WSL Returns: Celebrating Rise of Female Athletes with Lauren James and Alex Greenwood

Highlighting the Impact of Women's Visibility in Sports: WSL 2024/25 Season Launch

As the 2024/25 Women’s Super League (WSL) season approaches, new research emphasizes the importance of visibility for female athletes, revealing that an impressive 88% of respondents believe watching female athletes on television inspires young women to engage in sports.

Sky Sports Celebrates Women's Football

In celebration of the upcoming season, Sky Sports organized a star-studded shoot featuring one player from every WSL club. The outfits worn by the players not only showcased their individual personalities but also highlighted the powerful intersection between fashion and football.

A Proud Representation of Female Athletes

This shoot is a part of the Sky Sports Editions series, designed to honor women who are breaking barriers, creating history, and motivating fans to watch and follow the sport. The event featured notable players like Arsenal’s Leah Williamson, Chelsea’s Lauren James, and Manchester City's Alex Greenwood.

Quotes from the Stars

In her remarks, Greenwood, who was inducted into the PFA WSL Team of the Year last season, shared her enthusiasm: "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 forward."

Research Insights on Female Representation in Sports

Data commissioned by Sky Sports reveals that nearly 70% of respondents view professional athletes as the most influential role models in sports for young women. This statistic underscores the significant role that female footballers play in shaping future generations.

As the WSL returns, surveys indicate that 79% of participants believe that broadcast coverage is integral to increasing the visibility of female athletes and their sporting role models.

Sky Sports' Commitment

Jo Osborne, Head of Women’s Sport at Sky Sports, expressed: "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."

Kickoff of the WSL Season

The WSL returns to Sky Sports this season with an unmatched number of matches broadcasted. The opening game features a riveting matchup, with Arsenal set to host rivals Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 22, exclusively live on Sky Sports and streaming service NOW.

Conclusion

As the WSL prepares to commence, the spotlight on female athletes through various media platforms is pivotal for inspiring future generations and increasing participation in women's sports. The efforts from broadcasters like Sky Sports are crucial in elevating the profile of women in sports, thus creating lasting change.