Charlton Women's team kick off the new season at The Valley on Sunday against Sheffield United (3pm kick off)
The Women's Championship promises to be as competitive as ever this year and, with only one promotion slot available, achieving the prize of a WSL place remains very challenging indeed. Last season's fourth place finish was commendable but the gap between our team and promoted Bristol City was ten points. It was clear that considerable strengthening would be needed to bridge that gap and, when we look at the summer's recruitment, there are good grounds to feel optimistic and ambitious.
Kayleigh Green, Carla Humphrey and Kate Longhurst bring substantial WSL experience to the squad. Green (35) is a forward who has played for Brighton at the top level for the last five seasons and has 65 caps for Wales. Midfielder Humphrey (26) was part of the Liverpool squad promoted to the WSL two years ago having previously played for Bristol City and Arsenal. Longhurst (34) is a midfielder / wing back who won two WSL winner's medals with Liverpool before joining West Ham who she has represented for the last five years. In addition England under 19 international striker Freya Godfrey (18) has joined on a season-long loan from Arsenal.
England under 19 star Karin Muya and Northern Ireland international Rebecca McKenna have joined from Championship London City Lionesses and Lewes while the club has also retained the services of last season's golden boot winner Melissa Johnson. Freda Ayisi has signed up for a further year and the squad's togetherness is also strengthened by the fact that goalkeeper Sian Rogers and defender Elisha N'Dow (previously on loan) have now joined the club.
On top of all that, manager Karen Hills has signed a two year extension to her contract.
What better place to be on Sunday afternoon than The Valley?
Plus, if you need any further incentive, there will be an opportunity to meet four members of the men's squad:
https://www.charltonafc.com/news/meet-and-greet-mens-stars-womens-clash
Ticket information here:
https://booking.cafc.co.uk/en-GB/categories/Womens%20Home%20Games