News

She Kicks’ season-opening news pages capture a summer of upheaval across the women’s game. Karen Carney, Cheryl Foster, Kay Cossington and Patricia Gregory are honoured in the King’s Birthday list, while Rebecca Welch retires after becoming the first woman to referee in the Premier League. The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited formally takes over the WSL and Championship from the FA, Reading are relegated to the fifth tier amid financial turmoil, and the Conti Cup is rebranded the Women’s League Cup. Elsewhere, Bunny Shaw and Grace Clinton collect PFA honours, Aberdeen’s Colin Bell departs after two games, Scotland’s regional leagues expand to 49 teams, and the NWSL abolishes its draft system under a new players’ agreement. FIFPRO also launches a return-to-play guide for mothers returning after childbirth.