How International Success Is Boosting EFL Women’s Football
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: The England team jubilantly marks their victory over Australia in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Semi-Final, held at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Women’s Football
Women’s football has garnered so much interest recently, especially in England. England’s Women’s National team reaching the World Cup final has helped a lot too. But the biggest moment in attracting so much interest was the English women’s team winning the Euros. It brought in much-needed attention from all corners of the country.
The success on the international level has in turn helped the domestic leagues of England. Even the clubs in the EFL division have attracted better players and sponsorships through their newfound fame.
Investments, Media, and the Transformative Rise
One of the most significant changes in EFL women’s football has been the influx of sponsorships and investment. These financial injections are enabling clubs to scout and sign better players and to provide improved training facilities. Local businesses are more keen than ever to associate themselves with these rising teams. That impact alone cannot be overstated. Improved financial stability means clubs can now aim for more than just survival; they can aim for excellence.
Increased media attention is yet another factor driving the league’s success. Matches are now frequently televised or streamed online, which broadens their reach. This media coverage has not only expanded the clubs’ fanbases but has also increased match-day attendances. More fans are now willing to travel and support their teams, both at home and away games. Clubs are also actively engaging with fans on social media platforms, where discussions and updates keep the excitement going even when matches aren’t being played.
EFL Women’s Clubs: From Underdogs to Contenders
EFL clubs have gotten stronger in recent times. Just look at Liverpool’s Women’s team last year. After coming up from the EFL division, Liverpool beat champions Chelsea in their first game back in the big time. They eventually finished 7th and even reached the quarterfinals of the League Cup.
Bristol City won the Women’s Championship last year and they look like another team that will be highly competitive this season. The teams that are coming up from the Women’s Championship are much stronger compared to teams from just a decade back.
Investing in Infrastructure: Stadiums and Training Facilities
EFL clubs leverage lower tier Men’s stadiums to call their own. The stadiums are much smaller than the EPL or Men’s Championship sides which is understandable as Women’s football is just on the rise so the capacity is limited as of now. Still, almost every EFL club gets to play in their stadiums in front of their fanbase, as opposed to trying to fill an Etihad or Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group recently purchased back the iconic Melwood Training Ground facility for their Women’s team. This comes after their Women’s team’s progress in the last 5 years, in which they were relegated to the Championship then came back up straight away, and then secured their position in the Women’s Super League last year. Their progress is the reason why FSG took such a huge step. Women’s football is on the rise.
It’s not just Liverpool Football Club but every other club in the EFL gets to train in world-class facilities now. They get to use the same facilities as the Men’s team which was unheard of probably a couple of decades back.
Professional Development – Coaches and Players
Coaching has also seen significant improvements. An increasing number of EFL clubs are hiring experienced and well-qualified coaches for their women’s teams. This is a far cry from the earlier years, where many teams were coached as an afterthought. Professional development courses are now standard. Coaches are given the tools they need to succeed at the highest levels.
Lastly, let’s not forget the players themselves. The skill level displayed by the players in the Women’s EFL Championship is noticeably high. With better coaching and training facilities, players can now focus more on developing their game rather than worrying about juggling multiple jobs to support themselves. This professional environment has encouraged the nurturing of some of the country’s best talents.
The Evolving EFL Championship Landscape: A Young Yet Competitive League
There are currently 12 teams competing in the EFL Championship. Like in Men’s football, the EFL Championship is the 2nd division of Women’s football in England. Bristol City are the current winners of the Championship.
The Women’s Championship was established in 2014 and was named FA Women’s Super League 2, replacing the previous FA Women’s Premier League National Division. Barclays is the main title sponsor of the league. The name of the division has gone through a couple of changes with the FA finally settling on the Women’s Championship in 2022.
Since the beginning of the “New” Championship in 2014, there have been 9 different winners of the league and no team has ever won the competition twice. It’s still a young league but still, it goes to show the competitiveness of the league that not one team has ever won the competition twice.
The Women’s EFL Championship has come a long way since its inception. With increasing investments, sponsorships, and a solid framework for nurturing talent, the future looks very promising. A host of factors contribute to this optimistic outlook: stronger clubs, top-notch facilities, increased community engagement, better coaching, and a high level of competition. All signs point to the continued rise of women’s football within the EFL, solidifying its place as an indispensable part of the English football landscape.
