Charlton Athletic are back among England's elite after their women's team secured promotion to the Women's Super League for the first time since the club's original setup was disbanded almost two decades ago, following the men's side's relegation from the Premier League. The south London club will begin life back in the top division with games at the Valley, starting with a fixture against Liverpool on 6 September.the team enjoyed a strong campaign in WSL2 last season, highlighted by a 27-game unbeaten run and the division's tightest defence. Despite that form, a mid-season dip cost them the title, with Birmingham City pipping them to top spot on the final day. Charlton were forced into the playoffs, where they overcame Leicester City to confirm promotion.
Manager Karen Hills, who took charge in 2021 with the stated ambition of reaching the WSL within five years, has now achieved that milestone for the second time in her coaching career, having previously led Tottenham into the top flight in 2019. Hills, now 51, has deep ties to Charlton, having played for the club for six seasons and lifted the FA Cup in 2005.
The squad has seen significant turnover this summer, with six players departing, including key figure Katie Bradley. To offset those losses, Charlton have brought in a mix of seasoned professionals and promising newcomers. Ashleigh Neville arrives after more than 100 WSL appearances, much of that experience gained under Hills during their time together at Tottenham. The full-back, who faced Charlton in the promotion playoff only months ago, said of her move: "I know what Karen's about and vice versa; she knows what I bring. I'm really looking forward to working with her again."
Australian pair Leah Davidson and Grace Johnston have also joined, with the latter arriving from Perth Glory as Charlton's first summer signing. Johnston, a versatile full-back, made every appearance for her former club last season and was recognised with its best young player award for 2026. Her performances have earned her recognition at international youth level, including involvement with the Young Matildas and a role in their Asean Women's Championship triumph last year.
Experienced Australian midfielder Emily van Egmond has also been added to bolster the squad's depth ahead of the step up in quality.
Goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse remains a central figure for Charlton after an outstanding campaign in which she played every minute of the season and posted the best save percentage in WSL2 at 70.8%. Her heroics were on full display in the playoff shootout against Leicester, where she saved four penalties to send Charlton up. The team also finished level for the most clean sheets in the division and conceded fewer goals than any other side.
Attacking output remains a concern, however, with Charlton scoring only 31 goals last season, the lowest tally among WSL2's top six clubs. Bridging that gap will be crucial if they are to avoid the fate of other newly promoted sides that have struggled at the higher level in recent seasons.
Pre-season preparations included a training trip to Cádiz aimed at building cohesion within the revamped squad. Off the pitch, Charlton have struck a partnership with haircare brand Sofnfree, who will feature as the team's official sleeve sponsor across all playing and replica kits this season. The club have also launched a dedicated women's TikTok channel as part of efforts to grow their audience. However, uncertainty looms after ownership group Global Football Partners announced plans to put the club up for sale, a development that could bring short-term instability.
Season tickets for matches at the Valley, where Charlton will play for a third consecutive year, went on sale shortly after promotion was confirmed. The stadium will continue to allow alcohol, alongside a designated alcohol-free area, and supporters will have the chance to sponsor individual players as part of ongoing fan engagement initiatives.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.