BBC Women's Football Weekly

BBC Radio 5 Live
  • 4.9 (38)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Whether you're a lifelong Lionesses fan or just getting into the women's game, BBC Women's Football Weekly brings you closer to the action with new episodes every week. Ben Haines teams up with England's record goalscorer Ellen White to unpack the biggest talking points from the Women's Super League and beyond - covering match previews, standout performances, and all the drama on and off the pitch. BBC Women's Football Weekly also features exclusive interviews with the biggest stars in the Women's Super League and national teams. Subscribe now to get every episode as soon as it drops and stay in the know with the latest from the world of women's football. Plus, listen to classic episodes of Jill Scott's Coffee Club, where Jill sits down with players for honest, off-the-pitch conversations over a coffee.

  1. 4d ago

    Arsenal drop points, Ballon d'Or nominations & new fertility support funds

    Ben Haines and Ellen White are back! First up, they dissect Arsenal’s frustrating goalless draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates. Despite dominating possession, the Gunners failed to find a clinical edge in front of goal - what could dropping early points mean for their title charge? Ellen and Ben also react to Chelsea’s dominance and Manchester City maintaining their 100% start to the WSL season. Former England and Manchester United goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain joins the pod as the team take a deep dive into the rise of club and confederation-funded fertility care, IVF assistance, and egg-freezing options. Ellen and Siobhan examine how far the sport has progressed since their playing days and how increased fertility support and knowledge benefits players on and off the pitch. Siobhan also gives her thoughts on Manchester United’s transition period under new head coach Eva Olid, before the team react to the newly revealed 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin shortlist. With stars like Alessia Russo and Bunny Shaw in the mix, can a WSL player finally conquer Barcelona’s dominance over the award? TIMECODES: 00:05 - Ben and Ellen are back! 01:45 - Arsenal drop points at the Emirates against Crystal Palace. 07:15 - Reaction from Georgia Stanway and Renee Slegers. 11:15 - Praise for Palace goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. 14:15 - Reflections on Chelsea’s dominance and Manchester City’s 100% start. 19:37 - Siobhan Chamberlain joins the pod for a special discussion on increasing fertility support in women’s football. 28:50 - More on Chelsea’s partnership with Fertility Plus. 37:15 - We get Siobhan’s thoughts on Manchester United’s period of transition. 41:52 - Reflections on the 2026 Ballon d'Or Féminin shortlist.

  2. 6d ago

    Jackie Bachteler on contracting sepsis

    Burnley manager Jackie Bachteler sat down with Emma Sanders to talk about contracting sepsis and how nine months ago she was fighting for her life. The American had just joined the club to work with the women's first team and men's academy but three weeks later, Bachteler was rushed to A&E and diagnosed with sepsis - a life-threatening illness that left her bedridden for days. Jackie talks very honestly about how it took her months to recover and she still suffers from regular post-sepsis symptoms today. Burnley host Sunderland in the WSL2 on Sunday which coincides with World Sepsis Day.

    Jackie Bachteler on contracting sepsis

  3. Sep 11

    Kyra Cooney-Cross

    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. If you have been affected by any of the issues in this podcast, help and support is available at BBC Action Line. https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

    Kyra Cooney-Cross

  4. Sep 7

    Kick off times, London City Lionesses & Crystal Palace subs error

    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.   TIMECODES: 01:00 - WSL returns and so does Tom Garry! 05:30 - Kick off times 10:35 - Sunday evening debate 20:10 - London City Lionesses & United struggle 26:40 - English players in the WSL 33:50 - Good start for Man City but enough to compete in Europe? 37:00 - Palace breaking subs rule

  5. Sep 2

    Media Day Diaries: Inside Liverpool

    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. TIMECODES:
00:04 - Em Sanders is at Anfield for the final media day diary episode! 00:39 - Gareth Taylor interview. 15:35 - Sam Kerr interview. 21:45 - Khiara Keating interview. 30:47- Sara Agrež interview.

    Media Day Diaries: Inside Liverpool

  6. Aug 31

    The WSL returns, smart summer signings and WAFCON review

    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! TIMECODES: 00:05 - Ben Haines and Ellen White are back! 03:13 - Parish notices ahead of the new season. 05:50 - Ellen gives her reaction to the big moves of the summer. 10:17 - Em Sanders joins the pod to chat under the radar transfers. 18:21 - London City Lionesses v Manchester United preview. 25:28 - Brighton v Arsenal preview after the departure of Dario Vidošić. 34:24 - WAFCON 2026 review with Ali Howorth. 43:06 - Ellen gives her pre-season predictions.

  7. Aug 28

    Media Day Diaries: Inside Tottenham Hotspur

    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. TIMECODES: 00:05 - Ben Haines is down at Hotspur Way! 01:09 - Martin Ho interview. 15:42 - Vic Pelova interview. 27:09 - Kirsty Hanson interview. 33:27 - Signe Gaupset and Tinka Tandberg interview.

    Media Day Diaries: Inside Tottenham Hotspur

  8. Aug 24

    Media Day Diaries: Inside London City Lionesses

    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. TIMECODES: 00:04 - Ben Haines is back on the road! 01:32 - Mary Earps interview. 10:12 - Eder Maestre interview. 18:15 - Freya Godfrey interview. 28:08 - Izzy Goodwin interview. 38:40 - Jana Fernandez interview. 53:00 - Alanna Kennedy interview.

    Media Day Diaries: Inside London City Lionesses
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About

Whether you're a lifelong Lionesses fan or just getting into the women's game, BBC Women's Football Weekly brings you closer to the action with new episodes every week. Ben Haines teams up with England's record goalscorer Ellen White to unpack the biggest talking points from the Women's Super League and beyond - covering match previews, standout performances, and all the drama on and off the pitch. BBC Women's Football Weekly also features exclusive interviews with the biggest stars in the Women's Super League and national teams. Subscribe now to get every episode as soon as it drops and stay in the know with the latest from the world of women's football. Plus, listen to classic episodes of Jill Scott's Coffee Club, where Jill sits down with players for honest, off-the-pitch conversations over a coffee.

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