WSL Spring Series preview with Charlie MacKinnon

Friday 28 Apr 2017
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The WSL Spring Series enters its second round of fixtures with teams from across the two leagues showing their support to Kick It Out as part of a dedicated weekend of matches, as Charlie MacKinnon explains.

There are eight games taking place this weekend across WSL 1 and WSL 2.

On Friday night, there’s a top of the table clash at the Select Security Stadium as Liverpool Ladies take on Reading Women. The Reds are looking to continue their emphatic start to the series after they thrashed Yeovil Ladies 4-1 on the opening day.

Reading have also started the series well, as they defeated Bristol City Women 3-1. Liverpool will hope to turn up with the correct attire this week, after arriving for their opening series fixture without their playing kit.

Elsewhere in WSL 1, Chelsea Ladies take on Yeovil on Sunday afternoon, who were thrashed by Liverpool. The Blues begin their series campaign after finishing second in the WSL 1 table. Yeovil’s Sarah Wiltshire is a notable mention for the entire series, as she has returned to football just 11 weeks after giving birth in February; having already scored a penalty on the opening day.

Sunderland AFC Ladies take on Arsenal Ladies in the final WSL 1 Spring series game of the weekend, after an opening day stalemate with Birmingham Ladies. Arsenal play their first series game since finishing third in WSL 1 last year.

In WSL 2, there are five fixtures taking place on Sunday. In the early kick-off, Durham Women are looking to continue their fine form at the top of the table against fifth placed London Bees on Sunday. Later on Sunday afternoon, Everton Ladies take on Brighton & Hove Albion, with Everton sitting in fourth, but only three points off the top spot.

Millwall Lionesses are at home to Doncaster Rovers Belles as they look to maintain pressure on league leaders Durham. The Belles are currently sixth but have played several games less than most of the league.

Sheffield FC Ladies host Aston Villa Ladies, with Villa also chasing Durham. Sheffield will be searching for a much needed win as they sit near the bottom of the table in eighth spot.

Lastly, there’s a bottom of the table clash as tenth placed Oxford United Women face ninth placed Watford Ladies. Both are in trouble with Oxford having only picked up two points from seven games and Watford on five points, despite playing a game less.

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

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