There’s a lot to look forward to in 2025 in the world of women’s football. In the first part of our preview, here are some domestic highlights to keep an eye on.
Barclays WSL + WC Conclusion
The second half of the Barclays WSL begins on Friday 17th January as Liverpool host Brighton.
Everton, buoyed by new ownership, will then return to action with a host of new faces as they entertain currently manager-less Aston Villa. On Sunday, all eyes will be on the Etihad for the first Manchester derby of the campaign. A win for Gareth Taylor’s City side could bring them closer in the title race, depending on how leaders Chelsea get on at West Ham. A result for Manchester United, meanwhile, could move them into the top three should Arsenal slip up against Crystal Palace. Tottenham host Leicester City with both sides looking to get some much-needed momentum.
While Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea side are clear frontrunners at the top, there is a fascinating relegation battle looming. Crystal Palace currently prop up the table but with four points separating them from Villa in seventh, Laura Kaminski’s side will be confident that they can pull themselves out of trouble. Facing Arsenal, Brighton and Manchester United will prove a tricky restart, however.
The Championship, meanwhile, has been a wild ride once again this season and resumes on Sunday 19th January. The title race promises to be fascinating, with just five points separating Birmingham City in 1st from Charlton in 8th. Bristol City have big ambitions to return to the top tier of women’s football and sit second only on goal difference while London City, Durham, Sunderland, Southampton and Newcastle remain very much in the mix.
With the withdrawal of Reading before the start of the campaign, there is just one relegation spot this season. Portsmouth have had a tough start to life in the Championship but their hard-earned point against Sunderland just before the winter break keeps them in touching distance of Sheffield United. Blackburn have earned themselves a bit of breathing room but cannot afford to get complacent.
The final day of the WSL is Saturday 11th May while the Championship ends on Sunday 4th May. You can see all league tables and remaining fixtures here.
FAWNL Finale
The six FAWNL divisions are all shaping up to have fascinating conclusions. The final day of the season is currently on Sunday 27th April.
The league resumed at the weekend although many fixtures were hit by the weather and the push for promotion is tight across the board. Just a quick reminder that the winners of both FAWNL Premier divisions will be automatically promoted to the Championship if they meet league requirements.
Unbeaten Nottingham Forest currently sit just one point ahead of Wolves at the top of the Northern Premier and possess a healthy goal difference over the rest of the division. Burnley, however, are still very much in the mix with a game in hand. With just one point on the board, Halifax have a battle if they are to stay in the division while Stourbridge remain one point from safety with Sporting Khalsa, Hull City and West Brom all in danger.
Things are equally tight at the top of the Southern Premier with Ipswich Town and Hashtag United tied on points. The former do have a +29 goal difference, however, over their rivals. Exeter City are having an impressive first season in the division and remain in contention. At the other end, MK Dons remain in trouble at the bottom while Gwalia United are in the relegation battle but do have games in hand over those around them.
Things are no less interesting in Division 1. Chorley currently lead the pack in the North Division but are being chased closely by Cheadle Town, Leeds United and Huddersfield Town who have all played one less match. Northampton hold a two-point advantage (and a game in hand) over Peterborough United in the Midlands Division while Leafield Athletic are also in pursuit. In the South East Division, Chatham Town sit top closely followed by Real Bedford who remain unbeaten. Finally, Swindon Town sit one point ahead of AFC Bournemouth in the South West Division but the latter have played five less matches, giving them a significant advantage.
You can see all league tables and remaining fixtures here.
Adobe Women’s FA Cup
The 2024/25 Adobe Women’s FA Cup resumes on 11th/12th January at the Fourth Round stage with WSL sides entering into the mix. There are 16 fixtures to be played. Fulham are the lowest ranked team left in the competition as they host London City Lionesses at Craven Cottage. There are long journeys for Durham and Sunderland who travel to Brighton and Exeter City respectively. Manchester City entertain Ipswich Town and Manchester United host West Brom. Check out all the ties here.
From there, we will have:
- Fifth Round: 9th February
- Quarter-Finals: 9th March
- Semi-Finals: 13th April
The Final will be played at Wembley on Sunday 18th May.
Subway Women’s League Cup
The quarter-final line up is set with eight sides vying for a spot in the semi-finals on 22nd January.
The sole remaining Championship side, Durham, face a tricky trip to Kingsmeadow to play Chelsea while holders Arsenal entertain Brighton. There is an eye-catching Manchester Derby, just three days after the two sides have faced each other in the WSL. Meanwhile, Tottenham will host West Ham.
In the semi-finals, the winners of Brighton/Arsenal will face Manchester United/Manchester City while Chelsea/Durham will play Tottenham/West Ham. These games are scheduled to be played on 5th/6th February.
The 2024/25 Final will be held at Deby County’s Pride Park on Saturday 15th March. Tickets can be bought here.
UWCL
Three English teams – Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City – have made it through to the quarter-final stage. Lyon, Wolfsburg, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona make up the rest of the line-up. The draw is not until the 7th February and the matches will be played on 18th/19th and 26th/27th March.
The Semi-Finals will then be played on 19th/20th and 26th/27th April.
This year’s UWCL Final is to be held in Lisbon, at Estádio José Alvalade on Saturday 24th May.
Other UK + Ireland leagues
SWPL
With the SWPL 2 returning last weekend, it is the SWPL’s turn as it restarts on Sunday 12th January.
The first phase of SWPL finishes on Sunday 2nd March. Phase 2 will then see the top six play each other home and away, with the bottom six doing the same.
Glasgow City lead the way with a five-point lead over Rangers in second. Hearts sit just behind in third while Celtic have dropped to fifth but hold two games in hand over those above them.
Hamilton Academical are firmly in the lead at the top of SWPL 2.
You can see all league tables and remaining fixtures here.
Adran Premier League
In Wales, the Adran Premier League returns on Sunday 12th January as Aberystwyth host Barry Town.
The New Saints and Cardiff City are currently battling it out in the title race. Briton Ferry sit four points behind in third.
You can see all league tables and remaining fixtures here.
Sports Direct Northern Ireland Women’s Premiership
2024 saw another league campaign get underway. Cliftoville took the title, lifting the trophy in October.
There has not been any news yet on the start of the 2025 season yet but watch this space.
SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
Athlone were crowned 2024 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Champions for the first time, pipping Shelbourne to the title and 2024/25 Champions League spot.
This year sees the league kick off on Saturday 8th March with Athlone Town mounting their title defence at home to Wexford.
All fixtures can be found here.
