WSL Returns: Lauren James, Alex Greenwood & The Stars Inspiring Young Female Athletes

Empowering Female Athletes: Spotlight on the Women’s Super League 2024/25

As the 2024/25 Women’s Super League (WSL) season approaches, a new study highlights the significant impact of increased visibility of female athletes. An impressive 88% of respondents believe watching female athletes on television inspires young women to engage in sports. This acknowledgment marks a pivotal moment in sports media and women's representation.

Women’s Football in the Limelight

To commemorate the return of England's premier women's football league, Sky Sports orchestrated a dazzling shoot featuring one player from each WSL club. Each athlete's outfit was carefully chosen to reflect their individual personas, showcasing the seamless blend of fashion and football.

This initiative is part of the acclaimed Sky Sports Editions series, which celebrates phenomenal women breaking barriers, setting impressive records, and inspiring the next generation of fans to engage with women's sports.

Inspiring Future Generations

According to a survey commissioned by Sky Sports, nearly 70% of people view professional female athletes as the most influential role models for young women. This statistic underlines the pivotal role that female footballers play in shaping future generations and enhancing participation in women's sports.

Key Personalities in the WSL

Among the sports stars captured during the shoot were notable players like Arsenal’s Leah Williamson, Chelsea's Lauren James, and Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood. Greenwood, who earned a spot in the PFA WSL Team of the Year last season, expressed her enthusiasm about the campaign:

"The WSL is an amazing league and to have each club represented at this shoot with Sky was great to see. While we're on different teams, we are in it together to keep inspiring the fans and pushing the women's game forwards."

Importance of Broadcast Coverage

As the WSL season kicks off, the survey also revealed the importance of broadcast coverage in promoting female athletes. A compelling 79% of respondents believe that television significantly enhances the visibility of sporting role models. This showcases the crucial role broadcasters play in increasing awareness and support for women’s sports.

Sky Sports' Commitment

Jo Osborne, Head of Women’s Sport at Sky Sports, emphasized the organization’s commitment to showcasing the exceptional talent within women’s sports. She stated:

"At Sky Sports, we are dedicated to showcasing the exceptional talent in women's sports, not only to entertain but to inspire fans and encourage greater participation among the next generation. Bringing all the WSL clubs together for this shoot is the perfect way to kick off the season and build excitement for seeing these incredible players back on our screens this weekend."

Season Kickoff and Exciting Matches

The 2024/25 WSL season is set to return on Sky Sports with unprecedented match coverage. The season opener promises to be a thrilling encounter as Arsenal takes on rivals Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, exclusively live on Sky Sports and streaming service NOW on Sunday, September 22.

This season marks a significant milestone in the promotion of women’s football, empowering players and inspiring young fans through increased visibility and representation in the media. As the WSL steps into the spotlight, the enthusiasm for women's sports continues to grow, paving the way for future generations of female athletes.