After finishing bottom of the Barclay’s WSL2 last term, United have been handed a lifeline following Blackburn Rovers’ unexpected withdrawal from the league. Now, with a strengthened squad, improved matchday offerings and continued home appearances at Bramall Lane, the Blades are seeking to turn a near-fatal blow into a fresh start. 

The new season kicked off on Friday 5 September with a home game against Sunderland under the lights at Bramall Lane. The fact they are sharing the same facilities as their male equivalents speaks volumes about the club’s intent to elevate the women’s programme. It’s a symbolic and practical statement that brings Sheffield United Women close to the centre of the city’s footballing culture.

A change for this season has seen all fans moved to the John Street stand and you may even notice some of them with a pint in their hand. Sheffield United Women are taking part in a new trial to allow this and will be something they will be monitoring over the coming season. It’s a small change but one that could help reshape the atmosphere around the women’s game, traditionally seen as more family-orientated and restrained.

Full-back Leanne Cowen joined the club at the start of last season and fully appreciates being able to play at Bramall Lane.

“It’s such a platform for us to showcase to the community, the fans, we’re trying to increase the fanbase year on year,” she said. “It’s really special to walk out and play where the men play, it makes us feel really valued. The fans are very supportive, when we’re on the front foot, you can really hear them get behind us.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Aaron Little, Head of Women’s and Girls Football, although he’s quick to point out that you shouldn’t compare the two different games.

“When you come to Bramall Lane for a women’s game, it should feel different to when you come for a men’s game,” he added. “We have to capitalise on the experience. We’re not targeting the men’s fans who have a matchday routine, we’re targeting young female footballers, young females in the city and families.”

After a tough pre-season, Sheffield United Women are fully ready for the season ahead and have a been buoyed by some new recruits over the summer. Notable signings include versatile defender Sophie O’Rourke, forward Lauren Thomas, and two-time league champion Charlie Devlin, who joins with a reputation for creativity and composure in front of goal.

“Everyone’s just excited to get going,” said Leanne. “No-one likes pre-season, no-one likes to run that much! But everyone’s settled in really well. We’ve got some nice characters, loads of positive energy around.”

Ultimately last season was one of disappointment, although results didn’t always reflect the level of performance, but Leanne feels the squad are much better equipped this year and even picked out a few players who she feels could have break-out seasons. 

“I think we’re slightly more experienced this year,” Leanne stated. “We had a great group last year but were maybe a bit naive, in a lot of games we stood up to the challenge but then we’d get to the last ten minutes and concede a late goal and lose. I think that’s where the experience this year can get us over the line and pick up more points.

“Amy Andrews is gonna be a threat for anyone she plays against, she’s pure pace and power and she’s a good finisher too. Charlie Devlin, I’ve played with her before, she’s very technically gifted, can pick out a great pass, good vision and can score a good goal as well. Jess [Reavill] at centre back, I think she’s going to have a really good season. She’s very dominant one-v-one and very calm.”

Away from the pitch, although that is very much a part of his responsibilities, Aaron is very focused on developing every part of Sheffield United Women. He joined in September 2023 and has overseen the club’s confirmation of full-time status and the move to playing home games at Bramall Lane as well as overseeing commercial and marketing growth. Although the football soon took over.

“When I joined it was a changing period for the club, we went through the process of bringing a new manager in, brought a few players and finished seventh that season (23-24),” he recalled. “Then last summer’s transfer window was much more difficult than we anticipated. When you look at the landscape of where the women’s game has gone – the level of salaries, transfer fees, agents’ fees – unfortunately some clubs have found it difficult to compete.”

The prime example is Blackburn Rovers who’s financial difficulties and league withdrawal paved the way for United to maintain their WSL2 league status. 

Teams that don’t have wealthy owners and often run independently of their parent clubs have to be creative. Sheffield United Women do this by creating a platform for players that allows them to develop, thus making the club much more attractive.

Currently based at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park on Bawtry Road, the club currently has over 130 players on its books, starting from U9s all the way up to the first team. Throughout the whole set up there’s clear pathways to the first team and the club was proud to have had 12 first team debuts from the academy during the 2024 calendar year. Four academy graduates have already joined up with the first team for this 2025-26 season. 

“I don’t think our academy gets enough praise,” said Aaron. “I think we offer a top five or even top three provision from an academy perspective in the country and dare I say, if we had a ‘sexier’ badge, I think we’d get more recognition.

“If a player is good enough, they absolutely get the opportunity. We put a lot of effort in, we’ve got a really good team who go above and beyond with our players. 

“I think when clubs are allowed to pay academy players, it will become really difficult for us. That’s why our product from an academy perspective has to be the absolute best. We have got a proven track record and we have to keep the momentum.”

With league status secured, Sheffield United Women’s ambitions will shift slightly this year. Climbing the table will matter but building a stable, professional foundation might be the club’s most important task. As the opening fixtures loom, the club finds itself in a rare position – grateful for a reprieve but not satisfied with it. With a bigger stage, fresh firepower and some overdue attention from the wider football community, they may just be one of the most compelling stories to following WSL2 this season.

“We’re realistic in terms of where we are, we’re realistic of where our budget sits compared to those around us,” echoed Aaron. “One of mottos is becoming the ‘best of the rest’, if we can consistently compete for mid-table upwards, that is our target.”

It’s a sentiment also repeated by Leanne: “We want to get the club back to where it should be. I genuinely believe that’s mid-table upwards… more wins, better vibes this year. Stability is a great word to use.”