Within hours of the finals of the European Championship and Copa America on July 14, attention will turn to pre-season for many of the most famous clubs in Europe.

Manchester United have a friendly match against Norwegian side Rosenborg on July 15, while Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have games two days later. Yet the main event of pre-season is the now customary money-spinning tour where European clubs travel thousands of miles across the world with the objective of growing their fanbase, consolidating ties with existing supporters and unlocking fresh revenue potential.

This summer, the United States is the location of choice for many of Europe’s largest clubs. Premier League clubs Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Wolves, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Bournemouth will all be in the United States, along with League One side Wrexham, who have become a streaming sensation under the ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona will also be in the States, along with AC Milan from Italy. Arsenal and Chelsea’s women’s sides are also crossing over the Atlantic this summer to face NWSL side Gotham.

The motivations are hardly surprising. The U.S. is the centre of the football universe…

Birmingham City’s plans to build a new stadium have taken a step forward after owners Knighthead completed the purchase of land in the east of the city.

Knighthead has bought a 48-acre site in Bordesley Park from Birmingham City Council and confirmed plans to build a new “world class” stadium and training ground.

The “Sports Quarter” will be home to facilities for the men’s, women’s and academy sides and aims to be a “globally recognisable sporting and entertainment location”.

The land is a former motor racing park and is located less than one mile away from St Andrew’s, which has been Birmingham’s home ground since 1906.

Birmingham’s training ground has been located outside of the city at the Elite Performance and Innovation Centre, the former home of Wasps rugby club following a fire at the Wast Hill training ground in March 2023. They signed a three-year lease for the centre in December.

Knighthead co-chief executive officer and club chairman, Tom Wagner said: “When we invested in Birmingham City, we made it very clear that we had an ambitious vision to transform the experience for our fans and make a positive contribution to the growth and vitality of the city of Birmingham. The acquisition of the former Wheels site is an important next step in making…

Jill Scott, Ellen White and Anita Asante have all been inducted into the Women’s Super League (WSL) Hall of Fame for 2023.

The three former England internationals, known for their outstanding contributions to the women’s and girls’ game, were standout figures during their professional careers. 

Scott played for Everton, Manchester City, and Aston Villa. The 36-year-old made 175 WSL appearances and scored 22 goals. She also won four Women’s FA Cups, three League Cups and a league title.

White, 34, made 144 league appearances for Arsenal, Notts County, Birmingham City and Manchester City. Her 61 goals at one point made her the WSL’s all-time leading goalscorer. This was later surpassed by Vivianne Miedema. 

Asante, 38, enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Arsenal between 2003 to 2008 and was part of the famous quadruple-winning side in 2006-07. She continued her legacy in the WSL, making 47 appearances for Chelsea and Aston Villa.

The inductions of White, Scott, and Asante were determined by the WSL Hall of Fame selection panel, featuring former players, coaches, officials from the women’s game, journalists, and members of Football Association (FA) staff.

These inductees now join a group of other individuals who have been recognised for their contributions and achievements…