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Sunday, February 22, 2026

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WSL launches Golden Paw competition

Players from teams across the Barclays WSL have joined forces with their furry companions for WSL Football’s new dog agility competition series ‘Golden Paw’ – the inaugural episode premieres today on YouTube to coincide with Love Your Pet Day [Friday 20th February].       

The series celebrates the animal-loving culture in the women’s game and features players and their dogs competing for the coveted Golden Paw trophy over an agility course which is specially designed to showcase teamwork and communication skills.

Each episode is hosted by Ashleigh Butler – winner of Britain’s Got Talent with her dog Pudsey in 2012 - who has become a mainstay in the animal agility space, both competing and judging, over the past decade.

The first episode features Manchester United trio Millie Turner and her Bernedoodle Pongo, Gabby George and her toy poodle Ralph, and Red Devils captain Maya Le Tissier and her working cocker spaniel, Mocha.

In the coming weeks, Aston Villa will be the next team to feature, with Kirsty Hanson and Hugo, Rachel Maltby and Kyra, and Miri Taylor who will be working alongside Raymond – all cocker spaniels - taking centre stage.

Speaking about her involvement in the series, United defender Turner said: “It’s been so great to be involved in Golden Paw series – agility is something I’ve always wanted to try with Pongo, and it’s definitely something that we’ll be doing again.

“It got everyone moving, laughing and switching off for a bit - I loved getting to do it alongside Maya and Gabby with their dogs too!

"We’ve essentially got a bit of an unofficial dog club going at United, so to be able to do something fun and also beneficial for them has been amazing.”

Villa forward Hanson added: “There’s such a strong dog culture in the women’s game with so many of us across the leagues being dog owners, so it’s amazing to be able to bring two of our loves together for this series.

“Agility is something new for us, but it’s something that really brings exercise and dogs together – it’s all about using the bond and relationship we have to achieve something like we do in football, and it’s been so great to experience this with Hugo.”

Host of the series, Butler, said: “It’s been a pleasure to be involved with Golden Paw, and I’m really excited for the rest of the series.

“The bar has been set really high by United and Villa. As much as it’s about having fun, it’s also great exercise and it was so lovely to see the relationships that the girls have with their dogs – it definitely came through in their performances on the course.”

WSL Football have worked in collaboration with the Royal Kennel Club and Crufts throughout the development of the series, with the organisation providing guidance, support and professional standard agility equipment to ensure safety for all involved.

Additionally, the welfare of all dogs involved was paramount throughout the filming process, with strict oversight from an independent animal welfare consultant.