Oxford United Women begin 2026-27 season at Exeter City

The side will begin their FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division season away at Exeter City this Sunday, August 16.

Manager Liam Gilbert said: “I just want us to continue to grow.

“In pre-season, it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, but when the season starts, it’s about how we control that excitement.

“I just want the girls to be as free and confident as they can be, and then believe in everything they’ve done over the past six weeks.”

United have enjoyed an encouraging pre-season, taking on a demanding schedule that included three matches against teams from the WSL and WSL 2.

They narrowly lost to Crystal Palace, drew with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and defeated last season’s champions Watford.

Mr Gilbert said: “We deliberately put together a tough schedule which included four games in two weeks.

“The calibre of opposition that we were able to get was really stretched, so we were able to play against different types of setups and systems.

“It was really good for problem-solving and for us to see the different areas we needed to continue to work on.”

Two new signings are expected to make an impact, including 24-year-old winger Sophie Quirk, who joined from AFC Bournemouth after being named the 2025/26 WNL Southern Premier Division Player of the Season.

She scored 29 goals in 33 matches last season.

Defender Maddie Brant, who captained Lewes and previously played in the United States after coming through Chelsea’s academy, has also joined the squad.

Mr Gilbert said: “They’re brilliant people.

“The way they’ve integrated into the group has been seamless and that was part of what we looked for in the summer.”

He also highlighted the progress of Eva Burgess, promoted from the Under-18s.

Mr Gilbert said: “They’ve just added a different dynamic to the group and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with them.”

Since Mr Gilbert’s return in November 2025, Oxford lost just once in the league and reached the fifth round of the FA Cup.

He credited the team’s home support as a key factor.

Mr Gilbert said: “At home, we make that place a really difficult place to come and the fans are a big part of that.

“Because of the setup there, they get really close to the pitch and you can feel and hear it.”

United’s first home match of the season will be against Lewes on Sunday, August 23.