It has not been a great time for the Women’s game in England over the past eighteen months or so. The biggest story was the treatment of England International striker, Eniola Aluko. After 102 International caps she was isolated from the England set up.
The England head coach, Mark Sampson, was found not to have a case to answer, with regards Aluko. That was after two investigations, both overseen by the FA. He was still fired as the National team head coach, but the reasons given were because of conduct while at the Bristol Academy.
Now, England have recently come under more criticism after appointing Phil Neville as the new head coach. Certainly, as a player he has tons of experience. Management wise? A quick spell at Salford City and then under the wing of the current Wolves manager, while he was at Valencia. The real questions came with his sexist tweets from half a decade before, although he has apologised for them, it does make you wonder what vetting process the FA go through.
So, with all the negative stories around Women’s football, it was good to see our very own Manchester City side take the lead. Launching yesterday was the ‘Same City, Same Passion’ campaign.
It comes on the fourth anniversary of the relaunch of City’s women’s side and is designed to change the perception of Women’s football. Although City have gone from strength to strength in the women’s game, those old perceptions still persist.
You can find out more from the official City site, but essentially through the month of February the mens and women’s social media channels will be merged, although you can still follow the Women’s live match updates by following @ManCityWomen, and the men’s side by following @ManCity.
Manchester City women continue to win trophy after trophy and promote the side with campaigns like this. Meanwhile, across the road, the ‘greatest club in the world’ don’t even have a women’s side.
If you are like me, and watch CityTV, you will already have noticed they promote both the EDS and Women’s side alongside the senior mens side. Along with match highlights, there are spots with the lady’s side. Last season we got to see City Captain Stephanie Houghton take part in a golf/football face off. Also, over Christmas time, players from all of City’s sides were filmed as they visit children in the local hospital.