How fantasy WSL is helping to educate fans about the women's game | OneFootball

A Women's Super League fantasy football game that has attracted tens of thousands of users is hoping to play an instrumental role in educating football fans on the women's game.

Over 32,000 people signed up to Fantasy WSL last year when it debuted and this time around the game has had a revamp. It includes brand new features, including a new design, power-ups and gameplay elements aimed at deepening fan engagement.

More specifically, users can take advantage of new 'verified leagues', where creators can control their own mini-leagues within the game, and share their own women's football content with their followers. Updated player profiles are also available, featuring pronunciation guides where available, giving a greater understanding of individual athletes and their careers.

Each player profile also features a 'buy shirt' button, making it easier for users to purchase the shirt of their favourite player directly through the game. The game is going a long way to help educate football fans on the women's game, helping to bring them up to speed with all the latest clubs in the league and players.

80% of Fantasy WSL say they feel more educated on individual players in the WSL after playing / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages

A recent survey revealed that the introduction of Fantasy WSL helped 80% of users feel more educated about individual players in the WSL after playing, with 77% confirming they'd be more likely to watch teams on TV in addition to the one they support.

Owner of Fantasy WSL, Even Sports' co-founder and chief technology officer, Jimmy Thompson said: "We recognise the role that fantasy football has to play in educating users about the WSL, and at the core of our mission is to ensure that the technology we use reflects this.

"That is why our in-game formulas accurately mirror the way women play football, rather than using generic fantasy football approaches that have traditionally catered to the men's game."

Although the game is now open to users, teams won't be locked until the WSL returns on 21 September.