WSL Football set for major technology advancement with Sportable

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Image credit: Sportable

The Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) will collaborate with Nike and Sportable, a data and analytics company in the sports landscape, making it the first football league in the world to use advanced tracking technology.

 

Where innovation meets football

Sportable’s Connected ball technology will feature in Nike’s Official WSL Matchballs, promising a new level of insight and analysis into the game.

The product is currently undergoing a trial and test process, but may launch at an even larger scale from the start of the 2026/27 season. Potentially operating at every Barclays WSL match in the very near future, Sportable’s cutting-edge technology stands as a springboard for the future intersection between data technology and the beautiful game.

Moreover, Sportable CEO, Dugald Macdonald, expressed his excitement at what the product can bring for the women’s game.

“The opportunity to create a consistent, data-rich view of performance, from training pitches to stadiums, is truly groundbreaking and we are excited to help unlock the next level of insight for teams across the league and their fans via an enhanced, data-rich, broadcast experience,” Macdonald said via official media release.

Furthermore, with analytics and data taking a leading role within clubs to maximise performance, Sportable are providing clubs in the WSL with a vital tool in an elite, highly competitive landscape.

 

What does the technology provide?

Certified by the FIFA Quality Programme for Electronic Performance Tracking Systems (EPTS), Sportable’s Connected ball and player tracking system presents many benefits to clubs and athletes alike.

For example, across both training and competition, aspects such as ball speed, spin, flight, high intensity plays, team shape, tactical patterns and off-the-ball actions are all measured. Therefore, Sportable’s technology will play an essential role in backing current and future athletes with the information they need to maximise their potential.

“Nike’s new partnership with us is built on innovation and putting players first,” outlined Chief Revenue Officer for WSL Football, Zarah Al-Kudcy.

“Their desire to elevate the role of the ball through Sportable’s technology will enable us to provide enhanced performance data to our clubs as well as tell richer stories to our fans. We are excited to be the first football league in the world to use this technology.”

 

Read here for more information about Sportable.

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Chelsea Land Rising Star Nelly Las

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Image Credit: Chelsea FC

Chelsea has completed the signing of England youth international Nelly Las from Leicester City, with the 18-year-old defender putting pen to paper on a four-year contract.

Las arrives at Stamford Bridge after progressing through Leicester City’s academy and making her senior debut for the Foxes in 2024. Comfortable playing on both flanks, the versatile full-back has established herself one of England’s brightest young defensive prospects. She combines pace and attacking intent with strong defensive qualities, which saw her named in the Under-17 European Championship Team of the Tournament in 2024 where England finished runners up.

The move marks another investment in Chelsea’s future as the Blues continue to recruit some of the country’s most promising young talent alongside their established international stars.

Speaking after being officially announced, Las described the move as a “dream come true”.

While competition for places will be fierce, Las joins one of Europe’s leading clubs with the opportunity to develop alongside some of the game’s biggest names under head coach Sonia Bompastor.

Still at the beginning of her professional journey, the defender has already impressed at youth international level and gained valuable Women’s Super League experience with Leicester. Her ability to play across both full-back positions also offers Chelsea added depth and flexibility as they prepare to compete on multiple fronts once again this season.

For Las, the move represents the biggest step of her career so far. For Chelsea, it is another statement of intent as they continue to build not only for immediate success, but for the future.

Central Coast Mariners Women secure future under Holman Barnes Group

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Image Credits: Central Coast Mariners

The future of the Central Coast Mariners Women has been secured after the Holman Barnes Group (HBG) reached an agreement to become the new operator of the club’s A-League Women program. The deal ends uncertainty surrounding the team’s participation in the 2026/27 season.

The agreement between HBG, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Total Soccer Growth Holdings (TSG) ensures the Mariners will remain in the Ninja A-League Women competition. It also introduces a new operating model designed to provide long-term stability.

The uncertainty emerged following TSG’s acquisition of the Central Coast Mariners’ men’s side and academy in June. The women’s program was excluded from the original takeover. TSG already owns English football side Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and MLS club Los Angeles FC. The omission placed the future of the 2025 A-League Women champions in doubt. It also prompted the APL to seek a sustainable solution ahead of the new campaign.

A new operating model

Under the new arrangement, HBG will oversee all operational aspects of the women’s team. This includes the football program, staffing and day-to-day management. TSG will retain the club licence and continue overseeing the men’s program and academy. It will also support the women’s operation through its broader football network.

The agreement represents an innovative partnership between the three organisations. It has been designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of professional women’s football on the Central Coast. HBG’s plans extend beyond the senior team. They include a strong focus on developing participation pathways and creating greater opportunities for female footballers throughout New South Wales.

Attention turns to the new season

The transition comes at a crucial time with preparations for the 2026/27 Ninja A-League Women season underway ahead of its October 16 start. The new operators are expected to begin managing the program immediately. This remains subject to the completion of the remaining regulatory processes. The team currently has no sponsors and games are expected to be moved away from Central Coast Stadium.

The A-League had previously set a July 31 deadline for new owners to be found to secure a place in the upcoming competition. With that now achieved, HBG will be on the clock to ensure the season begins without disruption and becomes a commercial success.

For the Central Coast Mariners Women, the agreement delivers certainty after a turbulent off-season. It also allows the club to shift its attention to the 2026/27 campaign and the team’s on-field performance.

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