For years, women's football has tried hard to step out of the male versions shadow. Tomorrow night might see it do just that, with the start of the new semi pro, Women's Summer League. Football is already the biggest participating women's team sport in the UK, with over 1.3 million players and with the new league that number is sure to grow. Eight teams will compete for the title and it starts tomorrow evening with Arsenal ladies visiting Chelsea ladies at Tooting and Mitchams, Imperial Fields ground with a 5.30 KO. The eight teams are Arsenal, Chelsea, Doncaster, Everton, Liverpool, Lincoln, Birmingham and Bristol. The first game and five others, will be screened live on ESPN, which will also help raise the profile and income. Clubs are restricted to no more than four players earning £20,000 or more so, Arsenal have lost some of their better players as they looked to comply with the new regulations. It will be interesting how this new summer league is welcomed, as it runs outside of the men's game it should have more chance of becoming a success. This year is an exciting one for the English game, after the £3 million investment from The FA, for the WSL, they will be hoping for a return on their investment when England compete in this summers World Cup. It is also predicted the women's game will turn fully professional within two years. For footballs check out our football balls section at Sportballshop.
