BWSL: Courtney Winfield-Hill reflects on 2025 season

I think the 2025 Betfred Women’s Super League has been closer than ever. Huddersfield Giants have made some great steps forward this season and what is really promising is that they secured fifth place in the league. But if you look at the U19s Academy, they have dominated most of their fixtures and that’s equally exciting for the Giants’ future.

This year’s Women’s Grand Final theme is the next generation, and right now Wigan Warriors Women are reaping the rewards of their young talent. But keep an eye on Huddersfield Giants, they’re showing signs of a bright future.

It’s been great to witness the Women’s Super League evolve during the 2025 season. We’ve witnessed many talents rise from academies, alongside fresh faces introduced to the sport through transfers.

Take Wigan, they have the Power sisters, Emily Veivers and Remi Wilton. Then there’s the remarkable story of Peace Lekuru who joined York Valkyrie from Uganda; the more I think about it the more amazing it is. The fact that our sport has such reach is incredible and credit must go to all the players who’ve come over to compete in the Women’s Super League. It must be one of the most courageous and rewarding experiences, and the impact they’ve all had this year in undeniable.

The beginning of the 2025 season may have been met with some turbulence, with England Women’s defeat in Las Vegas. But the season has certainly progressed and not disappointed. The next generation theme is fitting as it reflects the excitement of the season. We’ve seen new players step forward for their respective clubs and for England, with fresh names being praised on commentary and new faces lifting trophies once out of reach with veteran teams.

On the other hand, I’d love to ask the question to the next generation: who have they been watching for the last eight years? With the likes of St Helens, York Valkyrie, and Leeds Rhinos being the most visible in the women’s game, it’s undeniable whether the veteran players believe it or not, that they’ve had an incredible influence. The next generation have probably sat in the stands watching those players, and now they’re lining up beside them. That’s the beauty of this season. 

The talent we’ve seen in the Women’s Super League this year is also a credit to the development pathways in place. Many of this season’s stars are DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) graduates, the first step on the England Performance Pathway. The Girls’ Hubs, the outstanding community clubs, and the introduction of the U19s Academy programme are all playing a key role in shaping young female players. The opportunities available for this next generation, and for those still to come, are endless and incredibly exciting.  

Sunday's Grand Final will be a dramatic encounter, no doubt and a true testament to those who have paved the way, and to those now taking the reins.

The Betfred Women's Super League Grand Final will take place at The Brick Community Stadium on Sunday 5 October (K.O. 5:30pm), live on Sky Sports.

Get your tickets for the BWSL's season finale here!