'Fantastic' new WSL deal will encourage more participation
WIDESPREAD television coverage of the Women’s Super League will be a ‘fantastic’ boost for female football – even at domestic grassroots level.
That’s Guernsey FA women’s and girls’ development officer Joelle Pengelley’s view after the WSL signed a three-season deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, allowing elite players like our own Maya Le Tissier to perform in front of a much wider audience.
Sky Sports will become the primary WSL broadcaster from September 2021 and will provide an investment of nearly £10m. per season.
Sky will show up to 44 live matches per season, the BBC another 22, and a substantial portion of the revenue will go to WSL clubs.
Pengelley, who had earlier highlighted the need for more positive exposure in female football, is super glad to see her wishes becoming reality.
‘It is fantastic that the Women’s Super League will be shown on television from next season,’ Pengelley said.
‘It will provide female football with much greater exposure, which will hopefully encourage more supporters and motivate many to participate within female football.
‘It is a huge step forward to have women’s football shown on TV without having to use the “red button” option where the matches can sometimes be hidden.
‘With the matches being on TV guides, it becomes visible to the general public and will hopefully encourage more people to watch.
‘It also has the potential to inspire so many young girls to get involved and show them how far they can progress by having female footballers on their screen and become role models, like Maya Le Tissier.’
Kelly Simmons, the FA’s director of the women’s professional game, said the deal will undoubtedly turn the WSL into ‘the most watched women’s sports league in the world’.
‘It is transformational. This is mainstream, this is prime slots on television, big audiences, week in week out, and I think it’s such an exciting step for the women’s game. It is quite an emotional moment.’
Pengelley continues to encourage local girls and women who are interested in finding out about local footballing opportunities to contact her at Joelle.Pengelley@guernseyfa.com.
