Revealed: What stars wish for in women’s football in 2026 | OneFootball

Happy New Year! We asked some of our friends in women’s football across the world what they wish for the sport in 2026…

Amber Hughes, Wolverhampton Wanderers: I think for it to just keep growing as it is, it’s amazing to see the difference in it now from when I was growing up and I think it’s important that this continues and the interest in it becomes even more!

Amy Jenkins, Aberystwyth Town captain: A record number of girls playing football in the UK.

Amy Rodgers, Nottingham Forest and Scotland: More support and investment in the lower tiers of the pyramid!

Bow Jackson, Exeter City captain: That we see no women’s club having to drop leagues or positions due to funding or football politics.

Ellen Maggs, formerly of Arsenal and England: To have a proper academy system and league in place for girls from under-10 upwards.

Emma Thomson, North Carolina Courage assistant coach: To continue to see the growth and investment in the women’s game, and as a by product I’d like to see more women own more roles in the game, not just coaching. Analysts, GM/sporting directors, scout, set pieces specialist, heads of performance, medical – let’s go, ladies!

Gemma Fraser, Leafield Athletic: Really hoping someone has a breakthrough with the research into women’s ACL injuries!

Gemma Fraser (Leafield Athletic)

Helen Ward, former Wales international and current Watford general manager: That we keep getting the new generations to push the game forward. They’re the ones we need to embrace and get on board. We’re not going to change the minds of those who’ve already decided what their thoughts are. And for it to be taken seriously in the places that matter and the places that can have the biggest impact on that game.

Hana Lowry, Australia international: That the game continues to grow and expanding and that women are able to be better supported to continue to develop in terms of professionalism.

Lee Burch, Rugby Borough head coach: Growing attendances and more and more eyes consistently on the product. Equal FA Cup also!

Lucie Gwilt, Llanfair United player-manager: For Wales to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil of course!

Natasha Dowie, former England international and now broadcaster and Liverpool ambassador: Bigger crowds – up north in particular.

Renee Hector, Watford head coach: For more games from the top four leagues to be shown during better and unrivalled time slots to grow the game.

Shauna Chambers, Aberystwyth Town: To keep the momentum going at every level! The number of supporters going to games post-Euros has been great for the top teams. More people going to see their local and mid-tier teams will be what really helps the game grow too.

CEFN-MAWR, WREXHAM, WALES – 14th DECEMBER 2025 – Shauna Chambers of Aberystwyth Town Women before Wrexham AFC Women vs Aberystwyth Town Women in Round 2 of the Genero Adran Trophy at The Rock, Cefn-Mawr (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)

Shelly Provan, Oxford United: For someone to find out why there are so many ACL injuries.