BBC Women's Football Weekly

Arsenal's Kyra Cooney-Cross opens up to Jo Currie about the death of her mother two months ago. Kyra's mum was diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer, in January of this year.

Kyra talks about navigating grief and how her mum helped her football career. Kyra returned to football after six months away from the game, but credits her teammates and the club for their support during an incredibly difficult period.

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Ben and Ellen are joined by The Guardian's Tom Garry as the WSL returns! Kick off times have changed this season, what is the best time for a women's football audience to have games played? Is the Sunday evening match a good idea and who does it appeal to most?

Elsewhere London City Lionesses started strongly with some of the biggest global stars in their line up, however none of their starting XI were English.

Tom and Ellen debate what this means for football in England and the development of the game. Should the league be doing more to help home grown talent?

Plus an investigation is under way after Crystal Palace breached a rule by using four substitution windows in their 1-0 win over Everton.

Em Sanders is at Anfield for the final stop of our media day tour before the WSL season kicks off on Friday!

First up, Gareth Taylor sits down with Em to discuss consistent behaviours on and off the pitch, having a full pre-season with the squad, and his passion for gardening. Scottish midfielder Sam Kerr also drops by to reflect on her leadership style and driving standards in the squad.

Plus, two summer arrivals join the pod. England goalkeeper Khiara Keating talks reuniting with Gareth Taylor, maturing on and off the pitch, and her ambitions with both Liverpool and the Lionesses, while Sara Agrež discusses her defensive attributes and inspiring the next generation of young girls in Slovenia.

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00:04 - Em Sanders is at Anfield for the final media day diary episode!

The Women's Super League is back on Friday and Ellen White and Ben Haines have returned for a new season of the Women's Football Weekly!

Ellen shares her thoughts on the biggest summer transfers, plus Em Sanders joins the pod to take a closer look at some of the under-the-radar signings that could quietly define the campaign.

The team also looks ahead to a massive opening night under the lights in Bromley, where headline-making London City Lionesses kick off the season against a Manchester United side starting a new era under head coach Eva Olid. Plus, the panel reacts to Dario Vidosic's shock departure from Brighton and evaluate the swift succession plan that brought in new manager Arturo Ruiz.

While many European stars enjoyed a rare extended summer break, the major tournament action continued in Morocco for an unforgettable Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Ali Howorth stops by to give us the lowdown on the tournament, including Cameroon's historic first-ever title win. To wrap things up, Ellen gives us her pre-season predictions - so look away now, Lauren Hemp!

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Ben Haines is down at Hotspur Way for the next stop of our media day tour!

With Tottenham’s summer transfer business signalling serious ambition, head coach Martin Ho sits down with Ben to discuss being talked about as genuine WSL contenders, plus how meditation and golf help him decompress off the pitch.

Two of Spurs’ high-profile summer arrivals also drop by. Vic Pelova reflects on making the rare move across North London, their pre-season camp in Spain, and rediscovering her best self. Plus, Kirsty Hanson, the WSL’s third-highest goalscorer last season, discusses building on that form and what drew her to Spurs’ style of play.

Rounding things off, Norwegian duo Tinka Tandberg and Signe Gaupset heap praise on each other, discuss embracing the hype around Spurs and celebrate their connection with the fans.

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Ben Haines is back, and back on the road, this time down in Kent for the London City Lionesses media day.

New signing Mary Earps joins Ben to discuss her return to the WSL and overcoming setbacks, while head coach Eder Maestre breaks down club culture, playing identity, and viewing Alexia Putellas as his extension on the pitch. Plus, Freya Godfrey returns to chat about squad bonding, personal growth, and her improving Spanish.

Izzy Goodwin opens up about her newfound love for Fortnite, her infection energy, and tries to clear up whether she’s Izzy or Isobel. Jana Fernandez reflects on a much-needed summer break, exploring British supermarkets, and bringing famous friends to the club, before Alanna Kennedy rounds things off by discussing consistency in the number six role and the squad's ambitions for the season ahead.

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Jo Currie picks up the media day baton at Carrington to catch up with five members of the Manchester United squad.

Last summer’s star signing Fridolina Rolfö kicks things off by reflecting on her first season in Manchester and introducing the squad to the Swedish ritual of Fika. January arrival Lea Schüller discusses settling in, United's tough start to the season, and her unexpected love for the inner ring road, while Julia Zigiotti Olme breaks down leadership styles, her best friend's wedding, and the benefits of having a strong Swedish core in a World Cup year.

Dominique Janssen checks in to talk Midsummer celebrations, her defensive partnership with Maya Le Tissier, and the WSL's rapid growth since 2015. Finally, the third and final member of our Swedish trio, Hanna Lundkvist, joins to cover Bananagram battles, growing up on Djurö, an island in the Stockholm Archipelago, and how she would celebrate a winning goal.

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The Media Day Diaries continue as Ben Haines heads to Cobham Training Centre, the home of Chelsea Football Club.

First up, Ellie Carpenter chats about her debut season at the club, reuniting with Melvine Malard, and her love of playing at Stamford Bridge. Lucy Bronze and her golden mic are back on the pod to discuss extending her contract and the highlight of her summer in Colombia. Plus, Lauren James sits down with Ben to talk about coming out of her shell, sharpening her mindset, and supporting her brother Reece at the World Cup.

Keira Walsh is also back on the pod! She chats to Ben about having close friend Georgia Stanway nearby in London, the influx of star players to the WSL, and being part of the chasing pack this season. After 11 years at Arsenal, new signing Katie McCabe opens up about her reasons for moving to Chelsea and why she thinks this will be the best WSL season yet.

Head coach Sonia Bompastor caps off the episode by reflecting on the lessons learned last season, the value of player versatility, and her love of cycling.

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Ben Haines is back on the road and this time he's at the home of reigning WSL champions, Manchester City.

After 9 years at Arsenal, new signing Beth Mead kicks things off to chat new environments, moving back up north and being suited to Man City’s style of play. Vice-captain Kerstin Casparij pops by to reflect on last year’s success and becoming the hunted rather than the hunters. Head coach Andrée Jeglertz also joins Ben to talk dressing room culture, juggling Champions League football this season and his new tattoo.

Vivianne Miedema is back on the pod and chats to Ben about last season’s celebrations, enhancing their attack and reveals the unique place she keeps her medals! Grace Clinton tells us about how she switched off over summer, her spiritual nature and her World Cup aspirations. Plus Bunny Shaw wraps things up in style by discussing her aerial ability, another golden boot and THAT contract-extension announcement.

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Ben Haines is taking the podcast on the road and visiting as many clubs as possible before the 2026/27 WSL season gets underway. First up, we’re down at the Arsenal training centre with a dream 5-a-side line up.

Ben catches up with two of Arsenal’s new recruits, England midfielder Georgia Stanway and Spanish full-back Ona Batlle. Georgia talks about first day nerves, becoming a Londoner and how she grew over her time in Munich, and Ona chats about her development at Barcelona, making new connections and the challenge of being back in the WSL.

Two of Arsenal’s leaders at the back, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Steph Catley, also join Ben. Lotte reflects on her summer break, her personal evolution and those she brings on the journey with her, and Steph opens up about setting standards, club values and despite being on the other side of the world, Arsenal feeling like home.

Last but not least, head coach Renée Slegers sits down with Ben to talk about getting their transfer business done early, her rousing team talks and the club’s bold ambitions for the season.

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