By Steven Oldham

Women’s football ever-more popular

It’s been one week since millions of us watched and cheered as England’s Lionesses retained their European Championships over fierce rivals Spain in a penalty shootout.

Women’s football has never been more popular – so why not give it a try this season if you haven’t before? As you’re probably aware, NWSF prefers to focus on sport away from the elite level – as there are hundred and thousands of athletes, teams and staff who deserve more coverage than they get.

So, when it comes to women’s football, you’ll find the National League as the main focus here – that’s Steps 3 and 4 on the pyramid. There’s plenty of North West representation, so let’s dive right in with Step 3.

Women’s National League Premier Division North

The Women’s National League Premier Division is split into two competitions for the North and South regions, with the champions being promoted to WSL2.

A one-off play-off this season will see one of the league runners up also promoted – to help maintain the pyramid’s integrity as the WSL expands to 14 teams from the 2026-27 season.

Twelve teams will fight for the title, including two from the North West.

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Burnley

Burnley have been regular promotion contenders in recent years, having finished in the top four in each of the last four seasons. A second place in the ’23-24 season represents their highest league finish.

The Lancashire club have been on an upward trajectory over the last decade, with back-to-back promotions from during the 2017-18-19 seasons leading them to their current position.

The Clarets play at the County Ground in Leyland, although have played some fixtures at Turf Moor.

This year, they’re going fully professional and have appointed ex-Liverpool Women boss Matt Beard as their head coach. An ambitious effort to replace Blackburn Rovers in WSL2 was denied by the FA, with Sheffield United reprieved instead.

Liverpool Feds

Since promotion to the National League North four years ago, Liverpool Feds have improved their league position each season – with a top six finish secured for the first time in the ’24-25 campaign.

Now entering her eighth year as manager, Leanne Duffy has overseen the club’s rise. The club lost only one match on their way to the Step 4 title in ’21-22.

Feds share their Jericho Lane home with South Liverpool of the North West Counties Premier Division. Last season’s top scorer Courtney Willis hit ten goals in the league.

Fisher. No.9. Back home. Let’s get to work. 👊⚽#FedArmy 💙 @FAWNL pic.twitter.com/qDbEm8s3H6

— Liverpool Feds FC Women (@LiverpoolFeds) July 30, 2025

Opening day fixtures

The competition starts on August 17, with both Burnley and Liverpool Feds kicking off at home. Newly-promoted Middlesbrough visit Burnley, while Feds face a stern test in last season’s runners up, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

• Burnley vs Middlesbrough
• Hull City vs Halifax
• Liverpool Feds vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Loughborough Lightning vs West Bromwich Albion
• Rugby Borough vs Derby County
• Stoke City vs Sporting Khalsa

Still to come: A look at the five North West sides lining up in the National League Division One North.

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