Brighton and Hove City Council has given the green light to construct a dedicated football stadium for Brighton’s women’s team, marking a significant milestone for women’s football in England.
Traditionally, women’s teams have had to share stadiums or training facilities with their male counterparts. However, this forthcoming stadium will be exclusively reserved for Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
Brighton ready to spark revolution with women’s football stadium https://t.co/PsNmLxdyzx
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) October 29, 2023
This development carries immense importance for women’s football, offering a tailored and professional environment for the women’s team. Additionally, it brings positive news for the Brighton squad, who have faced the challenge of playing and training in Crawley, a location situated 20 miles outside of the city center.
“This is another massive first step in our journey back to Brighton, and we are excited for what lies ahead for this club, community, and team,” Brighton and Hove Albion Women head coach Melissa Phillips said.
Brighton have received the go-ahead in principal from Brighton & Hove City Council to move forward with a plan to build the first stadium exclusively for women's football in England's history. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y7Ohw4DgJq
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) October 29, 2023
Zoe Johnson, the managing director of women’s and girls’ football at the club, expressed her delight at the council’s decision saying: “We believe that this is another positive step in the right direction for women’s football within the Sussex community. We understand that it will take time, and we look forward to working with the council to ensure that we can bring the women’s team to Brighton on a permanent basis.”
Currently positioned at 9th place in the Women’s Super League (WSL), Brighton’s women’s team awaits further details regarding the stadium’s completion date.