Sunderland Women

Women's Championship

Crystal Palace Women

Welcome back Palace fans! The 2025/26 Barclays Women's Super League 2 season is underway, and here is what you can expect on matchday!

Secure your 2025/26 Season Ticket here!

### **BWSL2: What's different?**

The 2025/26 season marks the first year that the second division of women’s football will be called the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) since the league's rebrand at the end of the 2024/25 season.

This isn't the first time the second tier has held this name. It was previously known as the WSL 2 from 2014 until the 2018/19 season, when it was rebranded as the FA Women's Championship.

Considerable changes have been made to the format of this year’s competition.

At the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, the first and second-placed clubs from the BWSL2 will be automatically promoted to the top tier.

The team finishing 12th in the Barclays Women's Super League will then face the third-placed BWSL2 side in a promotion/relegation playoff to determine the final place in the 2026/27 top-flight.

This means that three teams can potentially be promoted to the top-flight this season, whereas only one team could go up in previous seasons.

Palace will play each of the 11 other teams twice, with one home game and one away game against each opponent.

[You can be there for all of those 11 home games, with Season Tickets on-sale here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Season/Index/746?returnUrl=%2Fcpfc%2FSeasons%2FSeasons)

Let’s take a closer look at our league opponents this season, and when they will be coming to face South London.

### **Birmingham City**

The Blues are one of the founding members of the FA Women’s Super League in 2011, finishing second in the league in both the 2011 and 2012 seasons, narrowly missing out on the title to Arsenal.

There is silverware in the St Andrew’s trophy cabinet as well, with the team winning the FA Women’s Cup in 2012.

With recent significant investment into both the men’s and women’s team, Birmingham City will certainly be a team to keep an eye on this season.

**Founded:** 1968 (57 years ago)

**Nickname:** The Blues

**Stadium:** St Andrews (Capacity: 29,409)

**Manager:** Amy Merricks

**Player to Watch:** Simone Magill – The Northern Ireland international was Birmingham’s top goalscorer last season and featured prominently for her country during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.

**When is our home game? -** Sunday, 7th December 2025, KO: 14:00 - [Palace v Birmingham tickets are available here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/801?position=5)

### **Bristol City**

Bristol City famously reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women's Champions League in the 2014-15 season, a significant achievement for any English club.

They also have a knack for bouncing back. They've won promotion to the WSL twice in recent history, first in 2016 and most recently by winning the Barclays Women's Championship title in the 2022/2023 season.

In the 2023-24 season, their average home league attendance of 6,974 was among the highest in the WSL, surpassed only by Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

**Founded:** 1998 (27 years ago)

**Nickname:** The Robins

**Stadium:** Ashton Gate (Capacity: 26,462)

**Manager:** Charlotte Healy

**Player to Watch:** Lexi Lloyd-Smith – The England U23’s forward is certainly one to watch. Smith bagged ten goals in 19 league appearances for the Robins last year.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 8th February 2026, KO: 14:00

Secure your tickets for our 2025 home games here!

### **Charlton Athletic**

Our South London neighbours Charlton Athletic Women have a proud history, notably winning the FA Women's Cup in the 2004-05 season.

This triumph was part of a highly successful period for the club between 2003 and 2007, during which they also won two Women's League Cups and reached several other cup finals.

The club has an interesting lineage, having been founded in 1991 as Bromley Borough before becoming Croydon W.F.C. in 1994, before then officially becoming Charlton Athletic W.F.C. in 2000.

**Founded:** 1991 (34 years ago)

**Nickname:** The Addicks

**Stadium:** The Valley (Capacity: 27,111)

**Manager:** Karen Hills

**Player to Watch:** Kiera Skeels – Known for her consistency and leadership, 23-year-old captain Kiera Skeels is a mainstay in the Charlton defence.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 29th March, 2026, KO: 14:00

### **Durham**

Durham Women's FC holds a unique status in English professional women's football, as they are one of only a handful of clubs in the top two tiers that is not affiliated with a professional men's team.

Since their formation in 2014, Durham have been an ever-present force in the second tier of English women's football, achieving their highest league finish of second place in the 2020-21 season.

Durham Women's FC benefits from a unique partnership with Durham University, granting them access to state-of-the-art training and playing facilities at Maiden Castle.

**Founded:** 2014 (11 years ago)

**Nickname:** The Wildcats

**Stadium:** Maiden Castle (2,400 Capacity)

**Manager:** Adam Furness

**Player to Watch:** Mollie Lambert - Lambert is a cultured central midfielder who has made over 70 league appearances for Durham. Watch out for her energy, tenacity, and hard work in the engine room.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 25th January, 2026, KO: 12:00

### **Ipswich Town**

Ipswich Town WFC are new to the Barclays Women's Super League 2 for the 2025/26 season, having earned promotion as champions of the FAWNL South Division in the 2024/25 campaign.

The club made a significant step in their development by turning professional in June 2021, with Sophie Peskett signing their first professional women's contract.

Music superstar and lifelong fan Ed Sheeran also has a notable connection to the club, as he holds a 1.4% stake in Ipswich Town.

**Founded:** First competed in 1991 (34 years ago)

**Nickname:** The Tractor Girls

**Stadium:** Colchester Community Stadium (10,105 Capacity)

**Manager:** Joe Sheehan

**Player to Watch:** Rianna Dean - Dean is a dynamic forward who joined Ipswich this summer, bringing a wealth of experience from top-tier clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 5th April, 2026, KO: 14:00

Get your 2025/26 Season Ticket here!

### **Nottingham Forest**

The 2025/26 season will mark the first season that Nottingham Forest Women will operate as a fully professional football club.

As part of their professional transition, Nottingham Forest Women will play all 11 of their league home games at the City Ground, the same stadium as the men's team.

In the 2022/23 season, Forest Women achieved their most successful season to date, winning both the FA Women's National League Cup and the FA WNL Northern Premier Division title.

**Founded:** 1990 (35 years ago)

**Nickname:** The Garibaldis, The Tricky Trees

**Stadium:** City Ground (30,455 Capacity)

**Manager:** Carly Davies

**Player to Watch:** Melissa Johnson - The veteran striker bagged 21 goals in 22 league appearances last year, and at 33 years old, she shows no signs of slowing down.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 15th March, 2026, KO: 14:00

### **Portsmouth**

Portsmouth Women have a storied history dating back to 1914, though the modern club was officially formed in 1987.

Gemma Hillier is a legendary figure for Portsmouth Women, holding the club's all-time record for both goals and appearances and in 2018, she became the first Portsmouth Women player to be inducted into Portsmouth FC's Hall of Fame.

Last year, Portsmouth Women took on fully professional Newcastle in the Semi-Final of the League Cup at St James Park, in front a bumper crowd of 22,307.

**Founded:** 1987 (38 years ago)

**Nickname:** Pompey

**Stadium:** Westleigh Park (5,300 Capacity)

**Manager:** Jay Sadler

**Player to Watch:** Megan Hornby - Hornby has proved to be an effective forward for Pompey, known for her goalscoring ability and creativity, scoring four and assisting five in all competitions last season.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 3rd May, 2026, KO: TBD

### **Sheffield United**

Since July 2022, Sheffield United Women have played all their league and cup matches at Bramall Lane, the home stadium of the men's team.

In the 2005-06 season, striker Jodie Michalska made an incredible contribution by scoring 75 goals, which was instrumental in helping the team earn promotion to the Midland Combination Women's Football League.

Palace faced the Blades last season, [beating them 6-1 in the Fourth Round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup.](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/crystal-palace-women-sheffield-united-fa-cup-report/)

**Founded:** 2002 (23 years ago)

**Nickname:** The Blades

**Stadium:** Bramall Lane (32,050 Capacity)

**Manager:** Ash Thompson

**Player to Watch:** Sian Rogers - The former Aston Villa and Charlton goalkeeper is a formidable presence in goal, being named the club's Player of the Year for the 2024/25 season, as well as earning a nomination for Save of the Season from the league itself.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 9th November, 2025, KO: 14:00 - [Palace v Sheffield United tickets are available here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/800?position=4)

### **Southampton**

The original Southampton Women's F.C. was founded in 1970 and was incredibly successful, winning eight of the first 11 Women's FA Cup Finals between 1970 and 1981, making them one of the most decorated teams in the competition's early history.

The current Southampton FC Women's earned promotion to the WSL2 in 2022, and have remained in the league ever since.

Palace manager Jo Potter's assistant coach Remi Allen, was the head coach at Southampton from July 2024 to February 2025.

**Founded:** 2017 (Eight years ago)

**Nickname:** The Saints

**Stadium:** St Mary’s Stadium (32,384 Capacity)

**Manager:** Simon Parker

**Player to Watch:** Ellie Brazil - The versatile forward signed for the Saints this summer, after she had a good season with Charlton Athletic last season, scoring eight goals in 17 appearances and being named the club's Player of the Year.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 14th September, 2025, KO: 14:00 - [Palace v Southampton tickets available here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/797?position=1)

### **Sunderland**

Sunderland Women have a rich history of developing top English talent, with numerous Lionesses legends like Jill Scott, Steph Houghton, Demi Stokes, Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, and Jordan Nobbs having come through their ranks.

The Black Cats won the inaugural FA Women's Super League 2 title, earning them promotion to the top-flight where they competed for four successive seasons.

They helped smash the Women's Championship attendance record last season, with their clash away at Newcastle drawing 38,502 fans. Their home game against the Magpies that season also had an attendance of 15,387, indicating the huge appeal of women's football in the North East.

**Founded:** 1989 (36 years ago)

**Nickname:** The Black Cats

**Stadium:** Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground (2,500 Capacity)

**Manager:** Melanie Reay

**Player to Watch:** Eleanor Dale - The young forward bagged seven goals in 11 league games for the Black Cats last season, as well as scoring four goals in a 7–1 win over National League side Exeter City in the 2024–25 FA Cup fourth round.

**When is our home game?** - Sunday, 12th October, 2025, KO: 12:00 - [Palace v Sunderland tickets available here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/799?position=3)

With our calendar for the 2025/25 season now confirmed, let’s take a closer look at the BWSL2, as well as who Palace will be up against this season.

Get to know our BWSL2 opponents for the 2025/26 season

Crystal Palace Women v Birmingham City Women (2025-12-07)

Crystal Palace Women v Sheffield United Women (2025-11-09)

Crystal Palace Women v Ipswich Town Women (2025-10-19)

Crystal Palace Women v Sunderland Women (2025-10-12)

Crystal Palace Women v Newcastle United Women (2025-10-05)

Crystal Palace Women v Southampton F.C. Women (2025-09-14)

Secure your tickets here!

As anticipation builds towards the new 2025/26 Barclays Women's Super League 2 season – with [**fixtures having now been announced**](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/announcement/2025-26-bwsl2-fixtures-every-home-away-game-for-palace-women-revealed/) – tickets for every remaining home league match this calendar year are officially [**ON SALE NOW!**](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=6&preFilterName=6.%20Women%27s%20Matches)

*Please note, however, that dates and kick-off times remain subject to change, with factors including broadcaster selections to be confirmed.*

The Lionesses have shown what's possible – and now Palace Women are ready to make their mark.

Tickets are now on sale for our home matches against:

- **Southampton:** Sunday, 14th September, 14:00 BST - [Secure your tickets here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/797?position=1)

- **Newcastle United:** Sunday, 5th October, 14:00 BST - [Secure your tickets here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/798?position=2)

- **Sunderland:** Sunday, 12th October, 12:00 BST - [Secure your tickets here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/799?position=3)

- **Sheffield United:** Sunday, 9th November, 14:00 GMT - [Secure your tickets here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/800?position=4)

- **Birmingham City:** Sunday, 7th December, 14:00 GMT - [Secure your tickets here!](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Event/Index/801?position=5)

*All dates and kick-off times subject to change.*

You can also purchase Palace Women's Season Tickets for 25/26 – allowing you to [**secure your seat for all of Palace's home league matches next season!**](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/EDP/Season/Index/746?returnUrl=%2Fcpfc%2FSeasons%2FSeasons)

Buy tickets!

### Seating Arrangements

Although all supporters at Selhurst Park matches will be seated, matches **in Sutton** will see supporters have the option of purchasing either a **Seating Ticket** – allowing them to reserve a specific seat within the VBS Community Stadium’s stands – or a **Standing Ticket**.

Standing Tickets are not restricted to specific areas. Supporters will be able to move around all terracing stands at the VBS Community Stadium, depending on availability.

If you are a supporter with any **accessibility requirements**, please contact our dedicated Disability Liaison Officer, Rhianna Odartey, either by email [**dlo@cpfc.co.uk**](mailto:dlo@cpfc.co.uk) or call 0208 768 6000. Limited parking is available for supporters with a blue badge.

We recommend purchasing all tickets online, in advance of each match, to ensure you don’t miss out.

### Ticket information

**All tickets will be digital** and will be emailed to the account holder before each game.

**Tickets for every game** will be sent out as PDF files, which can either be scanned on your phone at the gates, or printed off at home.

### 2025/26 BWSL2 Match Ticket Prices

**Seated**

- **Adults: £12**
- **Under-16s: £5**

**Standing**

- **Adults: £9**
- **Under-16s: £5**

### Match Details

**Crystal Palace v Southampton**

- Sunday, 14th September

- VBS Community Stadium

- 14:00 BST

**Crystal Palace v Newcastle United**

- Sunday, 5th October

- VBS Community Stadium

- 14:00 BST

**Crystal Palace v Sunderland**

- Sunday, 12th October

- VBS Community Stadium

- 12:00 BST

**Crystal Palace v Sheffield United**

- Sunday, 9th November

- VBS Community Stadium

- 14:00 GMT

**Crystal Palace v Birmingham City**

- Sunday, 7th December

- VBS Community Stadium

- 14:00 GMT

The Lionesses have done it again! With excitement for women's football across England at an all-time high, now, it's your chance to be part of the next chapter of this inspiring journey, right here in South London.

Women's ChampionshipVBS Community Stadium

News & Video

Stats

Table

Women

Women

Get to know our BWSL2 opponents for the 2025/26 season

Latest videos

Recent Meetings

Women's Championship

Head-To-Head

Form

Season so far

Crystal Palace Women Sunderland Women

Women's ChampionshipVBS Community Stadium

News & Video

Stats

Table

Women

Women

Get to know our BWSL2 opponents for the 2025/26 season

Latest videos

Recent Meetings

Women's Championship

Head-To-Head

Form

Season so far