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Rachel Daly Sets Sights on Aston Villa WSL Rise

8/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rachel Daly, Aston Villa captain, aims to raise the club above ninth place in the WSL.
At 34, Daly is Villa’s oldest player and begins her fifth season after 19 top-level years.
She has earned 84 England caps.
She was named WSL Player of the Season in 2021.
Daly says the squad is rebuilding after many departures and new signings.

History

Historical Context

The FA banned women’s football in 1921 and only formed a Women’s Football Committee in 1993. Building on that change, the FA launched the professional Women’s Super League in 2011 with eight clubs—including Arsenal and Chelsea—and a £5 million investment, sparking a 150 % attendance rise by 2015. England veteran Rachel Daly now captains Aston Villa, which entered the league in 2020.

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Story summary

Rachel Daly, Aston Villa captain, aims to raise the club above ninth place in the WSL.
At 34, Daly is Villa’s oldest player and begins her fifth season after 19 top-level years.
She has earned 84 England caps.
She was named WSL Player of the Season in 2021.
Daly says the squad is rebuilding after many departures and new signings.

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