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Sunday, January 11, 2026

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Karen Carney invites fans back to football

The Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Super League 2 returns this weekend following the annual winter break.

At a time of year when people are searching for new rituals, new starts and new habits, women’s football provides a welcoming community where everyone can belong.

To mark the return of league action, women’s football legend Karen Carney OBE extends an open invitation to attend a women’s match in a new film for WSL Football. As Karen gets back to football following her winning turn on Strictly Come Dancing, she says:

“I really hope that you all get down to a Barclays WSL game - 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, Karen reflects on the special support she received from the women’s football community during her Strictly Come Dancing journey. She talks about what to expect when attending women’s football matches, and how it feels welcoming, remarks on loyalty from former teammates and receives a message from Emma Hayes, her former boss at Chelsea–highlighting the welcoming and supportive nature that exists within the women’s football community.

Before winning series 23 of the iconic BBC show, Karen Carney enjoyed a star-studded football career where she played for her hometown club Birmingham City, Arsenal and Chelsea. She also represented England at four World Cups and four European Championships and played for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Karen retired six and half years ago and now works as a broadcaster.

To support the action on the pitch, clubs up and down the country will be creating their own match day activations throughout January for back to football ranging from supporter soundbaths and wellbeing boxes, organised mental health walks, arts and crafts stations plus partnerships with Brown Girl Sport, Lonely Girls Cub and Baller FC.