Clubs need to do more if weekend showcase is to shine
Women’s Football Weekend has become a staple of the season after its launch in 2019. It’s a smart idea, capitalising on the men’s international break to highlight the women’s game. This time was no different, with the Football Association, Sky and the BBC heavily promoting the fixtures, which were spread across the weekend. Big crowds duly followed, but there was disappointment with the north London derby being hosted at Brisbane Road while the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was used for Saracens versus Harlequins. The pitch was so poor at Leyton Orient that it was deemed unfit for the women’s match the following day. Meanwhile, Manchester City hosted 5,222 at a packed Academy Stadium while the Etihad across the road loomed large and empty. The FA and broadcasters need the full buy-in of clubs if they are going to make the most of this particular showcase of women’s football. SW
