Also in today’s roundup, Weigman announces roster for Netherlands WNT friendlies against Spain and England, France WNT roster revealed ahead of Italy friendly, and Orlando Pride keeper Hannah Seabert signs with Fortuna Hjorring
England FA commits to significant womens soccer investment over next six years (photo copyright EriMac Photo for The Equalizer)
Earlier today, the England FA announced new plans for significant investment in both the women’s and girls’ programs over the next six years.
In the FA’s official release , Martin Glenn, FA CEO, said that the plans and “the initiatives and investments announced today will make a significant impact to the way football is run in this country.” The plan is to increase the investment in the women and girls game by an additional £50m over the course of six years to ensure the sustainability of successful initiatives such as ensuring that the Women’s Super League gets the support it requires as it grows. The release noted that “this is all part of our commitment to double participation in women’s football and to ensure consistent success on the world stage.”
NEWS: The FA announces as part of much wider plans that it will invest an additional £50 million into women’s and girls’ football over the next six seasons. pic.twitter.com/uuK5cfhaKt
— Kieran Theivam (@KiersTheivam) January 9, 2018
Weigman announces 24-player roster for Spain and England friendlies
The reigning European Champions will kick off the new year with training camp in La Manga, Spain (photo courtesy UEFA)
Netherlands WNT head coach Sarina Weigman announced the 24-player roster for training camp in La Manga, Spain ahead of friendlies against both Spain and England.
The team will prep in La Manga, Spain starting January 15 and running through January 24. They are set to play Spain on Saturday, January 20. The reigning European champions will take on England three days later on January 23.
Among the 24 players called up is first-timer Victoria Pelova. The 18-year old currently plays her club soccer with ADO Den Haag and will be joining the senior team for the first time this training camp.
So we’ve learned from this squad announcement that there will be a repeat of the EURO 2017 semi-final on January 23 when the Netherlands play England in La Manga. Dutch also due to play Spain three days earlier. https://t.co/LuSr3DRAHT
— Kieran Theivam (@KiersTheivam) January 9, 2018
Full roster below:
Goalkeepers: Sari van Veenendaal (Arsenal), Lize Kop (Ajax), Jennifer Vreugdenhil (Valencia CF)
Defenders: Merel van Dongen (Ajax), Kika van Es (FC Twente), Stefanie van der Gragt (Ajax), Dominique Janssen (Arsenal), Liza van der Most (Ajax), Danique Kerkdijk (Bristol City), Siri Worm (Everton)
Midfielders: Anouk Dekker (Montpellier HSC), Daniëlle van de Donk (Arsenal), Kelly Zeeman (Ajax), Sherida Spitse (Valerenga), Jill Roord (Bayern München), Jackie Groenen (FFC Frankfurt), Vanity Lewerissa (PSV), Victoria Pelova (ADO Den Haag)
Forwards: Lineth Beerensteyn (Bayern München), Lieke Martens (FC Barcelona), Shanice van de Sanden (Olympique Lyonnais), Renate Jansen (FC Twente), Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal), Katja Snoeijs (vv Alkmaar)
France WNT roster released ahead of friendly with Italy
Corinne Diacre named her first roster of 2018 (photo courtesy FFF)
The French WNT is set to open 2018 international play against Italy on January 20 with a squad of 23-players announced today by head coach Corinne Diacre.
Players are set to enter camp on Monday, January 15 in preparation for their first friendly of the year where they will welcome Italy to Marseille. In the history between the two teams inclusive of 22 meetings, where the French side was 6 wins, 5 draws, and 11 losses for the series.
Full roster by position:
Goalkeepers (3): Karima Benameur, Sarah Bouhaddi, Pauline Peyraud Magnin
Defenders (8): Estelle Cascarino, Laura Georges, Sakina Karchaoui, Amel Majri, Griedge Mbock, Wendie Renard, Marion Romanelli, Marion Torrent
Midfielders (6): Maeva Clemaron, Aminata Diallo, Kadidiatou Diani, Grace Geyoro, Amandine Henry, Sandie Toletti
Forwards (6): Viviane Asseyi, Delphine Cascarino, Marie-Charlotte Leger, Eugenie Le Sommer, Faustine Robert, Ouleymata Sarr
Voici les 23 joueuses retenues par Corinne Diacre pour le match contre l’Italie (20/01) ! ???? #FRAITA pic.twitter.com/QAaSMyGgxH
— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) January 9, 2018
Former pride goalkeeper Hannah Seabert signs with Fortuna Hjorring
Pepperdine standout and former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Hannah Seabert has signed with Fortuna Hjorring of Elitedivisionen of Denmark.
Seabert ended up at the Pride after meeting the goalkeeper coach Lloyd Yaxley at her first U-23 WNT camp early last year. At the Pride this past year, Seabert trained day in and day out with top USWNT goalkeeping talent in Ashlyn Harris as well as Aubrey Bledsoe and Caroline Stanley throughout the year. She did not appear in any NWSL matches.
Good luck to @hannah_seabert in the next chapter of her career as she joins @FortunaHjorring! #FilledWithPride pic.twitter.com/fsBfyh07a7
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) January 9, 2018
