England League Cup Women

England League Cup Women

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Wikipedia - FA Women's League Cup

The FA Women's League Cup is a league cup competition in English women's association football. The competition was originally open to the eight teams in the FA WSL, but since the WSL's restructuring to two divisions, it has featured 23 teams. Prior to this it was known as the FA WSL Cup. The sponsor Continental AG was announced on 19 August 2011, meaning that for sponsorship reasons the competition is referred to as the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup.

Thirteen editions have been played, with Arsenal being the most successful club with seven titles.

History

Winners trophy

Before the creation of the FA Women's Super League the top women's clubs competed in the FA Women's Premier League Cup.

The first League Cup edition under the WSL was played after the inaugural FA WSL season. Arsenal, having already won the WSL and the FA Women's Cup, completed the national treble after a 4–1 win over Birmingham City.

The 2012 cup saw a change of format. The straight knock-out was abolished and group-stage with two groups was created. The top two of each group advance to the semi-finals.

Pedro Martínez Losa and Kelly Smith with the FA WSL Cup, 2015

2014 saw 18 teams enter, with the new WSL 2 teams joining the WSL teams. There are three groups of six teams. In 2015 for the first time a quarter-final stage was played.

For 2016 the cup changed to a true knock-out format and abolished the group stage. A move which was made in agreement with the clubs to increase excitement and competitiveness. With 19 teams, the bottom six teams play a preliminary round. The round of 16 following that is seeded, so that WSL 1 teams meet WSL 2 teams, who have home advantage.

In 2017–18 again a group stage was added.

In 2018–19, as part of the restructuring of women's football, 22 teams entered. The competition was split up into 11 North and South, with each region having one group of six and one group of five. Each team would play one match against each other, with the top two in each group advancing to a quarter-final.

The format was similar in 2019–20, with an extra team in the South. The groups are A (North, 6 teams) B (South, 6 teams) C (North, 5 teams) D (South, 6 teams) making 23 teams.

The England League Cup Women is a highly anticipated soccer tournament held annually in Great Britain. It showcases the immense talent and skill of women's soccer teams from across the country.

The tournament features teams from various divisions, including the Women's Super League, Women's Championship, and Women's National League. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging teams to compete against each other, providing an exciting and competitive environment for players and fans alike.

The England League Cup Women is known for its fast-paced and intense matches, where teams battle it out on the field to secure victory. The tournament follows a knockout format, with teams progressing through each round until the final. The final match is a culmination of the teams' hard work and determination, as they vie for the prestigious title of League Cup Women champions.

The tournament not only showcases the exceptional talent of the players but also highlights the growing popularity and recognition of women's soccer in Great Britain. It provides a platform for players to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and potentially catch the attention of national team selectors.

Fans eagerly anticipate the England League Cup Women, filling stadiums with their unwavering support and creating an electric atmosphere. The tournament offers a thrilling experience for spectators, with passionate chants, colorful banners, and nail-biting moments that keep them on the edge of their seats.

The England League Cup Women is not only a celebration of women's soccer but also a testament to the progress and inclusivity of the sport in Great Britain. It serves as a reminder of the immense talent and dedication of female athletes, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams in the world of soccer.