Karen Carney invites fans back to football 

WSL Football
image: wsl_karen_stills_01

The Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2 returns this weekend following the annual winter break.

At a time of year when people are searching for new rituals, new starts and new habits, women’s football provides a welcoming community where everyone can belong.

To mark the return of league action, women’s football legend Karen Carney OBE extends an open invitation to attend a women’s match in a new film for WSL Football. As Karen gets back to football following her winning turn on Strictly Come Dancing, she says:

“I
really
hope
that
you
all
get
down
to
a
Barclays
WSL
game
-
it
might
be
cold
outside,
but
you
know
what,
it
will
be
a
warm
feeling
and
a
warm
spirit
at
those
games.”

Before winning series 23 of the iconic BBC show, Karen Carney enjoyed a star-studded football career where she played for her hometown club Birmingham City, Arsenal and Chelsea. She also represented England at four World Cups and four European Championships and played for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Karen retired six and half years ago and now works as a broadcaster.

The video is available to watch below with a long-form version coming next week.

To support the action on the pitch, clubs up and down the country we'll be creating their own match day activations throughout January for back to football ranging from supporter soundbaths and wellbeing boxes, organised mental health walks, arts and crafts stations plus partnerships with Brown Girl Sport, Lonely Girls Cub and Baller FC.

Here's some activations and matches to get involved in this weekend.

Southampton v Portsmouth
Saturday 10 January, St Mary’s, 17:30

  • A South Coast Derby

  • Record Crowd

  • LEVEL1’s 12,000 square feet of non-stop action

Liverpool v London City Lionesses
Sunday 11 January, St Helens Stadium, 14:30

  • Mini Workout Sessions with Ben Edwards

  • Enjoy a free hot drink and a welcoming space to relax, chat, and connect with fellow supporters (Free drinks are subject to availability and offered on a first come, first served basis).

  • DJ & Host

  • Face Painting

Durham v Sunderland
Sunday 11 January, Maiden Castle Sports Park, 12:00

  • A photo opp with the UEFA Women’s Euro trophy - it will be in the Club Shop from 10am on match day.

  • Take part in a free, relaxing soundbath.

  • Free wellness-themed giveaways from If U Care Share, a local suicide prevention charity.

  • A WSL Panini Sticker Swap Shop.