Starting next season, the Subway Women’s Cup will undergo a major overhaul, with sweeping changes to its format, eligibility and structure. These adjustments are designed to streamline the competition, align it more closely with UEFA standards and elevate its competitive integrity.
However, they also raise questions about inclusivity and opportunity — particularly for clubs outside the top tier and for teams such as Sunderland Women, the implications are significant.
The most headline-grabbing change
is the exclusion of teams participating in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) from the domestic cup. This means that the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City, if they qualify for the UWCL, will not be part of the Subway Women’s Cup.
Previously, these teams could enter the domestic cup even if they were involved in European competition, often joining in later rounds, and their absence will dramatically reshape the tournament’s competitive landscape, removing some of the most dominant forces and opening the door for other clubs to make deeper runs.
Another key change is the elimination of the group stage format, with the competition set to adopt a Swiss-style league format during its initial phase.
This system, popular in chess and esports, ensures that teams play a set number of matches against opponents with similar records rather than being placed in fixed groups. Each team will face six different opponents during this phase, which is designed to reduce predictability and increase fairness.
The Swiss model rewards consistency and adaptability, as teams must perform well across a range of matchups to progress, and once this phase concludes, qualified teams will enter a knockout stage.
This return to a traditional elimination format will bring back the drama and intensity of do-or-die matches — but only for those who navigate the complexities of the new league phase.
Importantly, teams that fail to qualify for the UWCL will not drop into the domestic cup as they might’ve done in previous seasons. This change reinforces the separation between domestic and European competitions, emphasizing the need for clubs to prioritize their paths early in the season.
The pros of this new structure are clear.
First, it levels the playing field, as with UWCL teams excluded, clubs from the Championship and lower WSL positions have a genuine chance to compete for silverware. This could lead to more unpredictable outcomes and a broader distribution of success throughout the women’s football pyramid.
Second, the Swiss format introduces a more meritocratic system, reducing the luck of the draw and ensuring that advancement is based on performance rather than group placement. Finally, the knockout stage retains the excitement and tradition of cup football, preserving its emotional appeal.
However, there are notable cons, not least the absence of top-tier teams possibly diminishing the prestige of the competition.
Fans often look forward to marquee matchups between giants like Chelsea and Arsenal, and their exclusion could impact viewership and sponsorship. The Swiss format, although fairer, is also more complex and may confuse casual fans as it requires careful scheduling and clear communication to ensure engagement.
Additionally, the decision to prevent UWCL dropouts from entering the cup removes a safety net for elite clubs, potentially shortening their fixture list and limiting opportunities for squad rotation and development.
For Sunderland AFC Women, these changes present both challenges and opportunities and as a club outside of the WSL elite, the Lasses stand to benefit from the absence of UWCL teams.
The path to the latter stages of the competition becomes more navigable and the chance to reach a final or even win the cup is more realistic than in previous years. This could boost morale, attract new fans and provide a platform for showcasing talent.
On the flip side, Sunderland must adapt quickly to the Swiss format, as success will depend on consistency across six varied opponents, requiring tactical flexibility and squad depth.
The club will need to prepare meticulously, analyzing potential matchups and ensuring readiness for a range of playing styles. The knockout stage — while familiar — will be more competitive than ever, as mid-tier clubs vie for glory in the absence of traditional powerhouses.
In summary, the new Subway Women’s League Cup format will mark a bold shift in English women’s football.
It prioritizes fairness and opportunity but risks losing some of the glamour associated with elite competition. For Sunderland Women, it’s a moment to seize and a chance to redefine their ambitions and stake a claim in a reshaped landscape.
Whether these changes elevate the tournament or dilute its impact will depend on execution, engagement and the stories that emerge from the pitch, but if Sunderland can navigate the new terrain, they may find themselves not just participating, but contending.
