SEVEN FEMALE FOOTBALLERS in England will take part in the new league season with personal Twitter names on the back of their jerseys.
The Women’s Super League has announced that players from its leading teams would take part in the promotion, which it hopes will give fans the opportunity to interact with clubs and their stars.
One of the ‘digital ambassadors’ taking part is Ireland international Julie Ann Russell, formerly of Peamount United, who is with WSL side Doncaster Belles.
Russell believes the move will help to raise the profile of the women’s football. She tried to embrace the laid-back spirit of the photoshoot that accompanied the announcement.
“It’s good banter,” she commented. “It’s funny enough watching some of the other girls (posing for photos) and some of it is a bit cringey but we’ll get on with it.”
New season
Birmingham and England player Laura Bassett explained that the women were given tutorials on social media so they can keep fans posted on all the action behind the scenes when the new season starts. She said:
We can connect with the fans, from a club point of view, and as players and individuals so we can promote our game and get as many fans down to watch us as possible.
The top WSL star out of the seven ambassadors is Everton’s Jill Scott, with more than 9,100 followers, but Lincoln’s Megan Harris gained 100 extra Twitter fans in a day. Harris believes the promotional drive will have a positive effect on the game.
The WSL kicks off on Sunday when Bristol and their goalkeeper @Sio_Chamberlain (Siobhan Chamberlain) meet a Liverpool side which features @AroonClansey (New Zealand ‘keeper Aroon Clansey).
YouTube credit: fawsl
If you want to follow any of the women this season, and beyond, here are the handles:
Stephanie Houghton (Arsenal) – @stephhoughton2; Laura Bassett (Birmingham) – @laurabassett6; Siobhan Chamberlain (Bristol) – @Sio_Chamberlain; Claire Rafferty (Chelsea) – @clrafferty1; Julie Ann Russell (Doncaster Belles) @Juuulie_Ann; Jill Scott (Everton) – @JillScott12; Megan Harris (Lincoln) – @MegsHarris7; Aroon Clansey (Liverpool) – @AroonClansey
