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The Football Association is pleased to announce two new members to its FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship Board following a recent election. Michelle Walder, a Non-Executive Director at Brighton & Hove Albion, was elected onto the board as a Barclays FA Women's Super League representative alongside Lewes Chief Executive, Maggie Murphy, who will represent the FA Women's Championship. Michelle and Maggie will join a board of re-elected members that is made up of the following club representatives: Bruce Bruck (Chelsea) Svenja Geissmar (Arsenal) Rebecca Caplehorn (Tottenham Hotspur) Michelle Walder (Brighton & Hove Albion) Lee Sanders (Durham Women) Maggie Murphy (Lewes) The two new members will replace Manchester City's Omar Berrada, and Susan Whelan of Leicester City. The FA would like to congratulate all those elected and re-elected onto the board, and to thank Omar and Susan for their contribution during their time as members.
NIFL Danske Bank Women's Premiership teams ruled the roost in the quarter finals of this season's Electric Ireland Women's Challenge Cup. The cup dreams of Carnmoney Ladies, Lisburn Rangers, St James' Swifts and Mid Ulster Ladies were shattered by Glentoran Women, Cliftonville Ladies, Crusaders Strikers and Sion Swifts Ladies respectively. Premiership leaders and Cup holders Glentoran defeated Carnmoney Ladies 7-0 at the Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey. Northern Ireland internationals Emma McMaster (2), Casey Howe (2), Chloe McCarron and Kerry Beattie all scored for the east Belfast side, while striker Rachel Rogan also grabbed a goal against the NIWFA Division 2 team. Cliftonville, who are breathing down the Glens' neck in the league title race, won away from home in the last eight of the competition, too. Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan was the star of the show as she bagged a hat-trick for the Reds in a 4-2 victory against Lisburn Rangers, who also play in NIWFA Division 2. Her international team-mate Louise McDaniel was the other scorer for Cliftonville, while Lisburn Rangers, who put in an impressive performance at Stanley Park, scored through Caoimhe Mulholland (penalty) and Eve Reilly. The all-Tyrone clash in Cookstown between Mid Ulster Ladies and Sion Swifts Ladies was dominated by the Premiership team. Kerry Brown was the hat-trick hero for Sion, while Erin Fildara grabbed two and Cora Chambers and Zoe McGlynn one apiece against their NIWFA Championship opponents. At Seaview, another Northern Ireland international, striker Emily Wilson, was on target as the Crues eased past NIWFA Championship outfit St James' Swifts on a 4-0 scoreline. She was, however, outshone in the scoring stakes on the night by Lisa Armour, who netted twice, while Kirsty Cameron hit the back of the net as well. (www.irishfa.com)
Canada 1 (Leon 55) Great Britain 1 (Prince og 84) Great Britain picked up the point they needed to finish on top of Group E in the Olympic Games when a deflected shot from Caroline Weir gave them a draw against Canada in their final group game. Hege Riise's side can now look forward to a quarter final against Australia whilst the Canadians, who finish in second place, will take on Brazil. Both matches will take place on Friday. Great Britain once again rang the changes in their starting line up with Jill Scott making her first full appearance of the tournament and Sophie Ingle this time wearing the armband. The game started in good pace, Evelyne Viens drilling an early shot just wide for Canada whilst Georgia Stanway and Weir had efforts blocked at the other end. Canada were troubling the Great Britain defence with their pace in the opening stages but as the game settled down, chances became fewer for both sides. Weir forced a save from Stephanie Labbe with a strike from the edge of the area but neither goalkeeper had been seriously troubled during the first half, which finished with the scoreline goalless. Ten minutes into the second half, Canada broke the deadlock as Ashley Lawrence made a strong run down the left, unchallenged before pulling the ball across goal for Adriana Leon to fire a powerful shot past Ellie Roebuck and into the top corner to put her side ahead. Great Britain responded by bringing on Kim Little and Ellen White and this gave them greater impetus going forward, Little quickly being involved as she fed Weir who was unlucky to see her shot come back off the bar. Stanway twice fired off target and White shot straight at Labbe as GB continued to gain momentum and it brought reward with six minutes remaining, albeit with a large slice of fortune. Lucy Bronze found Weir around 25 yards from goal and the Scottish midfielder unleashed a shot which took a huge deflection off Nichelle Prince and bounced past a wrong footed Labbe into the net for the equaliser. GB were able to take the sting out of the game in the last few minutes and were never troubled from that point, giving them the point they required to guarantee themselves as group winners. Canada: Stephanie Labbe, Jayde Riviere, Kadeisha Buchanan, Vanessa Gilles, Quinn (sub Julia Grosso 67mins), Deanne Rose (sub Jordyn Huitema 45mins), Evelyne Viens (sub Nichelle Prince 54mins), Sophie Schmidt, Adriana Leon, Ashley Lawrence (sub Gabrielle Carle 80mins), Janine Beckie (sub Jessie Fleming 45mins). Subs not used: Shelina Zadorsky, Kailen Sheridan. Great Britain: Ellie Roebuck, Lucy Bronze, Demi Stokes, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Sophie Ingle (sub Fran Kirby 77mins), Nikita Parris (sub Rachel Daly 76mins), Jill Scott (sub Kim Little 63mins), Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly (sub Ellen White 63mins), Caroline Weir. Subs not used: Steph Houghton, Ella Toone, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Sandy MacIver.
 Manchester City Football Club is delighted to announce that Karen Bardsley has signed a one-year contract extension at the Academy Stadium.One of English football's most recognisable figures and a seasoned professional in the Barclays FA Women's Super League, the goalkeeper surpassed a century of appearances for City in all competitions in November 2020. Formerly on the books of Ajax American Women, Pali Blues and Sky Blue FC, the shotstopper also played for Linkopings FC and Lincoln City prior to her switch to Manchester. During her seven seasons at the Club, she has played a pivotal part in the team's successes which include three Women's FA Cups, one FAWSL title and three Continental Tyres Cups. The 36-year-old was also the penalty shootout hero in the 2019 final of the latter, saving two spot kicks against Arsenal to secure victory for City in the showpiece fixture at Bramall Lane. She spent the second half of the 2020-21 season meanwhile out on loan with OL Reign in the NWSL. A stalwart for England since making her senior debut for the Lionesses 16 years ago, Bardsley has figured in a number of major tournaments for the national side, being named in the All Star Squad at the 2015 Women's World Cup. She also represented Team GB's first ever women's football team back in 2012 and was initially named in the squad for this summer's Olympic Games before unfortunately having to withdraw through injury. Speaking after putting pen to paper for what will be her eighth season as a City player, Bardsley said: "It feels great to be back and to have signed a new deal. I really missed being here in Manchester - although I had a great time on loan, there's no place like home. "It's so special to have been a part of something that's grown so quickly and to have been here from the start - to see what it's become here at City now, I feel very proud of that. "The past seven years have flown by, and long may it continue. It's been more than I could have ever hoped for and I'm so excited for the season ahead." Gareth Taylor, Manchester City Women Head Coach, added: "We're thrilled that Karen has signed a new contract here at City - as she has shown during her career to date, she is a very talented goalkeeper who brings a wealth of experience to our squad. "Having a player of her calibre commit her immediate future to the Club was important for us and we look forward to continuing our work together throughout 2021-22."
Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Frida Maanum has joined them from Swedish side Linkopings FC. The 22-year-old Norweigan midfielder moved to Linköpings in the Damallsvenskan at the age of 18 and won the Swedish league title in her first season at the club. Frida spent most of her youth career with Noreweigan sides Stabaek, Baerumslokka and Lyn, and she impressively made her national team debut at just 17 years old, featuring in a friendly against France in preparation for the Euros. She's since received more than 30 caps. In November last year, Frida scored the only goal for her country against Wales to book Norway's place in the 2022 Euros. "It's an honour to sign for a club like Arsenal," Frida told www.arsenal.com. "The history speaks for itself and I just can't wait to put on that shirt for the first time." Arsenal Women head coach, Jonas Eidevall said: "We are very happy to bring Frida into our squad. She is already an experienced player and her technical ability paired with her leadership qualities will align to the style of football that we want to play here. We are looking forward to working with her." The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
England are to return to Wembley Stadium connected by EE for a 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland. The match, on Saturday 23rd October (5.15pm kick off), will be the first competitive fixture for the Lionesses at the national stadium since it reopened in 2007. Wembley has staged two previous England international matches against Germany in November 2014 and November 2019. Tickets will go on sale exclusively to England Supporters Travel Club and My England Football members from midday on Friday 30th July before general sale begins from midday on Thursday 5th August. The Lionesses last met Northern Ireland at St George's Park back in February with Ellen White claiming a hat-trick and Ella Toone scoring on her debut in the 6-0 win. The two countries could also meet at next summer's UEFA Women's EURO in England with the draw for the finals to take place in Manchester on 28th October. Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA's director of women's football, said: "Having the chance for our England team to play again at Wembley in a competitive fixture is so important. From a performance point of view, it will give us the chance to get close to a big game occasion of the kind we hope our squad will experience at next summer's home UEFA EURO. "Having had such a challenging 18 months, the day will mean so much to our players and of course we hope the chance to play in front of so many fans will be something truly special. We have missed the supporters and let's hope that things are heading in the right direction on that front. "We want Wembley to feel like home for our England team and we want the players to be able to thrive when they run out to play. We are at the start of an exciting season and with Sarina Wiegman coming in as head coach, there is every reason for us to be upbeat for the months ahead." Under Wiegman, England will return to action when World Cup qualifying begins on Friday 17th September at home to North Macedonia, with the venue still to be confirmed, before travelling to Luxembourg four days later. October's camp will conclude with a trip to Latvia three days after the Northern Ireland fixture. November will then see the year's action conclude with two home qualifiers against Austria and Latvia on 27th and 30th November respectively, with the venues for those matches also yet to be confirmed. The Lionesses' last visit to Wembley came in November 2019 when a late German winner saw the visitors win 2-1 in front of an England women record crowd for a home international of 77,768. The overall record for a women's game on English soil is the 80,023 that saw United States defeat Japan 2-1 to claim gold at London 2012.
Japan 0 Great Britain 1 (White 73) Great Britain booked their place in the quarter finals of the Olympic Games with a hard fought victory over the hosts in Sapporo. The result guarantees them a place in the top two in their group and they will finish on top if they avoid defeat in their final match against Canada on Tuesday. Ellen White kept up her superb recent record against Japan with a brilliant piece of opportunism to score the only goal of the game, to add to her double when playing for England against them in the World Cup two years ago, and then grabbing the winner in last year's SheBelieves Cup. Hege Riise made four changes from the opening fixture against Chile with Demi Stokes, Sophie Ingle, Nikita Parris and Leah Williamson coming into the starting line up, whilst Kim Little this time wore the captain's armband. The first half was a largely uneventful one as the two teams cancelled each other out, with few opportunities at either end of the pitch. GB's only real chances came via headers from Lauren Hemp, neither of which found the target. Japan kept possession well but found it difficult to break down the Great Britain defence although they did go close on one occasion when Yuzuho Shiokoshi flashed a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area. After the break, GB pushed further up the pitch and became more of an attacking force with Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh having efforts blocked, whilst Steph Houghton and Nikita Parris sent shots off target, although once again without truly looking like ending the stalemate. However with seventeen minutes remaining, the breakthrough did come. Little slid a neat pass into the path of Lucy Bronze who floated a cross to the near post, Ayaka Yamashita came out of goal to clear but did not get there, White stealing in to glance a header which took a touch off the top of Saki Kumagai's head and looped into the far corner of the net. Williamson and Hemp were off target with headers but there were few scares for GB at the other end and Ellie Roebuck was largely untroubled as her defence remained solid in front of her. It wasn't the prettiest of games but that will not matter to the Great Britain side who were deserving of the three points. Japan: Ayaka Yamashita, Risa Shimizu, Saki Kumagai, Moeka Minami, Asato Miyagawa, Yuzuho Shiokoshi (sub Nicole Momiki 55mins), Emi Nakajima (sub Mana Iwabuchi 80mins), Honoka Hiyashi (sub Narumi Miura 67mins), Hina Sugita, Yui Hasegawa, Mina Tanaka (sub Jun Endo 67mins). Subs not used: Sakiko Ikeda, Saori Takarada, Yuika Sugasawa. Great Britain: Ellie Roebuck, Lucy Bronze, Demi Stokes, Keira Walsh, Steph Houghton, Sophie Ingle (sub Caroline Weir 59mins), Nikita Parris (sub Rachel Daly 76mins), Kim Little (sub Jill Scott 89mins), Ellen White, Leah Williamson, Lauren Hemp (sub Georgia Stanway 88mins). Subs not used: Carly Telford, Millie Bright, Niamh Charles.
Chelsea Women are delighted to confirm the signing of young forward Lauren James on a four-year deal. James was part of the Chelsea Academy from Under-10s to Under-14s and rejoins the club from Manchester United ahead of the 2021-22 Barclays FA Women's Super League season. After a stint on the Chelsea books, the forward made her debut for Arsenal aged 16 in October 2017 before signing her first professional contract for Manchester United in July 2018. James scored 14 goals in 18 league appearances to help United win promotion to the top flight of women's football and her performances were rewarded with a call-up to the England Under-19 squad for the 2019 UEFA Under-19 Championship. The 19-year-old made history by scoring Manchester United's first ever goal in the Barclays FA Women's Super League and finished as their top scorer in the 2019-20 season with six goals in 12 appearances. She was also shortlisted for the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year that season. James, sister of Blues defender Reece James, has represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 level and received her first senior call up as part of a training camp in November 2020. A technical player who is excellent in using her body to shield the ball, James has the ability to carry the ball past players with ease and she showed those qualities with a goal of the season contender in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last season. On signing for Chelsea, James told the Chelsea FC official website: "It's a great feeling to come back home, to a great club, the club I started at the age of six. "To be able to play for the first team now and come back here to Emma and the rest of the group is a great feeling. "I'm excited to get started and I can't wait to meet all the fans at Kingsmeadow when the new season kicks in."
 Sheffield United are delighted to announce the signing of full back Charlotte Newsham from fellow FA Women's Championship side Blackburn Rovers.The 21-year-old predominantly plays down the left hand side of the pitch and has progressed through the academy system at both Manchester City and most recently Manchester United. Newsham has also represented Scotland at youth team level, taking part in the UEFA Under-19 European Championships back in 2019. Starting out as a product of the Blackburn Rovers academy, Newsham joined Manchester City and then Manchester United, making several first team appearances in pre-season friendlies. After a loan spell to Huddersfield Town, Newsham joined Rovers at the start of last season and played regularly throughout the campaign. An ability to get forward and affect the game higher up the pitch, Newsham becomes head coach Neil Redfearn's third defensive signing of the summer and the 21-year-old is delighted to be joining the Blades. "It's great," she said. "I spoke to Redders and he told me all about the club and I just can't wait to get going to be honest. I've been training with the girls for a couple of weeks now and they've been really welcoming, I'm just ready to hit the road running this week ahead of our first pre-season friendly." Redfearn added: "We knew about Charlotte because we played against her at Blackburn last season. She's a young player, comfortable at left back and can play left sided centre back. She's a really talented kid, she's been an international for Scotland at age group levels and a lot of credit comes with that. "She's young enough to develop. She's got ability, I think she fits in with the way we want to play and it was a key position to replace at left back because they're not easy to come across."
The Football Association is pleased to be able to release the fixtures for the upcoming 2021-22 season for what is expected to be the biggest year ever for the Barclays FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship. With Sky Sports and the BBC on board as host broadcasters, women's football in England will receive levels of exposure not seen before, and with fans also set to return to stadiums, there is much anticipation over the new season. The opening weekend of the Barclays FA Women's Super League campaign, scheduled for 3-5 September, will include a meeting of two of the league's most successful clubs with champions Chelsea due to travel to Arsenal, while newly promoted Leicester City will visit Aston Villa, now coached by Carla Ward. The FA Women's Championship will kick off a week earlier on 28-29 August and will see, amongst a full set of fixtures, last season's FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup finalists Bristol City travel to Crystal Palace, while last year's runners-up Durham Women will host Watford. Full opening weekend fixtures across the Barclays FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship are as follows: BARCLAYS FA WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE (3-5 September 2021) Arsenal v Chelsea Aston Villa v Leicester City Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United Everton v Manchester City Manchester United v Reading FC Women Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham City FA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP (28-29 August 2021) Blackburn Rovers v Sheffield United Coventry United v Sunderland Crystal Palace v Bristol City Durham Women v Watford Lewes v Charlton Athletic Liverpool v London City Lionesses Kelly Simmons, Director of the Women's Professional Game, said: "This season will see record levels of exposure and audiences as a result of our exciting new partnership with Sky Sports and the BBC, and I cannot wait to see our elite athletes showcasing their talent to the nation. "The return of fans is hugely exciting and I am so pleased we can welcome you back. You are the heart of our sport and we missed you last season. Your return will highlight just how special our leagues are and I am really looking forward to seeing you back where you belong, cheering on your favourite team. "A lot of work has gone into preparing for this season and I think it is this year people will see just how far the women's game has come. We are blessed to have two such competitive leagues and I cannot wait for kick off." Once again fans will be able to stream Barclays FA Women's Super League fixtures on The FA Player that are not chosen for broadcast on Sky Sports and the BBC, while selected FA Women's Championship matches will also be streamed live. A number of international broadcasters will once again be showcasing the Barclays FA Women's Super League, and for those countries that do not have a broadcast agreement in place, matches will be viewable through The FA Player.
Glentoran held onto the leadership of the Danske Bank NI Women's Premiership by winning 3-0 against Crusaders Strikers. There were no goals in the first half but just a minute after half time, the Glens opened the scoring when Kerry Beattie converted a cross from Lauren Wade. Joely Andrews made it two midway through the second half and Wade herself wrapped up the points with the third goal late on. The result keeps Glentoran a single point ahead of Cliftonville, having played a game more, following the Blues' 6-1 victory away to Derry City. Rachel McConnell and Erin Montgomery gave Cliftonville a two-goal lead at half time and after the break, McConnell netted twice more to complete her hat-trick, Montgomery added her second and Caitlin McGuinness was also on target, before Tara O'Connor grabbed a late consolation for the Candystripes. In-form Sion Swifts notched up their fourth victory in five matches when they came from behind to beat Linfield Ladies 2-1. Linfield took the lead through Rebecca Bassett just ahead of the half hour mark but ten minutes into the second half, Cora Chambers brought Sion level and substitute Catherine Hyndman completed the turnaround when she scored the winner, twelve minutes from time.
Arsenal are delighted to announce that Simone Boye Sorensen has joined the club from FC Bayern Munich. The 29-year-old defender started her career with Jernlose IF in Denmark and in 2012 she attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she played for the UTSA Roadrunners before returning to her Danish club after the American season. Simone signed for Danish Elitedivisionen side Brondby IF in 2013, where she played predominantly as a central midfielder and led the team to the UEFA Women's Champions League, before eventually receiving the captain's armband. In 2014 Simone won the Danish Football Player of the Year award for her consistent performances. After a spell at FC Rosengård under the guidance of Arsenal's new head coach, Jonas Eidevall, the Danish international joined Bayern Munich in 2019 and went on to make 32 appearances. "It feels really good to be here," Simone told arsenal.com. "I needed a new start and I'm grateful that Arsenal reached out to me. I'm very excited to get started. It's been a while coming now so I'm looking forward to it." Arsenal Women head coach, Jonas Eidevall said: "Simone is an experienced defender who bring a strong attitude and mentality to the team on and off the pitch. I am sure that she will be a great fit to the squad and we are looking forward to working with her." The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
Tottenham Hotspur are delighted to announce the signing of Gracie Pearse and that they have reached agreement for the loan signing of Tang Jiali from Shanghai Shengli FC for the 2021-22 season, subject to work permit clearance. 18-year-old defender Gracie has signed a contract with the Club until 2023, with the option to extend for a further year, and will rejoin FA Women's Championship side Crystal Palace on loan for the 2021-22 season where she made seven appearances in all competitions last year. An England Under-21 international, Gracie arrives after ten years in the Arsenal academy where she made two senior appearances for the Gunners. Gracie told the Tottenham Hotspur FC website: "I'm really excited to come to Spurs - it means a lot to me because I come from a family of Tottenham fans, so that makes this opportunity even more special. My dad supported me in getting into football when I was very young and I just enjoyed it so much - I discovered what it was like to play in a girls' team and it really drove me on to want to be the best player I can possibly be. "My dad is a huge fan of this Club so deep down, I always knew it was meant to be that I would eventually become a Spurs player - it gives me huge pride to represent my Dad and the rest of my family in that way. I associate the Club with him which motivates me even further as a player to want to represent the Club to my full potential. "It's not just because we're Spurs fans though - I'm excited to be here because I really do believe that Spurs will be moving in the right direction towards the top of the WSL in the coming seasons and I want to be a part of it. Being at Crystal Palace will be very important for me initially. I really enjoyed it there last season and by splitting my training time between here and Palace and hopefully getting some more game time with them, I'll be getting the best of both worlds at this stage of my career. This is only a step towards what I want to achieve in my career and I will continue to strive towards these goals with the great platform Spurs is providing for me. I can't wait to get started." Tang, who will wear the number nine shirt, joined Shanghai in January, 2016 and has made 42 appearances to date over the course of two separate spells at the club. In her debut season for the Chinese Super League side, Tang featured 14 times and found the back of the net on seven occasions. The 26-year-old moved to Jiangsu Suning in January, 2018 where she helped them clinch the title making 25 appearances and scoring 11 times. Tang returned to Shanghai for a second spell at the beginning of the 2020 season, the playmaker continued her fine form and added eight goals to her tally in 15 appearances. Equally established on the international stage, Tang made her senior debut for China in December, 2014 against the USA and earned a nomination for the Best Young Player of the Tournament at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. She scored vital goals recently in China's 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifying campaign against Australia, Thailand and Chinese Taipei. Tang told www.tottenhamhotspur.com: "I am so happy to be joining Tottenham Hotspur. I am a big fan of Premier League football and I've always dreamt of playing in England. I can't wait to arrive in London, and I hope I can help make it a successful season for the team." Head Coach Rehanne Skinner said on her two signings: "Gracie has had experience at England youth level and she's shown a lot of potential and promise during her career so far. As a Club, we want to nurture young players and help them to gain the experience that they need, so in Gracie's case that will involve her gaining match minutes in a loan capacity at Crystal Palace initially, while we monitor and support her very closely. It's all with a view to developing her game and helping her to play senior matches in preparation for the future. "She's really open to learning, she's got a great attitude and that will stand her in good stead for what's to come. We're really pleased that she's now a Spurs player. "We are really excited to have a player of Tang's quality coming to Spurs. She has been a prolific goalscorer in the Chinese Super League and instrumental in helping China in their successful Olympic qualifying campaign. The additional strengths Tang brings to the team will be key to our success moving into the new season." (www.tottenhamhotspur.com)
The Scottish FA have today published our new strategy for Girls' and Women's football, Accelerate Our Game, designed to enhance all areas of the game within the next five years. Accelerate Our Game has been produced in partnership with UEFA and outlines the association's journey within six key pillars of activity, each with a Gamechanger objective to make a difference to all areas of the girls' and women's game from grassroots to the elite level. The Scottish FA were selected by UEFA as one of six national associations to embark on building a women's football strategy where, led by the Scottish FA's head of girls' and women's football Fiona McIntyre, UEFA assisted the process which has had input from wide ranging areas of the game in Scotland. A core objective of the strategy will be for Hampden Park to become the home of the Scotland Women's National Team, with all home matches of the forthcoming FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying campaign to be held at the national stadium. The five-year strategy is published after Pedro Martinez Losa was announced as the new head coach of the Scotland Women's National Team. It outlines the association's new Vision and Mission for the Girls' and Women's game: Vision Harness the power of women's football by changing perceptions and empowering people to inspire the nation, transform lives and build an inclusive, respected and successful game. Mission Protect, develop and promote women's football for all, by investing in the people, product and pathways, so current and future generations can enjoy and love our national game equally. Accelerate Our Game is designed to provide focus to the Scottish FA's commitment to progress the girls' and women's game in Scotland with six key pillars identified. Each has a Gamechanger objective to inspire leadership and progress in the key pillars of activity: * Increase participation and have over 25,000 registered players by 2025 * Professionalise the elite club game * Qualify consistently and compete at major tournaments * Showcase our game so that it is valued by stakeholders and the general public * Double commercial revenues * Ensure women's football is appropriately represented and has a voice on key decision-making bodies Accelerate Our Game also sets out a number of key targets within the Gamechanger objectives in order to progress the girls' and women's game with highlights including: * Make Hampden the home of the Scotland Women's National Team and increase crowds by 10 percent annually * Review how elite competitions are delivered and implement an improved governance model by the 2022/2023 season * Introduce a national Under-23s programme to help bridge the gap between youth and senior international football Fiona McIntyre, the Scottish FA's Head of Girls' and Women's Football, told www.scottishfa.co.uk: "Accelerate Our Game is our commitment to ensure women's football in Scotland fulfils its limitless potential. "The new strategy sets out our vision for the next five years encompassing all aspects of the game as we aim to continue to make improvements across the board, from increasing participation numbers to improving the representation of women's football on decision- making bodies. "Hampden Park will become the new home of the Scotland Women's National Team, which will not only inspire the nation but also the players as they aim to return to the biggest stage in women's football, the FIFA World Cup. "The game has grown immeasurably in recent times and we are focused on continuing that progression. We are committed to encouraging future generations to become involved with girls' and women's football whilst also ensuring the club game and our national teams excel." You can read the strategy in full by visiting the Scottish FA's official website at www.scottishfa.co.uk.
 Glasgow City are delighted to announce the signing of English winger Tyler Dodds.The 25-year-old joins the club having spent time in Italy where she helped ASD Calcio Pomigliano win promotion to Serie A. The Gateshead-born player has previously played with Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Durham Women. Her stint at ‘Boro was impressive as she ended being top scorer two seasons in a row. Tyler also played International University football for England and Great Britain. She featured in the 2017 World University Games in Taipei, where Grant Scott was assistant coach. Tyler Dodds commented on signing for Glasgow City: "I'm really excited to get started. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming, and everything feels so professional. I hope I can help the squad and lift trophies here." Reuniting with Dodds again, Grant Scott said on what she will bring to Glasgow City: "She is a strong wide player, with good pace about her and a good finisher. She knows the game well. She is a great character also and has really fitted into the group."
Pedro Martinez Losa has been appointed Scotland Women's National Team Head Coach ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying campaign. The 45-year-old Spaniard has signed a three-year contract with the Scottish FA and will start on 1st August having coached household names in women's football and experienced success across the globe. Pedro recently led FC Girondins de Bordeaux Women to a second successive third place finish in D1 Féminine, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in the club's history after finishing behind Lyon and Paris Saint Germain last season. The UEFA Pro Licence holder spent two years in France following a one-year spell as Director of Football and General Manager of London City Lionesses, which followed a three-year period as head coach of Arsenal Women. During his time in charge of Arsenal, Pedro delivered Continental Cup and FA Cup success, whilst coaching Scotland players Caroline Weir, Christie Murray, Kim Little, Lisa Evans and Emma Mitchell. He also laid the foundations for the club's current success by signing key players such as Daniëlle van de Donk and Vivianne Miedema. With more than 20 years' coaching experience, the 45-year-old has worked with household names in the women's game including Carli Lloyd and Abby Wambach at Western New York Flash. Prior to his move to the United States, Pedro achieved unprecedented success in his homeland, winning the Spanish Women's La Liga on three consecutive occasions between 2009 and 2011 with Rayo Vallecano Femenino, as well as the 2008 Copa de la Reina. During that period he also led the side in the Women's Champions League. His first match in charge of the Scotland Women's National Team will be on Friday 17th September in Hungary before a home game against Faroe Islands four days later. Scotland are aiming to reach their second successive FIFA World Cup and are also joined in a group with Spain and Ukraine. Pedro Martinez Losa, Scotland Women's National Team Head Coach, told www.scottishfa.co.uk: "It has been a long-held ambition of mine to coach a women's national team so today represents a tremendous honour for me as I take charge of Scotland. "I have admired from afar in recent years, watching a talented group of players take their nation to two back-to-back major championships and it's now my job to ensure the team return to that stage. "Scotland have an abundance of international talent alongside a well balanced mix of youth and experience throughout the squad, which was one of the main aspects which attracted me to the job. "I want to achieve success on the pitch to inspire the next generation of female players in this country. I understand women's football is growing rapidly in Scotland and I want to spearhead that with victories on the pitch. "There is a promising journey ahead for the team and I can't wait to get started ahead of the matches against Hungary and Faroe Islands." Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive added: "Pedro's CV is extremely impressive and following an extensive recruitment process, his experience of women's football across the globe set him apart from the field. "In a coaching career spanning more than 20 years, Pedro has succeeded in Spain, the United States, England and France and joins the Scottish FA with a set of attributes which will allow Scotland to fulfil their enormous potential. "With the new women's and girls' strategy set to be released later this week, Pedro's appointment will re-energise the game in Scotland and ensure it returns to the forefront of people's minds ahead of an exciting qualification campaign where we aim to again grace the biggest stage in women's football at the FIFA World Cup." (www.scottishfa.co.uk)
Chile 0>
Great Britain 2 (White 18,72) Chile 0 Ellen White scored both goals as Great Britain got off to a winning start in their group in the Olympic Games. The Manchester City striker netted once in each half to hand her side a comfortable victory but they will be fully aware of much sterner tests to come in their other group matches. Team GB thought they had made the breakthrough on ten minutes as Georgia Stanway strode forward to the edge of the area and her shot was parried by Christiane Endler into the path of Ellen White who slotted home the rebound, but an offside flag ruled out the strike. However eight minutes later, they did take the lead when Lucy Bronze broke down the right and floated a cross to the far post, where Lauren Hemp did well to nod down and give White a simple finish from five yards out. Caroline Weir had a shot charged down and Hemp fired over as Team GB continued to dominate matters, whilst Little also saw an effort blocked from the edge of the area. Chile had their best spell of the match leading up to half time but without seriously troubling Ellie Roebuck in the GB goal, leaving Hege Riise's side one ahead at the interval and maybe disappointed not to have a firmer control on the scoreline. After the break, Stanway saw a shot saved by Endler whilst the game continued in the same pattern as the first half, with GB dictating possession but unable to increase their lead. Bronze had an opportunity as she headed over the bar from a Nikita Parris cross but two minutes later, the full back was to turn provider for the second goal. Little fed Bronze on the right where she took a touch to open up some space before clipping the ball into the centre for an unmarked White to volley in from six yards. The game was over as a contest and the opportunity was taken to make a number of substitutions as it came to a close. An ideal start for GB came to an end and they will approach their second game against hosts Japan in good heart and with confidence but a much tougher task is expected this time. The other group game between Japan and Canada finished in a 1-1 draw, new Arsenal signing Mana Iwabuchi scoring a late equaliser for the host nation after Christine Sinclair had given the Canadians a first half lead. Great Britain: Ellie Roebuck, Lucy Bronze, Rachel Daly, Keira Walsh (sub Sophie Ingle 69mins), Steph Houghton, Millie Bright, Caroline Weir (sub Jill Scott 90mins), Kim Little (sub Ella Toone 90mins), Ellen White, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp (sub Nikita Parris 69mins). Subs not used: Carly Telford, Demi Stokes, Leah Williamson. Chile: Christiane Endler, Nayadet Lopez (sub Rosario Balmaceda 81mins), Daniela Pardo, Carla Guerrero, Camila Saez, Yesenia Lopez (sub Maria Mardones 70mins), Karen Araya, Francisca Lara, Daniela Zamora, Maria Jose Urrutia, Yanara Aedo (sub Yenny Acuna 78mins). Subs not used: Fernanda Ramirez, Natalia Campos, Javiera Toro, Javiera Grez.
Lydia Bedford has named the England Women's Under-19 squad for the upcoming July camp in which they will take on Czech Republic at home. The 25-player group will meet up on Thursday 22nd July at the home of England teams, St George's Park, before heading to AFC Telford United's, New Bucks Head stadium on Friday 30th July to face the Czechs [11.30am kick off]. England will begin their 2021-22 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship campaign in October when they come up against Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Switzerland in Group A5 of the qualifying round. England WU19 head coach Lydia Bedford said: "The next nine days provide the squad with a great opportunity to test themselves against international opposition and give a kick start before their European finals campaign. "It's been over 16 months since the group's last competitive fixture against the USA, and I know the players will be raring to go. "The players have been exemplary in their focus and dedication throughout the global pandemic, and I am confident they are ready for the season ahead." See the next generation of Lionesses in action with tickets now on sale and available via https://afctelfordunited.ticketco.events/uk/en. Tickets are only available online and are priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. England Under-19 squad:
Glasgow City are delighted to announce the appointment of Grant Scott as interim Head Coach. One of the most successful coaches in recent seasons in Scottish Women's Football, Grant guided Hibernian to two domestic Cup doubles in 2018 and 2019, on each occasion defeating Glasgow City in the process and into Europe in the UWCL, including making it to the knock out stages in 2019. Grant takes charge of the City first team alongside the existing backroom staff and will remain at the helm until the new Glasgow City Head Coach joins later in the year. Commenting Chief Executive Laura Montgomery said: "I am delighted to appoint Grant as Interim Head Coach. It is a very exciting time for the club as we embark on a new era and I am thrilled Grant will help us through our transition to our new Head Coach who will join officially in a few months time. "We have always had a succession plan at the club and we have worked diligently to get what and who we wanted in place. Grant is an excellent coach, with one of the best track records in the game. Of course he is no stranger to the club, having outwitted us many times on the field as well as of course joining us briefly at the start of last season as Assistant Coach. "I wish Grant the best of success over the coming months and very much look forward to working with him." Grant Scott said on joining the club as Interim Head Coach: "It is a real honour to work with this special club again especially as interim Head Coach. I am very grateful to Laura and everyone else involved for trusting me to guide the team for a period. "Like every season there will be challenges but as always at City, we'll welcome that and hope those challenges keep pushing us to new levels. We can't wait to get started."
Sion Swifts made it three wins in four games in the Danske Bank NI Women's Premiership with a 2-1 victory against Derry City. After not managing a win in any of their opening seven league games, Sion's upturn in form has been impressive and the result takes them into fourth place and above Linfield Ladies. In the only match to be played in the league, the scoreline was goalless at half time but three minutes after the restart, Erin McLaughlin gave Sion the lead. The Candystripes gave themselves hope of picking up a point when Kathryn Canavan equalised late on but four minutes later, Kerry Brown fired home a long range strike to seal the points for the Swifts.
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