Big things are expected of Manchester City this season and defender Lucy Bronze claims the opportunity to make history is spurring the side on.

Manchester City Ladies footballer Isobel Christiansen is set to become an even greater star for both club and country, according to England teammate Jordan Nobbs.

A seven-figure sum from energy providers SSE will be committed to the women’s game, ring-fencing funding to create a UK-wide programme of girls-only football activity.

Defending Continental Cup champions Manchester City Women kicked off their season in the first round of the Women’s FA Cup earlier this week, going behind inside five minutes to WSL 2 team Doncaster Rovers Belles.

Gorton-based West End AFC girls’ team are appealing for the public’s help to raise £6,000 to get their team to France to defend their Challenge Des Etoiles tournament title.

Women’s football is making progress in the city – but more needs to be done to prolong girls’ interest in the sport, says FC United of Manchester Women’s manager Lee Sutton.

Cushing is hopeful that their “unique” style of play can bring them further success this season with City in their debut season.

New semi-professional Women’s Super League has brought about record attendances at the new look two-tier league games as football seeks to overtake rugby and cricket.

City to start league season in WSL on April 17 after FA Women’s Cup season-opener against Reading

Blues defender replaces Casey Stoney after already captaining England twice, in January against Norway and in Cyprus Cup against Canada