Why England’s WSL Has Become a Hub for Australian Footballers and Boosted the Matildas’ Rise
Seven years ago, no Australians played in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Today, it hosts some of the Matildas’ brightest stars like Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, and Mary Fowler. Australia ranks among the most represented countries in WSL history, with players such as Sam Kerr, Katrina Gorry, and Mackenzie Arnold having had significant spells there. The presence of so many Aussies has even led to the national team’s Physical Performance Lead, Jack Sharkey, being based in England.
A Shift from America to England
Previously, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States was the preferred overseas destination for Australians, aligning well with the A-League’s schedule back home. At the 2019 World Cup, 13 of the 23 Matildas squad members were US-based. That changed after the tournament when Kerr joined Chelsea, followed by Catley, Arnold, Caitlin Foord, and Alanna Kennedy moving to England. Now, Australian players compete not only in the WSL but also its second tier, with names like Alexia Apostolakis, Kaitlyn Torpey, Alana Murphy, and Leticia McKenna included in Joe Montemurro’s latest squad.
The Gruelling Cycle Before Europe
Clare Wheeler, Everton’s midfielder capped 46 times for Australia, recalls the demanding schedule before Europe became an option. Many players split their seasons between the US and Australia, playing almost year-round without a proper off-season. Wheeler explained her reluctance to follow that path and instead chose Europe for a full season experience.
“You never got an off-season,” Wheeler said, emphasizing the toll of constant travel and play.
Alanna Kennedy, now with London City Lionesses, endured that exhausting cycle herself but acknowledges it became unsustainable. The A-League expanded its season length, increasing demands on players who needed breaks. Steph Catley highlighted how this wear and tear affected performances at major tournaments, with players breaking down physically due to relentless schedules.
Why England Became the Destination of Choice
The COVID-19 pandemic altered the landscape. While the 2020 NWSL season was cut short, the WSL continued. This shift gave American and Australian players a chance to explore English football. Catley viewed the WSL as having reached a quality equal to the NWSL. Since she joined Arsenal six years ago, the league's professionalism and standard have only grown, making it arguably the best women's league globally.
Mary Fowler, who joined Manchester City in 2022, praised England’s approach to women’s football, noting better wages, media coverage, and player empowerment compared to other leagues, including Australia.
For Kennedy, cultural similarities made England feel like home despite the different climate. Having a strong Australian community in a compact country helps players support each other far from home.
Positive Impact on the Matildas
The migration of Australian talent to Europe has improved the national team. Players exposed to high-level football, coaching, and competitive environments have grown individually and collectively. The exhausting back-to-back seasons in the US and Australia have largely ended, reducing injury risks and fatigue.
Emily Husband, Matildas assistant coach, said, “Sending players overseas is not something you want to do lightly, but it accelerates their development and benefits the national team.”
The Matildas achieved their best-ever results recently: reaching the 2021 Olympics semi-finals and matching that at the 2023 World Cup at home. Most squad members were Europe-based during these tournaments, many in the WSL.
Fowler credits training daily with top players and coaches in England for helping players improve their game intelligence and skills.
Managing Challenges of Distance and Travel
Australia’s location means players travel extensively. FIFPRO research shows the four most-travelled female footballers are all Australian. To manage this, Football Australia places performance staff like Sharkey in England to maintain communication with clubs and players. They coordinate carefully to avoid conflicts and support players’ wellbeing.
Sharkey explains the attention given to travel management, including specialized compression leggings and carefully planned light exposure, caffeine, activity, and melatonin intake to help players adjust quickly after flights.
Strong backing from Football Australia’s medical, performance, research, and sports science teams provides players with the latest guidance and innovation.
Strategic European Camps
The Matildas have recently held international camps in Europe, such as in Germany and France, ahead of their 2027 schedule. This reduces travel strain, allowing players to arrive early and maximize training time. Assistant coach Husband noted the advantage of gaining extra sessions over a break compared to arriving late in Australia.
Effects on the Domestic League
More Australian players are securing moves abroad, including newcomers like Holly McNamara, who joined Everton in 2026. This trend strengthens the national team but leaves the A-League with fewer star players, impacting its quality and fan interest.
The ongoing pay dispute between players and the A-Leagues has been criticized by stars like Ellie Carpenter, who calls for greater investment. Though competing with leagues like the WSL and NWSL is tough, the A-League remains vital as a development platform for young talent.
Husband highlights the A-League’s role in providing senior-level match minutes for players aged 16 to mid-20s, crucial for their growth.
Looking Ahead
Carpenter hopes the A-League will one day offer enough financial support for Matildas to finish their careers at home. She envisions returning in five to eight years, inspiring more players to come back.
For now, many Australian internationals continue to develop in England, setting examples for younger generations. Kennedy believes the ambition to play abroad grows from seeing others succeed in top clubs, encouraging more to take the leap and ultimately strengthening the Matildas.
