Sheffield’s promotion to the Super League confirmed
Sheffield FC Ladies’ promotion to the WSL 2 was confirmed on Tuesday, with Helen Mitchell’s side being granted a licence by the Football Association to endorse their promotion.
While Sheffield FC are noted for being the oldest football club in the world, the Ladies outfit were formed in 2003 and will now compete in the second tier for the 2016 season.
Sheffield have become the first team to win promotion to the Super League set-up, after winning the Women’s Premier League Northern Division, and subsequently beating Southern champions Portsmouth with a single goal in the play-off.
The Football Association have confirmed that the club have met all the necessary requirements, and can now compete against the likes of Aston Villa, Everton and Watford.
Katie Brazier, the FA head of women’s league and competitions, said: “We’re absolutely delighted for Sheffield FC. Not only have they proved themselves on the pitch, but the club have worked really hard to ensure they are ready for the challenges of The FA WSL from the administration side too.”
Playing at the Home of Football Ground, Mitchell’s side have now won six league titles in their last eight seasons – and dropped just eight points from 22 games in their most recent crusade. Sheffield have been noted for their firepower in front of goal over the last few seasons, with players such as Jodie Michalska scoring 31 goals in 22 games, and Suzanne Davies also finding the net 17 times in 21 games.
The club’s promotion comes as part of two-year process to allow the WSL to expand to 20 teams by 2017, meaning the top tier will increase from eight to 10, and the second tier will remain the same.
Due to the difference in fixture calendars, Sheffield will commence their season in the WSL Development League – designed for reserve teams – starting in August.