Chelsea have decided to move their senior women’s side to Stamford Bridge permanently at the end of this season.
The Blues have been using Kingsmeadow Stadium since 2017 after buying the stadium from AFC Wimbledon, who they shared the ground with until the League One side moved to their New Plough Lane home.
Chelsea Opt For Major Shakeup
In a statement published by the club on their website, it was confirmed that Sonia Bompastor’s side would make a permanent switch to Stamford Bridge ahead of the next Women’s Super League season, with the league expanding two 14 teams.
It is believed that Chelsea will not cap the capacity of the 40,000 seater ground, and will also host the club’s continental fixtures should they qualify for next season’s Women’s Champions League, which they are currently at risk of missing out on with Arsenal and Manchester United vying for the two remaining places.
Chelsea have already used their men’s ground this season, most notably in their Champions League match against the Gunners, which ended in defeat for the West London side in the quarter-finals.
Kingsmeadow will remain in possesion of the Blues despite the senior team’s departure, with their academy sides taking up residence in the near 5,000 capacity ground on a permanent basis.
Speaking about the move following it’s confirmation, the club’s Fan Advisory Board said:
“This is an exciting moment for Chelsea FC Women and the growing fanbase. Moving to Stamford Bridge is the natural next step for the team as they continue to build on the incredible legacy of every player, every staff member, every fan who has come before them.
“It is a stage befitting of the team and the incredible CFCW fanbase, and an opportunity to grow the game, welcome new supporters and build an atmosphere that drives the team forward.
“We are also delighted that Kingsmeadow will continue to be a part of the Chelsea Women journey, with more opportunities for the academy teams to play there in future.
“We are grateful to the club for engaging with the Fan Advisory Board on this momentous move and look forward to creating new memories together at Stamford Bridge.”
Growth Of League Continues
News of Chelsea moving into Stamford Bridge full-time is yet another great sign that the upwards momentum in women’s football is on a steady track.
While it may be bittersweet to say goodbye to Kingsmeadow in a fallow season for the club given the success they have had at the ground, it is necessary to facilitate the growth of a club which is at the very top of the sport and continue to keep the club moving forwards.
Continuing the trend seen by Everton moving into Goodison Park and Arsenal’s increasing usage of the Emirates, WSL sides are now regularly using bigger grounds, and in the coming years that hopefully will correlate to greater attendance figures.