The Etihad Beckons: Women's Football Takes Center Stage in Manchester

Well, here we are, staring down the barrel of another momentous occasion for women’s football in England, and specifically, for the fervent rivalry that is the Manchester derby. Word has it, and it's quite exciting honestly, that Manchester City Women are officially slated to host their formidable cross-city rivals, Manchester United Women, at none other than the magnificent Etihad Stadium during the upcoming 2025-26 Barclays Women’s Super League season.

You could say, perhaps, that this isn’t just another fixture on the calendar; it’s a statement. A really bold one. This decision, it appears, solidifies Manchester City's ongoing and, frankly, admirable commitment to not only showcasing women's football on the grandest stage but also, more importantly, to fostering its continuous growth. It follows hot on the heels of their earlier pledge to play at least three home league games each season at the Etihad, or another one of their senior team venues, starting from the 2024-25 campaign.

And why wouldn't they? The proof, as they say, is in the pudding – or in this case, in the stands. Remember those truly incredible attendances? There was that initial, rather staggering 44,259 back in December 2022 when they first hosted United’s women’s team. But then, as if to prove a point, they shattered that record just this past March, drawing a breathtaking 53,737 for the derby. These aren't just numbers, you see; they’re roars, they’re cheers, they’re a palpable testament to the surging popularity of the women's game.

But to be fair, the Red Devils aren’t exactly sitting idly by. Manchester United, too, has been proactive in bringing their biggest matches to Old Trafford, pulling in crowds that many clubs would envy. Take, for instance, the 43,619 who turned up for their own derby clash against City back in November 2022. It speaks volumes, doesn't it? About the ambition, the vision, and indeed, the sheer passion that’s driving both clubs to elevate the women's game to unprecedented heights.

Ultimately, what we're witnessing is more than just a singular fixture. It's a clear, resounding affirmation of the Women's Super League's burgeoning stature. These iconic stadiums, once almost exclusively the domain of the men's game, are now, quite rightly, opening their doors and welcoming the phenomenal talent and ever-growing fanbase of women's football. It’s a brilliant time to be a fan, for sure, and this Etihad derby? Well, it's set to be another thrilling chapter in a story that just keeps getting better.