Why England’s WSL Has Become a Hub for Australian Talent and Boosted the Matildas’ Rise

Only seven years ago, no Australians played in the Women’s Super League. Today, many of the Matildas’ top stars, including Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, and Mary Fowler, compete there. Australia ranks among the most represented nations in WSL history, with notable names like Sam Kerr, Katrina Gorry, and Mackenzie Arnold having spent time in England’s top flight.

The Australian presence is so strong that Jack Sharkey, the national team’s Physical Performance Lead, is stationed in England to better support players abroad. This shift marks a big change from previous years when the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States was the preferred destination, largely because its season aligned well with Australia’s A-League. At the 2019 World Cup, 13 out of 23 Matildas were US-based.

The Shift from US to UK

After the 2019 World Cup, Sam Kerr moved to Chelsea, followed by veterans such as Steph Catley, Mackenzie Arnold, Caitlin Foord, and Alanna Kennedy. Now Australians also play in England’s second-tier league, with players like Alexia Apostolakis, Kaitlyn Torpey, Alana Murphy, and Leticia McKenna featuring regularly and being called up to national squads.

A Grueling Cycle Abroad

Clare Wheeler, an Everton midfielder capped 46 times for Australia, recalls how many Matildas juggled playing in both the US and Australia, leading to near year-round competition without breaks. The NWSL season ran from March to November, followed immediately by the A-League until early the next year. This relentless schedule was tough physically and mentally. Wheeler’s first move overseas was to Denmark in 2021 because she wanted a full European season rather than constant switching between continents.

Alanna Kennedy endured this exhausting cycle herself and notes it became unsustainable. With the A-League expanding to longer seasons, players began demanding proper rest periods. Steph Catley, after signing with Arsenal in 2020, broke the cycle and highlighted how constant travel and no off-season contributed to injuries and fatigue, impacting performances at major tournaments.

England Became Home Away From Home

When the 2020 NWSL season was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the WSL pressed on. Several Americans and Australians seized the chance to experience English football. For many Aussies, the WSL offered a fresh challenge and a professional environment that matched or surpassed the US league’s quality. Mary Fowler, who joined Manchester City in 2022, praised England’s approach to women’s football, highlighting good wages, media coverage, and player empowerment. She believes England currently hosts the world’s best women’s league.

Alanna Kennedy has spent much of the last six years in England and finds the culture closer to home compared to the US, appreciating the similar laid-back attitude and the comfort of having many fellow Australians nearby. Clare Wheeler agrees that having a large group of compatriots makes the distance from home easier to bear.

Positive Impact on the Matildas

This migration has strengthened the Matildas. Playing in top European leagues exposes players to high-level coaching, quality teammates, and intense competition, improving individual skills and the team as a whole. The exhausting back-to-back seasons in the US and Australia have ended, reducing injury risks and burnout.

Emily Husband, the Matildas’ assistant coach, said, "We don’t want to be actively sending players overseas, but if it helps their development and improves the national team, it’s worth it."

The Matildas’ best-ever finishes came recently: reaching the semifinals at the 2021 Olympics and matching that at the 2023 World Cup at home. In both events, most squad members were Europe-based, especially in England.

Mary Fowler credits training daily with world-class players and coaches in the WSL as key to their growth.

Managing Travel and Player Welfare

Australian players are some of the most traveled globally, which brings unique challenges. Jack Sharkey coordinates closely with clubs in England to monitor player welfare, aiming to avoid conflicts and ensure players aren’t overwhelmed. He implements tailored travel plans including special compression leggings and precise timing for light exposure, caffeine, activity, and sleep aids like melatonin.

These efforts rely heavily on Football Australia’s funding and expertise from their sports science and research teams.

Strategic Training Camps in Europe

The Matildas have started holding camps in Europe to cut down on travel fatigue. Their October camp took place in Germany and France, allowing players to train immediately upon arrival instead of losing days due to jet lag and long flights. This provides coaches more practice sessions and better preparation for upcoming matches, especially with important Asian qualifiers approaching.

Effects on Domestic Football

More young Australian talents are now moving abroad earlier in their careers. Players like Alexia Apostolakis, Alana Murphy, and Holly McNamara left the A-League in 2026 seeking higher levels of competition.

While this boosts the national team, it has weakened the A-League’s quality and visibility, especially as pay disputes continue between players and league management. Ellie Carpenter called for increased investment during a recent return home with Chelsea, stressing the need to develop local talent.

Despite these challenges, the A-League remains critical for nurturing future Matildas. It offers young players extensive senior-level minutes, essential for growth, according to Assistant Coach Emily Husband.

Looking Ahead

Ellie Carpenter hopes that in five to eight years she can finish her career playing in Australia, once the league is financially stronger and can attract more top players home. Meanwhile, many young Australians in England are inspired by veterans and aim to follow their path overseas to improve themselves and the national team.

Alanna Kennedy says, "Being around players at big clubs sparks ambition. That inspires others to take the leap overseas, which is exactly what the Matildas need to grow stronger."