivation to their campaign and we think that might just give them the push to finish the group in second place. It was a hard shout decided those as top two those as Switzerland are a team who could really challenge them and pull off some great results, there is a good chance they could end up progressing but we just can't see past Norway and New Zealand heading to the round of 16.

Group B

Canada

Australia

Republic of Ireland

Nigeria

Group B is one of the group we are most looking forward to watching if we are honest as it has a lot of potential to provide some nail biting games for us fans. There only seems to be Australia in this group who have no media noise around them due to other issues, poor Ireland's first time at the world cup is being overshadowed by old allegations against their manager and Nigeria are having their own management issues, where as Canada is still having issues with its football federation and they also have some big names missing due to injury. This group could be one of the closest we see but we can't help but think that Canada's experience is going to help them win their group and show the federation just what they are capable of, Canada are a team that have progressed really well in recent years and we think this might be their year to really show the world what they are capable of. As for joint hosts Australia, they could really push for that top spot in the group as we have seen a massive improvement in recent years and they will have a point to prove being on home soil however, we just can't see them having enough to get past Canada to reach that top spot, never say never though anything could happen in these group stages. With this being the Republic of Ireland's first world cup we don't really know what to expect from them on the big stage and to be honest they haven't been drawn in the best group in terms of strength of opposition but then again there could have been tougher groups to be in, if the team settles into the atmosphere there is a chance they can finish 3rd as we predict but only time will tell. Nigeria are having issues and at the time of writing this post there is a chance that they might not even have their manager for the first game, with all the disruptions they are having off the field we just can't help but believe that this is going to mean they struggle on the pitch too, we have seen in the past just how much potential this squad has but with everything going on we just can't help but feel they are going to struggle in the group stages and end up bottom of the group.

So there you go those are our predictions for group A & B at this summers world cup, are these going to represent the groups at the end of the stage or are we going to see some totally different tables? It is going to be interesting to see how these two groups play out and we are really looking forward to sitting and watching as many of the games from these teams as possible as anything can happen.

Don't forget to check back tomorrow to see how we think groups C & D are going to look at the end of the group stage...

at No comments
Labels:

The England World Cup Squad Is Here...



England's Lionesses are hoping to keep up their winning ways this summer as the European champions take on the rest of the world in the World Cup. A lot has happened since that Euro's win on July 31st 2022, White & Scott announced their retirements and after an eventful WSL season we have seen some key players pick up injuries that ruled them out of this summer's competition. Sarina Wiegman will still have had a hard task narrowing the final squad heading off to Australia & New Zealand though as the competition for places in England camps has really heated up, the standard is certainly getting better and it must have been a very close call for a number of those fringe players who just seem to be hovering on the edge of getting call ups. 

The 23 player squad announced by Wiegman still give us hope though as there is a nice mix of experience and fresh legs in this squad and honestly after a great Euro's campaign looking at this squad it gives us the hope that we can get past that semi final stage once more and really put up a fight to become world champions as well as being European champions. So here is the England squad broken down and our thoughts on each player that has made the cut...

Mary Earps
It wouldn't surprise us if Mary Earps was the first name on the squad list. She had a fantastic Euro's and has followed it up with an absolutely fantastic season at Manchester United. Her consistency in between the sticks is exactly what England need and she can the link up she has with that back line is great. Earps has really progressed since joining United and since being under the watchful eye of Wiegman whilst playing for England and who knows just how well she is going to perform on the world stage, all we know though is it is very easy to have the trust in Earps and hopefully we will see yet another fantastic performance from England's number 1.

Hannah Hampton
After all the post Euro's controversy that was brought up surrounding Hampton, would she be picked again or not it is nice to see Hampton included in the 23 player squad. We are firm believers that Hampton deserves more credit than she gets as she can put in the performances when called upon. Hampton will surely be hoping for some game time this tournament to impress whichever club she goes to as she has just left Aston Villa. If anything happens to Earps, Hampton has the chance to really stand out and make a name for herself this time around.

Ellie Roebuck
The final 'keeper on the squad list is Manchester City's Ellie Roebuck, not so long ago you would have thought Roebuck was going to be number 1 once Bardsley retried however, since Wiegman took over that hasn't really gone to plan and to be honest this season her performances seem to have been hit and miss. There have been a few silly judgement calls like in the penultimate game vs United in the WSL this season where a rash challenge saw her seeing red but then on the other hand she has made some brilliant saves. It is going to be interesting to see who gets that back up 'keeper spot if anything does happen to Earps but if Roebuck impresses in training we could see her get maybe a bit of game time to save Earps for the later stages.

Millie Bright
With the injury to Leah Williamson we are getting to experience captain Bright this world cup and we think it is safe to say the Lionesses are in safe hands. Bright is one of those players that just keeps on giving but often goes under the radar. Now is her chance to really prove herself though, can she follow in Williamson's footsteps and lead her country to glory? We are looking forward to seeing just how well she does as a captain. We have seen at Chelsea this season just how strong she can be at the back under pressure and her experience is going to come in handy in a makeshift back line. Her ability to command from the back will also definitely help the Lionesses progress through the competition. 

Lucy Bronze
It is nice to see Bronze included after her injury towards the end of the season, when she went down in that Barcelona game our hearts stopped for a bit and we were thinking the worst so for her to be fit for the tournament is brilliant. Bronze is going to be key in terms of world cup experience and knowledge on plenty of other nations players thanks to her time in both France and Spain playing against some of the best players in the world week in week out. Bronze is still one of the best right backs in the world in our eyes but can she finally help England win the tournament and add a world cup winners medal to her already impressive collection.

Jess Carter
Carter has really started to make a name for herself and with the injuries within the England camp this tournament she really has a chance to make a bigger name for herself with her capability to strengthen that already depleted back line. The defensive line are heading into the tournament with a few knocks so having Carter their to help out should be a benefit for the Lionesses, we just wonder how much game time she is going to get.

Niamh Charles
Charles has really started to impress us at Chelsea and it is nice to see her included in this squad as she could come in handy to step up for any knocks the back line pick up. Charles might have limited game time throughout the tournament but she is still young and the experience from being in the camp at a World Cup is definitely going to come in handy for the future. She is definitely a player to keep an eye on though if she does get on the pitch as she can get forward but also put in some great challenges to stop opposition attacks.

Alex Greenwood
Greenwood has been brilliant once again this season and has really taken to her centre back role at Man City and she could prove to be crucial at the back with Millie Bright if they are both fit for the competition. Greenwood has picked up a knock in the pre-competition camp and we are yet to find out just how bad that injury is but fingers crossed she is fighting fit by the time the World Cup begins as she is exactly what that back line needs.

Esme Morgan
If there is a young player that has stood out to us lately it has to be Esme Morgan, she is really starting to prove to us all just what she is capable of even at a young age. Morgan's game has really improved since her recovery from a broken leg and she is becoming one of those players you hope to see on the team sheet. Morgan is another player who might not get much game time but that experience is definitely going to come in handy for the future.

Lotte Wubben-Moy
Wubben-Moy stepped up for the injured Leah Williamson at Arsenal but to be honest this is possibly one of the names we would have switched out in the squad. Yes Wubben-Moy is a good defender but she has had some really shaky performances for Arsenal and can be a little bit hit & miss. With the injuries could we have had in the build up to this tournament we might see Wubben-Moy getting a bit more game time than she expected and let's hope if she does she slots in with the existing centre back in the game quickly.

Laura Coombs
We have really enjoyed watching Coombs this season at Manchester City and it is safe to say her performances this season have paid off as she in now well on Wiegman's radar and is on the plane to Australia & New Zealand. We are really hoping Coombs can get some game time this tournament so she can show the rest of the world just what she is capable on the big stage. She just adds even more competition to that already brilliant midfield.

Jordan Nobbs
Finally Jordan Nobbs seems to have had a bit of good luck. For the past few tournaments we have seen Nobbs suffer a knee injury in the build up that has ruled her out however, luckily for us she has stayed fit and is on that plane to the World Cup. Nobbs has really started to get the recognition she deserves since her move to Villa in January and it is safe to say we are still big fans here at Edge of the Area and now we have the perfect excuse to pick up the new England Shirt with her name and number on the back. Again who knows just how much game time Nobbs will get this tournament however, when she is on the pitch she can take that midfield up a notch and watch out for those rocket shots that she is capable of.

Georgia Stanway
Stanway has always been a fantastic but we honestly believe that her move to Bayern Munich has really helped her become a more confident player if that is even possible? Stanway just seems to be going from strength to strength in the game and we are looking forward to seeing how well she gets on this World Cup, it is going to be interesting to see how many times we see her on the score sheet this tournament as we have seen in the past how she can pop up at those crucial moments and help her team come out victorious.

Ella Toone
Toone really was a super sub in the Euro's and those fantastic performances when she came on really were key for the Lionesses victory but are we going to see the super sub performance this time around or are we going to see her finally get that starting role. Toone definitely stands the chance of being in the starting line-up however, would Wiegman prefer to keep her fresh for those tougher parts of the games and bring her on to make the impact she did in the Euro's? It is going to be interesting to see how Wiegman uses Toone this competition but either way she could be a key player.

Keira Walsh 
Walsh has been a fantastic player since the get go in our opinion but for some reason she doesn't get the recognition she deserves, although we are now getting to see her get a bit more since moving to Barcelona, she is finally getting awards nominations. Walsh was one of England's key players at the Euro's and this is definitely going to be the case again at the World Cup, her ability in the midfield and the connection with those around her is going to be crucial for England's progression through the tournament. Let's hope we see Walsh getting even more recognition after this World Cup.

Katie Zelem
The Manchester United captain has had a brilliant season with her club and she has been rewarded for that with a Lionesses call up. Zelem has been one of those players that has been in and out of the squad for a while now and more often than not you see her just missing out on those call ups however, a fantastic club season seems to have impressed Wiegman and she is on that plane. With a very strong midfield it might be hard for Zelem to get game time but only time will tell and if she does get the chance to play for the Lionesses this summer we are definitely excited to see what connections she can bring to that midfield as she is a certainly a play maker and can get the Lionesses pushing forward into dangerous positions.

Rachel Daly
We are finally getting to see Daly in that attacking position and hopefully we will be seeing her upfront and scoring plenty of goals for the Lionesses this summer. Since moving into that forward position at Villa this season Daly has really shown Wiegman why she should be considered as more of an attacking player than a left back. We really hope that we will see Daly up front this summer as she can be a real threat but with those existing knocks in the defence you just worry she might spend more time at the back if those injured defenders struggle. Fingers crossed that she does manage to get that game time up front though as she could really cause the opposition problems.

Bethany England 
Since the Euro's England really struggled to get those England call ups but thanks to her January transfer to Tottenham England has had the chance to really prove herself to Wiegman and it is safe to say that transfer really paid off as she has found her name back on the Lionesses squad sheet. Beth really helped Spurs in their fight for WSL survival and her ability to score in those crucial moments could be very helpful for England, let's just hope she can get some game time unlike back at the Euro's where we didn't get the chance to see her play. 

Lauren Hemp
Hemp is an absolute joy to watch and it is safe to say we are really looking forward to seeing her play for the Lionesses this summer. Wiegman has definitely been impressed by Hemp just like us fans, her pace is absolutely fantastic and she can score some brilliant goals. The thing with Hemp though is just how much she troubles the opposition, she gets them frustrated thanks to her pace and skill which really works to England's advantage plus she can put the ball into the box nicely for others as well as attacking it herself if needs be. Hemp is still only young too so this is all just extra experience for her, but we can easily see Hemp being a key player this time around.

Lauren James
James is another player where you are not sure just how much game time she is going to get but you have to remember she is still only young so even just going to the tournament and sitting on the bench will be beneficial for her as she can get experience in the big tournament setting. James has really started to excel in her style of play though and she is more than capable of putting in some great performances this summer if needed. Even if she is brought on as a sub James can really frustrate the opposition and help the Lionesses out.

Chloe Kelly
The only way Kelly would have been missing from this squad would have been through injury surely? Kelly really was the hero at the Euro's with the winning goal but then she kept up the momentum at Man City throughout the season which kept her in Wiegman's eye-line all season. Kelly is brilliant out on the wing and just like Hemp she can get the ball into the box brilliantly or she can drive at those defenders and get a goal for herself. Let's see if Kelly can have a summer as magical as the last.

Katie Robinson
Robinson seems to have done something right lately as she has certainly impressed Wiegman this season and has found herself working her way into the Lionesses set up. Robinson might not get much game time this time around but this choice could be another case of getting a young player some experience in the big competition setting rather then just throwing her in at the deep end in the future. The experience will definitely be beneficial for Robinson going forward but we are hoping to see her get some minutes as she really is a player to watch in the future.
 
Alessia Russo
Russo is a player who really made a name for herself at the Euro's and due to her recent departure from Manchester United you would like to think that she would be wanting to have the tournament of her life to impress her new club. Russo is a player with a lot to give for the Lionesses, not only with the goals she can score but also her strength on the ball where she can hold it up well and also drive at the opposition to get the team into better positions.  Russo is another player used as a super sub throughout the Euro's, will Wiegman do the same again or are we going to see her get a starting role?

This is definitely a very strong looking squad for the Lionesses and I think us fans could really be in for a treat watching them if they click right. It is just a shame we won't be seeing Williamson leading out the team this time around but I think we are in safe hands with Bright as captain, she is brilliant both on and off the pitch and her leadership can really help England progress through the campaign. 

Let's hope this squad stays injury free throughout the tournament and let's hope we see the nation really getting behind them once more as that was definitely a big help for the European success.

Are you happy with this squad or would you have made changes?
at No comments
Labels: ,

The World Cup content starts now...

 


Here we go it is time to get in that World Cup mood...

Edge of the Area started in 2019 after I did a few bits of content on and older blog of mine during the World Cup in 2019, since then things have gone from strength to strength and we can easily say we are really looking forward to creating content for the World Cup this summer, we are basically back where it all started but are so much more capable of providing much better content this time around.

2019 was a fantastic summer of watching the World Cup however, this summer has the potential to be even better. In 2019 we saw the USA become back to back champions however, since then the women's game has got even more competitive and a lot of teams have really started to catch the USA in terms of capability so we could see the reigning champions face some tough challenges throughout the tournament and who knows we might even see a new nation emerge as champions this time around. 

Since 2019 the Women's game really has come a long way however, there are still plenty of issues especially in regards to the treatment of female players by various Federations and no doubt we are going to hopefully see some teams highlight these issues during the campaign whilst also having some fantastic performances on the pitch to show those federations what they are capable of. We still have Canada with their issues that have been hugely highlighted, Jamaica have also recently released a statement in regards to their treatment so it is going to be interesting to see what sort of performances we get from those nations this time around. The big one to watch this tournament though is Spain, with some big names missing due to their ongoing issues they could be in for an interesting tournament, they were hit and miss in the Euros so I wonder what we are going to see from them on the World stage, I guess one good thing for them is the return of Alexia Putellas, but is it enough to outweigh those not playing due to issues off the pitch? 

It isn't just Federation issues that are a spanner in the works for this competition though as a lot of the big nations are going to be playing without some of their big name players due to injuries which seem to have been brought to everyone's attention more than ever this year. It feels like after every round of games we have seen a player end up sidelined due to an injury and they never seem to be injuries that are quick to recover from either. England have Williamson, Kirby & Mead out while Canada have Beckie out with an ACL injury, reigning Champions USWNT also have key players out as do France, that is just a few of the nations with injuries and there are plenty of players heading out onto the World stage after just recovering from big injuries so could they end up having the return of their lives or are we going to see more players drop due to injuries? I guess only time will tell. 

This tournament is a chance for players to really stand out and make a name for themselves this summer, players have the chance to become household names and those who are looking for new clubs or contract extensions have the opportunity to show clubs all over the world what an asset they would be. Just look at the rise of Rose Lavelle after a fantastic performance in 2019, that could happen to absolutely any player in 2023 with each nation having a brilliant standard of squad that will be competing. This summer is yet another chance for the Women's game to grow even further and for the World to see just how well the standard is improving and why it is worth tuning in and following leagues at all levels across the globes.

So what is in store for Edge of the Area this summer? Well thanks to the World Cup being held in Australia & New Zealand there is going to be a lot of super early starts to catch all the games we can and no doubt a lot of games will be recorded for us to catch up on as we juggle watching games, creating content whilst continuing with the 9-5 and other aspects of life but those early game times aren't going to stop us and we have a whole host of content lined up from now until the end of the World Cup in August so expect to be seeing a lot more of us. Those early starts are all going to be worth it in the end, so here are some of the content topics you can expect to see from us...

- Predictions 

- Ones to watch

- Squads

- Kits

- Previews

- Match reports 

- Round Wrap ups

- Highlights 

No doubt those topics are just going to be a handful of things you are going to be seeing throughout the summer on both the blog and social media. It is certainly going to be a busy time but we are looking forward to covering a tournament that has the potential to be one of the best yet. This is only the beginning to as after a busy summer with the World Cup we will be jumping straight into the new season of the FAWNL and the WSL which should hopefully carry on the momentum of a fantastic summer for the Women's game. 

Now let's get this World Cup content underway...

at No comments
Labels: ,

The players we would love to see heading to the World Cup for the Lionesses...

The Lionesses World Cup squad is due to be announced in a few days which got us thinking with a lot of those players who could have been guaranteed a spot on the plane to Australia & New Zealand now being ruled out for injury who would we love to see take their place and actually get some game time? With no Leah Williamson there is a centre back spot opener right up and with Kirby ruled out we need another attacking option for sure. Who even knows if Millie Bright and Beth Mead will have recovered in time to head on over for the World Cup, it has been very quiet on the Bright front and we all need to remember just how bad Mead's injury was, do you risk taking her and possibly cause her a setback if she picks up even the slightest of knocks? The risk would definitely be using spots for those carrying injuries or just finishing recovery getting injured again and us not having the back up for the rest of the tournament due to us only being able to take so many players in the first place. 


With those injuries there is a real chance that we can see players break into the team after losing their spot previously or even those who have yet to have a chance really step up and prove what they are capable. We have seen a really competitive WSL season this time around and honestly for us there have been a lot of English players that have shown up week in week out and really made a difference for their clubs. I am not sure if it is the upcoming World Cup that has spurred these players on or just the quality of the game improving but they have all certainly made a case for a spot to this summers World Cup. 

So here are those players who we think have had an impact at their clubs this season who we believe deserves a spot on the plane to the World Cup...


We weren't too sure about Nikita's move to Man Utd at the start of the season but it is safe to say she 100% proved up wrong. She seems to have slotted right into the United team and we honestly think she has had her best season in a long time and it is nice to see just how much of an impact she is making for club. Parris didn't get much game time at the Euro's and hasn't had the chance to play for her country lately however, with her form at United we would love to see her called back up and actually get game time as we think we are really starting to get the best out of her after a few hit & miss seasons.


To say how young Maya is she is showing a whole lot of potential to become one of the greatest English centre backs, we have seen her keep Man Utd in the game plenty of times this season with some brilliant blocks and perfectly timed tackles. Maya does get called up to the England squad these days and I hope that she gets called up to show us all what she is capable of in a major tournament. With Williamson out injured I would love to see Le Tissier paired up with Bright or Greenwood at the back to show what future centre back partnerships could look like for the team. With her age I think Maya Le Tissier could be a name we see on plenty of future Lioness squad lists and fingers crossed it is on this World Cup one.


Now this one incredibly unlikely to happen due to Leah's personal choices however, she would 100% be a perfect addition to the Lionesses squad. Galton has been in absolutely fantastic form this season and we have all seen she is very capable of scoring goals and also creating them for her teammates so she would definitely be a huge asset to the Lionesses squad. Galton's pace certainly causes problems and it is safe to say she has been an key player for United's success this season and is one of the reasons they are entering the Champions League for the first time, she could bring so much to the England squad.


Coombs has really made a name for herself this season at Man City and has really helped them get back into things after they had a rough start to the season. We have seen Coombs get called into the Lioness camps post Euros and it is safe to say we would love to see her on a plane to Australia & New Zealand. The midfielder would add a bit of experience to the team and would have a brilliant chance to show everyone just what she is made of and why she should be getting that game time for her country, even if it is as a substitute she can still bring so much to the squad.


Manchester United's captain Katie Zelem always seems to just fall short of making it into the Lioness squad however, surely this time around she should be on the plane ready to make an impact in the World Cup? She has been a key player in Man Utd's success this year just like Galton has and we think it about time she got the chance to shine for her country too. Zelem has a great ability to hold the ball up when needed but her vision for her passes is absolutely fantastic too. She can bring so much to the squad and even her set pieces could prove a big difference in the tournament as she has shown at United she can find a team mate in the box really well especially from corners.


There was a bit of heartbreak here at Edge of the Area when Staniforth left Man Utd for Aston Villa but we soon got over that when we realised just how good of a move it was for Staniforth. She is finally getting the game time she deserves and surely with some of the performances she has had at Villa you would think Wiegman would definitely be considering putting her on the plane but I guess only time will tell. In the end we are actually quite glad Staniforth left United as it has really given her the chance to get valuable game time and show us all what she is capable of.


It is quite unbelievable to that Turner spent a lot of last season out with what can only be described as a life threatening injury as she has really bounced back this season and again with her in central defence Man Utd have looked absolutely solid at the back. Turner has put in some great defensive work but she has popped up at the opposite end of the pitch when needed too with some brilliant headed goals to give United a very late and crucial lead. With the defensive injuries that the Lionesses already have in the back line Turner could be the perfect addition to the squad to strengthen that back line.


If Wiegman wants to replace those injured in the back line with a bit more major tournament experience she is hopefully looking towards ex captain Steph Houghton. Steph has had a bit of criticism lately due to comments about previously being left out of Lioness camps however, if the season is anything to go by then Wiegman definitely needs to be looking in her direction especially with a back line that could be just coming back from injury. Steph has 100% made a difference since becoming a regular feature for City again this season and her return from injury really helped City get back to winning games plus that experience could come in really handy in the dressing room if things aren't going quite to plan for the team.


It is no secret on how much we love Jordan Nobbs here at Edge of the Area and we have our fingers crossed that she gets the chance to represent the Lionesses at this World Cup. She is so deserving of a chance as since her move to Villa we have seen her really make a difference to the squad whilst also showing everyone why she is such an underrated player, she deserves a lot more credit than she gets as she is a game changer and the minutes she is finally getting at Villa goes to show that. We are just hoping that the injury curse she seems to be under before every major tournament has finally gone and that she really gets a shot this time around, she could be key in the middle of the pitch for the Lionesses with some fantastic defending and brilliant attacking abilities.

A lot of these players in our eyes are so underrated and don't get the recognition they deserve so it would be great to see them head to the World Cup and really show everyone what they are made of and just how much impact they can have in the team. The countdown is on now to see who has and hasn't made the cut from Wiegman, let's just hope a few of these names have made it.

Who would you love to see called up to the Lionesses World Cup squad for this summer?

at No comments
Labels: ,

Women's game merchandise, should more be available?


It is no secret that we have seen a lot of growth in the women's game since the 2022 Euro's here in the UK however, it feels like more could be done by clubs to ensure that they are capitalising on the growth, getting everyone involved and bringing some vital funds for the women's teams. One of the ways you feel they could capitalize on this is by bringing out women's specific merchandise and make the things they already sell more accessible not hidden away. Imagine if it was easier for fans to get their favourite player on the back of their shirt with the WSL granted most top flight clubs are getting better at this however, it still feels like there is a bit further to push it with the kits being easier to find and easier to buy at all sizes.

Our nephew is 4 years old and was desperate for a Jordan Nobbs & Mary Earps shirt but you just can't get them at that size with the WSL printing, we are meant to be inspiring a young generation not keeping them from celebrating their favourite players in such a great way. When you are at a game and look around there is a big chunk of the fan base around our nephews age and they have plain shirts or male players on their shirts, this could be down to the factthe lettering for the WSL isn't small enough for those smaller sized shirts but surely they can start making them soon, they will definitely get rid of the name sets via printing of the shirts so it is not like they would be wasting too much money and they would be helping the younger generation show their love for their favourite female players. In the end we went through a 3rd party for the nephews Nobbs shirt and it came with the Premier League name set, surely the WSL would prefer money going back to their league via more name set sales. There is definitely a demand for the shirts as you just have to look around at games to see all the women's names on shirts to see that they would sell at all ages and it would be great to see the younger fans have the chance to get more involved with showing their love for those female players.

Manchester United seem to be doing a bit more to allow fans to buy merchandise for the women's team as when we went Old Trafford for the West Ham match we called into the shop first and we saw a few posters of the women's team, mugs with a few players on and even some t-shirts. It is safe to say we definitely didn't expect to see those items but it made a nice change and I am hoping that the range grows more in the not so distant future and that it is something all clubs at a variety of levels start to bring to their club stores as it will give the fans chance to show their support with more than just a shirt. Granted Manchester United seem to be adding more women's related items to their site however, it can be hard to navigate at times hidden in with a sea of men's merchandise, fingers crossed as the game continues to grow teams will start to have a dedicated women's team section with everything in one place so fans aren't having to endlessly scroll to find what they are wanting to purchase. A bit on the menu or a section to click on from the home page to a one stop shop would definitely help fans purchase more women's merchandise and help promote the women's game like they want to. 

When we went to the Manchester derby at the Etihad earlier this season the scarf sellers outside were selling scarves with the men's team on them but there was nothing for the women's teams who were actually playing that day. We did ask them though if they were ever planning on adding ones for the women's team and just a few weeks later at Leigh Sports Village we managed to get a scarf with the United women's team on it which was brilliant. Not long after though there were more and more scarves becoming available and we now own a full team scarf, a Russo one, a Toone one, a Earps one and even a Galton one it is safe to say the collection is coming along nicely and hopefully over time more will become available of our favourites so we can add them to the collection. 

The women's game might be growing in terms of women taking part in playing the game and fans entering the stadium to watch games however, it still feels like there is a long way to go in terms of growing the game in all areas to bring in more funds for clubs at all levels and it just seems like they are forgetting about what could be the easiest part for them... women's team merchandise, we all know merchandise sells and can bring in revenue for the clubs so why not make the most of it and use it as a way for fans to show off their love of the women's games whilst giving clubs a bit of extra advertising whilst they are wearing or using the women's merchandise they purchase. It definitely feels like there is a long way to go with this but let's hope the small steps we are currently seeing is all the beginning of putting the wheels in motion and getting more merchandise to us fans, I know I would definitely end up spending a fortune on it would you? 

Would you love to see more women's team specific merchandise available to purchase or are you happy with how things currently are? 

at No comments
Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)