Chelsea women to play all home matches at Stamford Bridge next season

Chelsea, the eight-time WSL title holders, will now align with teams such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Leicester City by staging all their womens league home fixtures at the mens main stadium.

From 2017 onwards, the Chelsea women have utilised Kingsmeadow as their base, although specific matches like Champions League encounters have occurred at Stamford Bridge. Officials at the club have announced that Kingsmeadow will serve academy fixtures starting next season.

This venue, with a capacity of 4,850, is presently jointly occupied by the womens senior squad and the under-21 group. Stamford Bridge, by comparison, can seat about 41,000 in its seating areas.

Addressing fans in a public letter, the Chelsea players characterised the shift as a feeling-laden yet crucial advancement for the organisation.

"Departing Kingsmeadow following nine years feels mixed with joy and sorrow. It is the place where numerous Chelsea icons forged their achievements," they stated.

"However, similar to our departure from Wheatsheaf Park, a fresh period commences, and Stamford Bridge offers the platform this squad merits."

The squad members indicated that the transition would leave their goals unaffected.

"This marks a fresh phase, yet our drive stays unchanged. We aim to triumph. We seek to secure additional silverware."

"We intend to forge more milestones. This reflects Chelseas longstanding tradition, and we shall uphold that heritage alongside our fans right there at the Bridge."