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Brighton & Hove Albion W.F.C.

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Brighton & Hove Albion
Image
Full nameBrighton & Hove Albion Women Football Club
NicknamesThe Seagulls,
The Albion
Short nameBrighton
Founded1967;
59 years ago (1967) as Brighton GPO
1990;
36 years ago (1990) as BHAFC
StadiumBroadfield Stadium
Capacity6,135
OwnerTony Bloom
Managing DirectorZoe Johnson
Head CoachArturo Ruiz
LeagueWomen's Super League
2025–26WSL, 7th of 12
Websitebrightonandhovealbion.com/women
Image Current season

Brighton & Hove Albion Women Football Club, commonly referred to as Brighton, is an English women's football club affiliated with Brighton & Hove Albion. The club currently compete in the Women's Super League and the first team play at the Broadfield Stadium, home of Crawley Town F.C.

History

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Originally founded as Brighton GPO (General Post Office)[1] in 1967 after it was created by workers at the Post Office's telephone exchange.[2] Two years later the club were one of the founding six members of the Women's Sussex Martlet League in 1969 which coincided with the formation of the Women's Football Association.[3]

The club finished runners-up to Manchester City at the 2026 Women's FA Cup final,[4] the club's best result at a Women's FA Cup. However, a Brighton & Hove Albion side run by a supporters group did reach the 1976 play-off final, when they finished in third place after winning 6–0 against Belle Vue Belles.[5][6] However, that side disbanded shortly afterwards.[7] In 1979, a sponsorship deal with local sports retailer Clapshaw and Cleave Sports was secured, where player Julie Hemsley worked, leading to the club being renamed as C&C Sports from the 1979–80 season.[7]

Affiliation with the Albion

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The women's team were formally adopted by the men's club in 1990 and became known as Brighton & Hove Albion Women & Girls FC after a footballing restructure. The new club than became founding members of South East Counties Women's League, which was established from the Sussex Martlet League and other Kent and Surrey clubs who entered the Southern Premier Division 1991–92.[8]

In the late nineties, the women's team narrowly missed out on promotion to the National Premier Division three seasons in-a-row by finishing in second place. On the fourth attempt, the women's side finally won Premier Southern Division in 2000–01, completing a remarkable double promotion for both the men's and women's teams.[9] The women were to remain in the Women's Premier League National Division for two seasons before they were relegated at the end of the 2002–03 season[10] and would not return to the top flight until after the formation of the Women's Super League.[11]

The Tony Bloom years

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Eleven years later, the club set out a five-year plan to reach the top of the WSL and UEFA Women's Champions League qualification.[12] In the 2014–15 season, the team missed out on promotion to WSL 2 by finishing runners-up to Portsmouth but came back stronger the following season to become champions of Premier Southern Division and setup a National Premier Play-off final against Premier Northern Division winners Sporting Club Albion.[13] Following the club's victory in the play-offs, Albion's promotion to the FA WSL 2 was confirmed.[14]

Following an announcement that the season would move to a new calendar, starting in autumn 2017, the scheduling of women's football matches would be played alongside the traditional football calendar,[15] from September to May each season.[16]

This created a 14-month gap between the end of the 2015–16 season and September 2017, and to bridge this gap a shortened WSL Spring Series[17] was to be played between February and May. The club competed in the FA WSL 2 Spring Series playing all of their matches at Culver Road. Alessia Russo scored the clubs first professional goal at this level.[18]

The club eventually began their 2017–18 WSL 2 season, beating Aston Villa 1–0 on the first day of the winter campaign[19] where the team would go on to finish runners-up to Doncaster Rovers Belles. However, Albion were to be promoted to the FA WSL 1, the top tier of women's football in England, for the 2018–19 season after Doncaster gave up their licence to play in the top tier and were subsequently relegated to Premier Northern Division. After Brighton were awarded a tier 1 licence,[20][21] the club revealed they would relocate their home games to Crawley Town's Broadfield Stadium for women's first team matches.

Top tier status (2018–present)

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Image
Brighton & Hove Albion playing a game of football at Broadfield Stadium

Albion's first season in the top tier of the Women's Super League saw them finish ninth in what was then an 11 team league, finishing 19 points clear of relegated Yeovil Town. Hope Powell's team secured four wins from their 20 league matches, while Ellie Brazil finished as top scorer with four goals. Their first WSL win came in a 2–1 home win over Yeovil Town, with Jodie Brett and Victoria Williams getting on the scoresheet.

The 2019–20 season was curtailed with four games left to play due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Albion again finishing in ninth place in the WSL. Aileen Whelan finished as top scorer that campaign with five league goals, while Albion drew in their second league game of the season against Chelsea, becoming just one of three sides who took a point off the eventual champions.

Powell would lead her side to their highest placed finish in the WSL in the 2020–21 season, finishing in sixth place. An opening day victory against Birmingham City marked one of just two victories Albion enjoyed in the league until February, before going on run that saw them win six of their last nine matches. That included a 2–1 victory over Chelsea, that ended their run of 33 matches unbeaten in league football. Summer signing Inessa Kaagman finished as top scorer with nine goals in all competitions, as they also recorded notable victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Stadium

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Image
Brighton & Hove Albion team in April 2018

Early years to the Goldstone

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During the earlier days, the women's team lived a nomadic existence without a permanent home ground because of the football association ban on women's football. From the 1970s, the team heavily relied on public parks and recreation grounds including Buckingham Park and Waterhall.[22] When the women's team affiliated with the men's club and begun to enter the football league structure, the club utilised several local venues across Sussex including Sussex University, Southwick F.C. and East Preston. Before the club was forced to sell the Goldstone Ground, the traditional spiritual home of the Albion, the women's team played three matches there against Milton Keynes, Horsham and Whitehawk.[23]

A home away from home

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For a period of time, the club played home fixtures at Nyewood Lane[24] in Bognor Regis from when the club were in the top-flight between 2001 and 2003.[25] When the men's team left Withdean Stadium for the newly built American Express Community Stadium in Falmer, the club briefly brought the women's team back to Brighton by playing a couple of seasons at the Withdean athletics track ground before they relocated again to the official headquarters of the Sussex County Football Association at Culver Road in Lancing from the 2014–15 season. Their last game at Culver Road was in 2018 when the club could not meet the strict capacity and infrastructure requirements mandated by the FA Women's Super League.[26]

Broadfield Stadium

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To comply with the fully professional licensing criteria of the WSL, the club relocated to Broadfield Stadium[27] in Crawley from the 2018–19 season to the present day. Sharing the ground with Crawley Town F.C. provided the women's team with professional-grade media facilities. The club also showcases select high-profile matches at the American Express Stadium.

Returning to Brighton permanently

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In April 2026, the club announced plans to bring the women's team back to Brighton and Hove by constructing the UK and Europe's first purpose-built stadium for women's football.[28][29] The club aims to open the new ground for the 2030–31 season which is subject to planning permission with Brighton & Hove City Council and Lewes District Council. The new 10,000-seater stadium will be built on Bennett's Field, next to the men's stadium and connected by a new bridge walkway that will link to an underground car park for players and staff.[30]

The Seagulls nickname

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The women's team is officially known as the Seagulls, a nickname shared with the men's team, although there is a play on the word with Shegulls, the first official supporters' club that primarily promotes the women's team.[31][32] Historically, the club has a connection to the martlet, a charge from English heraldry which appears on the Sussex flag. There is no official recognition of the martlet associated with the women's team other than the Sussex Martlet League, which was the league the women's team competed in prior to the founding of the Southern Premier Division.

Players and staff

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Current squad

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As of 1 September 2026[33]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF Image COL Manuela Vanegas
3 DF Image JPN Moeka Minami
5 DF Image FRA Maelys Mpomé
6 DF Image ENG Gabby George
7 FW Image TAN Aisha Masaka
8 MF Image ENG Maisie Symonds (captain)
9 FW Image USA Madison Haley
10 MF Image SRB Jelena Čanković
11 FW Image JPN Kiko Seike
13 MF Image SUI Lia Wälti
14 MF Image ENG Fran Kirby
15 MF Image NOR Emilie Joramo
16 GK Image NGR Chiamaka Nnadozie
17 MF Image ENG Bex Rayner
No. Pos. Nation Player
18 DF Image IRL Caitlin Hayes
19 DF Image NED Marisa Olislagers
20 MF Image NOR Olaug Tvedten
21 FW Image USA Olivia García
23 DF Image NED Marit Auée
25 GK Image ENG Hannah Poulter
27 MF Image ENG Sophie Peskett
28 GK Image GER Melina Loeck
30 GK Image ENG Eleanor Heeps
33 DF Image AUS Charlie Rule
35 FW Image IRL Emily Murphy
41 MF Image ENG Taylor Warren
44 FW Image POL Nadia Krezyman
64 MF Image ENG Emilie Gay

Out on loan

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Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
22 FW Image ESP Carla Camacho (at Lazio until 30 June 2027)
29 FW Image JPN Fuka Tsunoda (at Crystal Palace until 30 June 2027)
— FW Image ENG Lily Dent (at Sunderland until 30 June 2027)
— FW Image ENG Olivia Johnson (at Lewes until 30 June 2027)
— DF Image ENG Grace McEwen (at Nottingham Forest until 30 June 2027)
— DF Image ENG Jess Pegram (at Hammarby until 30 June 2027)

Under-19s

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As of 18 October 2026

Players who were featured in a senior matchday squad, in all competitions, for the 2026–27 season Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
41 MF Image ENG Taylor Warren[34]
64 MF Image ENG Emilie Gay[35]

Former players

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For details of current and former players with a Wikipedia article, see Category:Brighton & Hove Albion W.F.C. players.

Management team

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Position Name
Head coach Spain Arturo Ruiz
Assistant coach Spain Fernando Torres
First team coach England Arthur Brammer
First team goalkeeping coach England Nikita Runnacles
Australia Ben Morella
U19's head coach England Danielle Bowman
Scouting & Intelligence England Georgina Nielsen
Physiotherapist England Rachel Doyle
Lead performance analyst England Mollie Derhun
Club doctor England Dr. Bethany Koh
Kit & equipment manager England Tim Capstick

Managerial history

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Club honours

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League competitions

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  • WSL 2
    • Runners-up (1): 2018†

† Promoted to WSL after club was granted Tier 1 licence.[36]

  • National Premier Play-Off Final
    • Winners (1): 2016

Cup competitions

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Regional competitions

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  • Premier League Southern Division✽
    • Winners (2): 2000-01, 2015–16
    • Runners-up (4): 1996–97, 1997–98, 1999–00, 2014–15
  • Martlet League
    • Winners (3): 1972–73, 1973–74, 1974–75
  • Martlet League Cup
    • Winners (3): 1972–73, 1973–74, 1974–75
      Image
      Brighton & Hove Albion after winning the Sussex County Cup in 2012
  • Sussex Women's Challenge Cup[38]
    • Winners (19): 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023

✽ Club joined Southern Premier Division as a founding member in 1991–92

Minor competitions

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  • Sussex Women's Challenge Trophy
    • Winners (2): 2002†2, 2010†3
  • Woodingdean Carnival Cup
    • Winners (1): 1973

Notable mentions

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†2 Club entered as Bighton & Hove Albion Women Development Squad †3 Club entered as Albion Community[41]

See also

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References

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  1. ↑ "The Albion women's team's trailblazers". Brighton & Hove Albion FC. 13 May 2022. Archived from the original on 25 May 2026. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  2. ↑ "Goal Power! An Exhibition Legacy: Video - Brighton & Hove Museums". Brighton & Hove Museums. Archived from the original on 21 July 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  3. ↑ "Brighton & Hove Albion Women Football Club". vavel.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  4. ↑ "FT Albion 0 Manchester City 4: Defeat at Wembley in FA Cup final". brightonandhovealbion.com. 31 May 2026. Archived from the original on 1 June 2026.
  5. ↑ "Administrator: June Jaycocks". Women's Football Archive. Archived from the original on 2 March 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  6. ↑ "Women's F.A. Cup - Match Details". womensfacup.co.uk. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  7. 1 2 "Brighton & Hove Albion". www.brightonandhovealbion.com. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  8. ↑ "Together Making History - Brighton & Hove Albion". Brighton & Hove Albion. 18 May 2026. Retrieved 18 May 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ↑ "SEAGULLS IMPROVE ON RUNNERS-UP SPOT TO EARN TOP FLIGHT STATUS". The FA - Women's & Girls - Heritage. 25 May 2026. Archived from the original on 19 June 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  10. ↑ "FA Women's Premier League National Division 2002-03". The FA - Women's & Girl's - Heritage. 25 May 2026. Archived from the original on 17 August 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  11. ↑ "Women's Super League History". On Her Side - Celebrating women's football in England. 25 May 2026. Archived from the original on 4 September 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  12. ↑ "Brighton & Hove Albion WFC's five-year Champions League plan". BBC Sport. 30 April 2015. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  13. ↑ "NEWS Archives". Archived from the original on 8 July 2019. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  14. ↑ "Brighton & Hove Albion Women promotion to Women's Super League approved". BBC News. 2 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  15. ↑ "Women's Super League to switch to winter season in 2017". 2 June 2016. Archived from the original on 3 July 2019.
  16. ↑ "New calendar for FA WSL". Chelsea FC. 12 July 2016. Archived from the original on 13 October 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  17. ↑ "FA WSL Spring Series fixtures". 10 January 2017. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023.
  18. ↑ "FA WSL Spring Series under way". The FA. 12 February 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ↑ "Women's Super League to switch to winter season in 2017". BBC Sport. 12 July 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ↑ "Women's Super League: Brighton earn WSL 1 licence, Yeovil retain top-tier place". BBC Sport. 13 December 2017. Archived from the original on 13 December 2017.
  21. ↑ "Brighton at forefront of FA plan to revolutionise English women's football". The Guardian. 13 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ↑ "Home games on public parks and recreation grounds such as Buckingham Park". brightonandhobealbion.com. 1 June 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ↑ Club, Brighton & Hove Albion Women Football. "Brighton & Hove Albion Women Football Club | Biography & Wiki | VAVEL International". VAVEL. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  24. ↑ "Brighton to replay Women's FA Cup tie after substitute error". BBC Sport. 10 March 2016. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016.
  25. ↑ "Brighton 3-0 Southampton Saints". BBC Sport. 5 March 2002.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ↑ "ALBION ACHIEVE TIER ONE STATUS". BBC News. 2 June 2016. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  27. ↑ "Albion moved to the Broadfield Stadium, the home of Crawley Town". brightonandhovealbion.com. 1 June 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ↑ "Built For Her: Albion confirm plans for first purpose built women's stadium in UK and Europe". Brighton & Hove Albion. 28 April 2026. Archived from the original on 29 April 2026. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
  29. ↑ "The first purpose-built stadium in Europe for women's football is being built in the UK – the £80 million venue will have 10,000 seats". Time Out. 30 April 2026. Archived from the original on 6 May 2026.
  30. ↑ Sanders, Emma (28 April 2026). "Brighton release plans for Europe's first purpose-built £80m women's stadium". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 May 2026.
  31. ↑ "About". Shegulls.com. August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2026.[self-published source]
  32. ↑ "SheGulls is the first Official Supporters' Club". www.brightonandhovealbion.com. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 29 August 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  33. ↑ "Women's first team squad numbers confirmed for 2026/27 season". Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. 1 September 2026.
  34. ↑ "Brighton & Hove Albion vs Charlton Athletic". BBC Sport. 23 September 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
  35. ↑ "Man City survive scare to beat Brighton and stay unbeaten in WSL - BBC Sport". BBC Sport. 18 October 2026. Retrieved 19 October 2026.
  36. ↑ "Women's Super League: Brighton earn WSL 1 licence, Yeovil retain top-tier place". BBC Sport. 13 December 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
  37. ↑ "Women's F.A. Mitre Challenge Trophy". The Women's F.A. Cup. 18 May 2026. Archived from the original on 18 May 2026. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  38. ↑ "Previous Winners: Sussex Women's Challenge Cup". 29 May 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  39. ↑ "Hope Powell: Brighton Women boss wins February WSL manager of the month after wins over Chelsea and West Ham". Sky Sports. 12 March 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  40. ↑ "Vidosic named October's WSL manager of the month". BBC Sport. 31 October 2024. Archived from the original on 25 May 2026. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
  41. ↑ "Previous Winners: Sussex Women's Challenge Trophy".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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