Sally Freedman

Match of the Dames, founded by Anne Morris in partnership with Altrincham FC, aims to bring more women and girls into live football by inviting first-time female supporters to matches and creating a welcoming social experience around each fixture. After a successful 2025 pilot, the initiative will expand to five clubs for the 2026-27 season, hosting 40 dedicated fixtures and targeting 1,000 new female supporters. Its longer-term goal is to provide a model that clubs across the football pyramid can use to build stronger community connections and grow the women’s fanbase.

Aston Villa signed Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma from INAC Kobe Leonessa, pending visa approval. The 21-year-old, formerly of JEF United Chiba, has represented Japan at youth level and was part of the squad that won the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Villa director Marisa Ewers praised her potential, while Okuma expressed enthusiasm about joining the club. Villa finished ninth last season, with the expanded 14‑team WSL set to release its 2026–27 fixtures on 30 July.

Aggie Beever-Jones signed a new contract with Chelsea running until 2030, extending her long association with the club. The 22-year-old forward has become a key first-team player following loan spells at Bristol City and Everton, contributing significantly to Chelsea's domestic trophy successes. She has also made strides internationally, scoring a hat-trick on her first senior start for England in 2025 and helping the Lionesses win Euro 2025.

Aggie Beever-Jones signed a new contract extending her stay with Chelsea until 2030 after establishing herself as a key first-team player and contributing to multiple domestic titles. Her rise includes successful loan spells, nearly 100 club appearances, and strong performances for England, including a hat-trick on her first senior start and helping the Lionesses win Euro 2025.

Germany forward Nicole Anyomi has signed a four-year deal with London City Lionesses after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt, where she scored 60 goals in five seasons. She expressed enthusiasm for competing in the Women’s Super League and highlighted support from friend Shekiera Martinez as she prepares for the move. The club also recently extended defender Poppy Pattinson’s contract.

Denmark striker Amalie Vangsgaard has joined Aston Villa from Juventus for an undisclosed fee, expressing enthusiasm about moving to the Women’s Super League. The 29-year-old highlighted the league’s strength and Villa’s commitment to women’s football. Vangsgaard, who has scored 14 goals in 46 appearances for Denmark, looks forward to contributing as an attacking player ahead of pre-season.

Selma Panengstuen completes a move to Tottenham after emerging as a standout goalkeeper for Norwegian champions SK Brann, where she kept 18 clean sheets in their 2025 title-winning season. She recently debuted for Norway and maintained strong early-season form before choosing to join the Women's Super League side, citing the club’s upward trajectory and positive player feedback. Spurs coach Martin Ho highlights her strong potential and key goalkeeping qualities.