Strictly Come Dancing champion Karen Carney supports new WSL fan initiative | OneFootball

Karen Carney promoting a new WSL initative (WSL Football)

Newly-crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion Karen Carney is the star of a new WSL Football film – inviting all viewers to get along to a Women’s Super League match as the competition resumes following a winter break.

“I really hope that you all get down to a Barclays WSL game,” she says. “It might be cold outside, but you know what, it will be a warm feeling and a warm spirit at those games.”

In the 90-second film, released today on social media, Carney reflects on the special support she received from the women’s football community during her Strictly Come Dancing journey.

“I’d been retired six and a half years and women’s football just came out and backed me, which was incredible, and I felt so much support, and that’s something special about the women’s game,” she says.

She also reassures any newcomers to the game: “Whenever I go to a WSL game, it’s fun, it’s joyous, it’s safe, it’s inclusive, and just very, very welcoming.”

The clip also features a video message to Carney from current USA manager Emma Hayes.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Barclays WSL (@barclayswsl)

As part of the campaign to encourage more people to enjoy women’s football at the start of 2026, clubs will be staging their own matchday activations and partnerships – from sound baths to arts and crafts.

Karen Carney: her football career

Before winning series 23 of the iconic BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, Karen Carney played for her hometown club Birmingham City, Arsenal – where she was part of the squad that won the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2007 – and Chelsea.

Internationally, she represented England at four World Cups, including Canada 2015 where the Lionesses finished third, and four European Championships, including 2009 when Hope Powell’s team reached the final.

Carney also played for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games.