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Stroot, who led the team to significant successes, including national championships and cup victories, decided to step down after a challenging season. His departure leaves Wolfsburg searching for a new coach to guide the team forward. Stroot expressed gratitude for his time at the club and highlighted the strong bond he shared with the players and staff during his tenure1.

Under Stroot’s leadership, Wolfsburg maintained its position as one of Europe’s top women’s football teams. However, recent results and increased competition have added pressure to the club. The search for a new coach will be crucial in maintaining Wolfsburg's high standards and continuing their success in domestic and international competitions1

Sydney FC captain Natalie Tobin, aged 28, is proactively addressing her reproductive health by exploring fertility options. After discontinuing contraception, she experienced a 10-month absence of menstruation, likely due to high exercise volumes associated with her athletic career. To better understand and manage her fertility, Tobin is participating in Sydney FC's partnership with WHEN Fertility, which provides at-home fertility testing and education to both male and female club members.

Although Tobin and her husband, Will Fiedler, do not plan to have children immediately, she emphasizes the importance of preparation for future family planning. She acknowledges the evolving perception of athletes returning to sports post-pregnancy and aims to ensure she can have children when the time is right. Tobin's proactive approach highlights the growing awareness and importance of reproductive planning among athletes.

Kanizat Ibrahim, the first female Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has significantly advanced women's football in Africa. Under her leadership, CAF introduced key competitions like the CAF Women's Champions League and launched development programs such as the GIFT initiative for U-17 female players. These efforts have led to increased recognition, with 47 out of 54 African federations now having senior women's teams and 49 hosting women's first-division competitions.

Despite these advancements, Ibrahim acknowledges ongoing challenges, particularly in changing perceptions about women's football and improving infrastructure and funding. She emphasizes the importance of viewing the sport as a professional opportunity for women to build careers and support their families. Her vision includes fostering a supportive environment where young African girls can aspire to roles as players, coaches, or administrators in football.

Millie Bright, a defender for Chelsea and England, emphasizes the transformative power of football in fostering community and personal growth. She highlights the importance of grassroots initiatives, such as the Football Foundation's Lionesses Futures Fund, which has funded 30 new 3G pitches dedicated to women's and girls' football. Bright believes these facilities provide safe spaces for individuals to connect, find support, and build confidence, underscoring football's role beyond just the sport.

She also expresses pride in her teammate, Lucy Bronze, for openly discussing her diagnosis of ADHD and autism. Bright commends Bronze's courage in sharing her story, recognizing that such openness can inspire others and promote understanding of neurodiverse conditions within the sporting community. This acknowledgment reflects Bright's broader commitment to inclusivity and support within football.

Khalida Popal, former captain of Afghanistan's women's national football team, has fought for three years to ensure Afghan female footballers have a future in the sport. After tireless efforts and advocacy, she announced that FIFA has finally agreed to support the rebuilding of women's football in Afghanistan. The sport was banned in the country after the Taliban took control in 2021, forcing many female players to flee. Popal, who now lives in Denmark, has played a key role in protecting and helping Afghan women footballers, ensuring they can continue playing outside their homeland. Through her organization, 'Girl Power Organisation,' she has been a strong voice for women’s rights, using football as a tool to empower girls and connect communities.

She believes that football is more than just a game; it is a way to bring people together and drive social change. Popal has been working with international organizations and governing bodies to provide opportunities for Afghan female players to compete again. FIFA's recent decision to support Afghan women's football gives hope to many players who had their dreams taken away. While the road ahead is still challenging, this progress marks a step toward a future where Afghan women can return to the field and represent their country. Popal remains committed to ensuring that female athletes have the support and resources they need to pursue their passion, no matter where they are.

After Thursday's matches, we already know what the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final line-up will look like. 

Chelsea will face defending champions Barcelona, a team renowned for their dominance in European competitions. Chelsea's recent 3-0 victory over Manchester City showcased their formidable form, with standout performances from Nathalie Björn and Mayra Ramírez. To overcome Barcelona, Chelsea will need to maximize their home advantage and maintain their high-intensity play.

Arsenal will have to deal with multiple champions Olympique Lyon after knocking out Real Madrid. The Gunners beat the White Ballet 3-0 at home at the Emirates on Wednesday to turn the series around after losing 3-2 in Madrid. The teams already met in the Champions League in 2022 in the group stage, when Arsenal won 5-1 but lost 0-1 in the return leg. 

The matches will take place on 19 and 26 April.

Trinity Rodman is returning to the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) for the first time since the 2024 Olympics. Coach Emma Hayes included her in the 24-player squad for upcoming friendly matches against Brazil. These games are scheduled for April 5 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and April 8 at PayPal Park in San Jose.

The squad features 19 players from the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, with notable additions such as Kansas City Current center-back Alana Cook, returning after her last appearance in 2023. Two uncapped players, Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Houston Dash's Avery Patterson, are also included. Angelina Anderson and Mia Fishel will join as training players.

UEFA has launched "Unstoppable," a six-year strategy aimed at elevating women's football by 2030. The plan focuses on making football the most popular team sport for women and girls in every European country, developing professional leagues, and increasing the number of professional players. It also aims to create a sustainable and investable environment for women's football and celebrate its unique community values.

To achieve these goals, UEFA has outlined eight strategic priorities. These include developing pathways for players, coaches, and referees; ensuring universal access to grassroots football; and promoting high-performance systems. The strategy builds upon the success of UEFA's previous initiative, "Time For Action," and aligns with the broader "United for Success 2024-30" strategy to foster a thriving football environment across Europe.