The London club becomes the latest side to join the ECA network following landmark season on and off the pitch
London City Lionesses have officially become the latest Member Club of the European Club Association (ECA), joining a growing network of ambitious clubs helping to shape the future of the women’s game across Europe.
The move comes off the back of a historic promotion season for the club, with their entry into the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) secured for next season. The past few years have been marked by record-breaking signings, growing attendances and a bold vision for the future of women’s football in the capital.
As the first independent professional women’s football club in the UK, London City Lionesses have challenged conventions since their foundation in 2019. Their ECA membership recognises both the club’s rapid growth and its long-term commitment to innovation, performance and equality in women’s game.
Setting the standard on and off the pitch
The Bromley-based club’s recent success in gaining promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League has been built on more than just results. It’s a story of strategic investment, fan engagement and a clear focus on professional excellence.
At the start, the club set a new benchmark in the Women's Championship market by signing highly rated England U-23 striker Isobel Goodwin, a standout talent whose arrival underlined the club’s commitment to attracting and developing top-level players. Goodwin has certainly rewarded the club as she won both the Golden Boot and Player of the Season for 2024/25.
That ambition is being matched off the pitch. The club’s recent acquisition of a 28-acre training facility in Aylesford, Kent, represents a significant long-term investment. Once renovated, it will serve as a high-performance hub, offering elite-level resources designed specifically for female athletes – a rarity even in top-tier women’s football.
London City Lionesses and club owner, Michele Kang, celebrate their league win and WSL promotion
Looking to the future
In another move to support its growing fanbase, the club began playing its home matches at Hayes Lane, home of Bromley FC, from the start of last season. The switch has significantly improved the matchday experience for supporters – an important step as the team prepared for life in the top flight. In addition, the club, as part of its commitment to inspiring the local community, has grown its local fanbase by over 2,000% this season, driven by strong engagement efforts and partnerships with 38 local youth sister clubs.
Reflecting on joining ECA, Michele Kang, the owner of London City Lionesses and ECA Board Member said; “It is a true honour for London City Lionesses to join the European Club Association and stand alongside so many respected clubs committed to shaping the future of football.
“Reaching this milestone as a young, independent club reflects the unwavering support of our incredible fans and is the result of the relentless dedication of our players, coaches and staff. I look forward to working with fellow ECA Members to help build a movement for sustainable excellence in women’s football for generations to come.
A growing voice in European football
By joining ECA, London City Lionesses now gain access to an influential platform that helps clubs collaborate, shape policy and represent their interests at the European level. Through its Women’s Football Working Group and representation in key UEFA and FIFA committees, ECA continues to advocate for the growth and increased development of the women’s game.
The Lionesses join a rapidly growing number of women’s clubs within the ECA Membership base, including leading names from across Europe. Cardiff City FC joined ECA last month through the success of their women's team. As the voice of over 750 professional clubs of all sizes from across the continent, ECA remains committed to creating greater opportunities for women’s football and ensuring that its development and success are led by clubs.