Teams
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Tottenham Women
Aston Villa Women
Liverpool Women
Durham Women
Everton Women
West Ham Women
Bristol City Women
Birmingham Women
Sheff Utd Women
Brighton & Hove Albion Women
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Portsmouth Women
Sheffield FC Women
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Millwall Women
Wikipedia - FA Women's League Cup
The Women's League Cup, also known as the Subway Women's League Cup due to sponsorship reasons, is a league cup competition in English women's association football. The competition was originally open to the eight teams in the FA WSL, but since the WSL's restructuring to two divisions, it has featured 23 teams. Prior to this it was known as the FA WSL Cup. Continental AG sponsored the competition from the inception until 2024 and during this period, the cup was referred to as the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup (commonly known as just the Conti Cup). Following the completed takeover by Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), the cup is now referred to as the Women's League Cup.
Thirteen editions have been played, with Arsenal being the most successful club with seven titles.
History
Before the creation of the Women's Super League the top women's clubs competed in the FA Women's Premier League Cup.
The first League Cup edition under the WSL was played after the inaugural FA WSL season. Arsenal, having already won the WSL and the FA Women's Cup, completed the national treble after a 4–1 win over Birmingham City.
The 2012 cup saw a change of format. The straight knock-out was abolished and group-stage with two groups was created. The top two of each group advance to the semi-finals.
2014 saw 18 teams enter, with the new WSL 2 teams joining the WSL teams. There are three groups of six teams. In 2015 for the first time a quarter-final stage was played.
For 2016 the cup changed to a true knock-out format and abolished the group stage. A move which was made in agreement with the clubs to increase excitement and competitiveness. With 19 teams, the bottom six teams play a preliminary round. The round of 16 following that is seeded, so that WSL 1 teams meet WSL 2 teams, who have home advantage.
In 2017–18 again a group stage was added.
In 2018–19, as part of the restructuring of women's football, 22 teams entered. The competition was split up into North and South, with each region having one group of six and one group of five. Each team would play one match against each other, with the top two in each group advancing to a quarter-final.
The format was similar in 2019–20, with an extra team in the South for a total of 23 teams.
The tournament typically kicks off in the early stages of the season, with teams battling through various rounds, culminating in a thrilling final that determines the champion. Matches are played in a knockout format, where every game counts, and the intensity of competition is palpable as clubs vie for glory and the chance to lift the coveted trophy.
The England League Cup Women not only highlights the skill and talent of female footballers but also serves as a vital opportunity for clubs to gain recognition and showcase their development programs. Fans can expect to see some of the best players in the country, as well as emerging talents, all striving to make their mark on this exciting stage.
With its rich history and growing popularity, the England League Cup Women continues to play a significant role in promoting women's football in England, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a newcomer to the sport, the tournament promises thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of women's football at its finest.