England's Women's World Cup Performance Spikes WSL Attendance By 78%

England's performances at the World Cup in Canada helped see a 78% increase in fans attending the Women's Super League over the weekend, according to SKY SPORTS. The Lionessess "returned to domestic duties" on Sunday, with 17 of the 23 players who won bronze medals in Canada turning out for their clubs in the FA WSL. England midfielder Fara Williams said, "After what we did at the World Cup I think it was fantastic that so many people come out to watch -- not just our game -- but all the games around the country, some of which saw probably double the normal crowd. We've worked for a long time to raise the profile of the women's game. We wore that shirt with great pride and great passion out in Canada and I think people took note of that and because of that people came out to support us." Arsenal and England defender Casey Stoney added, "We need to keep that momentum going now. We need to make sure the games are good in quality and hopefully people will want to come back" (SKY SPORTS, 7/13).