New to women's football, or just want to understand the game better? Our guides explain women's football in plain English — from the league structure and rules to player positions and the terminology you'll hear every match. Pick a guide below and dive in.
How the Women's Football Pyramid Works
WSL, WSL 2, the National League, four tiers, promotion, relegation and play-offs — all explained in plain English. Learn exactly where your club sits and how it climbs (or slips) through the pyramid.
The Laws of the Game, Explained
Offside, the linesman's flag, handball, added time and all the moments that leave people asking "why did that happen?" — the real rule, then translated into plain English.
The Jargon Buster
False nine, low block, xG, clean sheet, six-pointer — every phrase you'll hear on the telly or in the stands, explained in plain English. Dip in whenever a word trips you up.
Player Positions: Who Plays Where
What's a CDM? Where does a wing-back stand? Every position explained, with an interactive pitch — pick a formation and watch the players slot into place.
Cup Competitions, Explained
The Women's FA Cup and the Subway Players Cup — who enters and when, how ties are settled, extra time and penalties, and the cup-tied rule that decides who can play. All in plain English.
Find Your Nearest Club
An interactive map of every club across the top four tiers. Find your nearest team, see which league they're in, and jump straight to their page — all from one map of the country.
Grounds Guide
Planning an away day? Find every ground in the top four tiers of women's football, with directions, parking, nearest station and ticket info.
Teams Nicknames
Why is Arsenal the Gunners? Where did the Villans, Hammers and Baggies come from? The stories behind the nicknames of clubs in the top four tiers of women's football.
We're always adding to this section. — check back soon.