Nottingham Forest Women are going fully professional, with a team of 18 full-time professionals and a few part-time players starting next season and a fully professional roster by 2025/26.

The professionalisation of the club is a major step forward for Forest, currently playing in the Women’s National League North – the third tier of English women’s football. Following major investment from owner Evangelos Marinakis, the full-time model aims to target a spot in the Women’s Championship and, eventually, the WSL.

In addition to becoming a fully professional team, Forest Women will play all 11 of their home matches at The City Ground, creating an opportunity for significant growth in support for the club's women’s team. With most WSL sides not even playing regularly at their club’s main stadium, Forest is setting a precedent not only for the WNL North, but women’s football in England. 

There have been many disheartening stories coming out of the women’s football space in the last few weeks, stemming from a lack of investment and support. This huge development for Forest is a step in the right direction and shows what’s possible when the work is put in to ensure women’s sides receive the backing they deserve. Here’s to more investment in women’s football across the pyramid.