Why England's WSL Has Become a Second Home for Australian Footballers and Boosted the Matildas' Rise

Just seven years ago, no Australian players were part of England's Women’s Super League (WSL). Now, stars like Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, and legends such as Sam Kerr have made it their competitive home. Australia ranks among the most represented countries in WSL history, with many Matildas choosing England over other leagues.

The influx is so significant that Jack Sharkey, the Matildas’ Physical Performance Lead, is based in England to closely support players. This marks a shift from previous times when the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States was the main overseas destination for Australian internationals.

The Shift from the U.S. to England

Before 2019, many Matildas played in the NWSL due to its complementary schedule with Australia’s A-League. At the 2019 World Cup, 13 out of 23 squad members played in the U.S. Soon after, Sam Kerr moved to Chelsea, followed by key figures like Catley, Arnold, Foord, and Kennedy joining English clubs. Today, Australians play across both the WSL and its second tier, WSL 2.

• Alexia Apostolakis, Kaitlyn Torpey, Alana Murphy, and Leticia McKenna are notable WSL 2 players recently called into the national squad.

The Demanding Past of Splitting Seasons

Players like Clare Wheeler and Alanna Kennedy experienced exhausting schedules between the NWSL and A-League before the pandemic. They faced nearly year-round football, with little rest. Wheeler chose Europe for her first overseas move to secure a full off-season, while Kennedy described this nonstop cycle as unsustainable.

Steph Catley noted how constant travel and lack of breaks contributed to injuries during major tournaments, affecting team performance. The A-League’s expansion has increased the season length, making it harder to juggle dual commitments without risking burnout.

England Offers a New Chapter

When the 2020 NWSL season was disrupted by COVID-19, the WSL continued, attracting Americans and Australians alike. For players familiar with the U.S., England offered a fresh challenge with growing competitiveness and professionalism. Catley once said the league had reached parity with America’s top tier; since then, it has arguably become the world's premier women’s league.

Mary Fowler, who joined Manchester City in 2022, praised the WSL’s wages, media coverage, and player voice. Cultural comfort also plays a role—Kennedy finds England’s atmosphere more akin to home than the U.S., describing the people as laid-back and welcoming.

Having many Australians in a compact country creates a supportive community far from home, easing the transition for newcomers.

Impact on the Matildas

This migration to England and Europe has helped the national team develop. Players benefit from high-quality coaching and competition, which sharpens their skills. The exhausting back-to-back seasons common in the past are now largely behind them, reducing injury risks and fatigue.

“You don’t want to be actively sending players overseas, but if it accelerates their development, that’s what’s best for their careers and the national team,” says Emily Husband, the Matildas’ assistant coach.

The Matildas’ finest performances at major tournaments came recently: a semi-final at the 2021 Olympics and matching that achievement at the 2023 World Cup held at home. In both squads, the majority of players were based in Europe, with a large number competing in the WSL.

Physical Demands and Support Systems

Australians face heavy travel burdens. FIFPRO’s latest report lists the four most traveled female footballers—all Australians—for the 2024-25 season. To manage this, Football Australia places staff like Sharkey in England to maintain strong ties with clubs and ensure players’ wellbeing.

They focus on managing travel recovery through personalized gear and routines involving light exposure, caffeine timing, activity, and melatonin use. These measures aim to keep players fresh for international duty.

Adapting Training Camps

The Matildas have shifted some camps to Europe, reducing travel strain. Their October camp took place in Germany and France, allowing players to arrive early and train more before matches. Assistant coach Husband jokes about coaches wanting more sessions, which is easier to arrange when players don’t have jet lag.

This approach fits the 2027 schedule, which includes Olympic qualifiers in Asia and Australia, helping players balance club and international demands.

Effects on the Domestic League

While European moves boost the national team, they challenge the A-League’s quality and visibility. With fewer Matildas playing domestically, the league loses star power and fan interest. This comes amid ongoing pay disputes between players and league administrators, which Ellie Carpenter recently criticized as disappointing.

The A-League remains vital as a development ground for young talent, offering significant senior-level experience. Maintaining its strength requires resolving these issues.

Looking Ahead

Carpenter hopes to finish her career back in Australia someday, reflecting a desire shared by many to see more Matildas return home. For now, many continue to showcase their talents in England and beyond, inspiring younger players to follow their path.

“Being around players at big clubs fuels ambition and drive. Soon, more will take the leap overseas, which is necessary for our national team to grow stronger,” says Kennedy.