WSL 2 Pre-Season: From Speed-Dating to Shark Encounters

The Women's Super League 2 (WSL 2) season kicks off on 4 September, and clubs have been using the pre-season period not only to build fitness and integrate new signings but also to foster team spirit through creative bonding exercises. From speed-dating in Canada to shark sightings on the English coast, BBC Sport has gathered some of the most memorable pre-season tales from the league.

Nottingham Forest's Wholesome Speed-Dating

Nottingham Forest traveled to Canada for their pre-season camp. During a day off, the squad visited a wildlife centre, sharing photos with animals on social media. Manager Tom Mallinson organized a speed-dating activity designed to help players learn about their new teammates. Paired with different partners, each player shared what they appreciated about the other and discussed their strengths.

Captain Georgia Brougham described the experience as "really wholesome," noting that the rotating partners and questions like "what does your partner bring to the team?" made everyone feel valued. "It made people feel valued. I think that was a moment where everyone really felt together on the trip," she said. One Swedish player told Brougham she felt she had "gained a sister" and could be herself away from home. "It wasn't forced, so it was nice," Brougham added.

Sheffield United's 'Hunted' Adventure

Sheffield United spent a day playing 'Hunted', a real-life version of the Channel 4 reality TV series. The game required teammates to work together to evade those chasing them. Joy Ralph described the experience: "I'm not really sure what goes on to be honest! We just kind of ran around after each other in the woods." The activity took place in the Peak District and was "very similar to the TV show. It was fun!"

Sunderland's Dolphin Surprise

Goalkeeper Fran Stenson, who moved to Sunderland from Southampton this summer, was exploring the coast with teammates when she encountered what she initially thought was a shark. "We've been to a few places down by the beach. We went there once and there was dolphins. I didn't expect that," Stenson recalled. "I first thought it was a shark. I was like: 'no, am I seeing it right?' There were loads of photographers and I thought it was a shark because I saw a larger fin." A bystander pointed out that the creatures were dolphins playing, not sharks. "That was one of my first days too," she added.

Wolves' Military-Style Lake District Trip

Wolves headed to the Lake District for a trip that some players feared would be overly rigorous. Goalkeeper Emily Orman, who joined on loan from London City Lionesses, revealed the rumors: "There were rumours about whether we were going to have to put mud on our faces because our manager is in the RAF. Everyone was worried it was going to be quite a military trip in the Lake District!" The actual activities included abseiling down a waterfall, fitness sessions, and campfires, which Orman described as "more team bonding stuff." She added, "But some people were concerned about their skin care routine."

Personal Pursuits: Video Games and Documentaries

Beyond team activities, some players used pre-season to explore personal interests. Orman has become hooked on video games, thanks to her boyfriend. "My boyfriend's kind of indoctrinated me into playing video games because it was his smart way of him getting away with it," she said. "He got me a new computer and was like: 'oh look at this'. He's plagued me with that addiction." Orman has also been developing her passion for documentary making, which began while she recovered from a wrist injury last season.