In this episode of The Women’s Football Show on TalkSport 2, host Lianne Sanderson takes listeners through a packed agenda — from England’s Nations League setback and FA Cup semi-final drama to the shifting landscape of women’s football worldwide.
The show closes with an in-depth conversation with Stephen Smith, CEO of Kitman Labs, on how data and applied research are helping leagues like the WSL and NWSL understand — and prevent — ACL injuries. Smith explains how Kitman Labs is building the first large-scale, live dataset focused on female athlete health, examining everything from biomechanics and pitch surfaces to hormonal cycles and footwear design.
The discussion connects the on-pitch realities of a growing game to the scientific work being done behind the scenes to safeguard its players — offering a rare, holistic view of where women’s football is heading next.
Why Listen
- A complete weekend recap: From FA Cup finalists to Champions League ties, all the key storylines shaping women’s football right now.
- Breaking barriers: Why the 2028 Olympics will finally feature more women’s teams than men’s.
- Real voices, real issues: Honest conversations about pregnancy, pay, and the policies still holding the game back.
- Science in action: How Kitman Labs and global leagues are using data to decode ACL injuries and transform player care.
- Future focus: What league-wide collaboration could mean for athlete health, career longevity, and equality across the sport.
Hear the full episode with Lianne Sanderson right here, and if you enjoy it, explore more insightful conversations from The Women’s Football Show at shows.acast.com/womens-football-weekly
