Bristol Academy's forward, Natasha Harding, tells us about her future at Bristol, playing for Wales and her work in the Vixens community. The ex-Cardiff City captain has represented her country 17 times and played 21 games last season for Bristol, scoring 5 goals.

Q. How are you looking forward to the FA WSL season ahead? Are you fully fit and prepared?

I'm very much looking forward to it, especially after the season we had as a team and the great season I had last year myself. In terms of being fit and prepared, I've realised that with age, recovery is massive!

Q. Bristol have had a great history since the FA WSL started, jumping from 5th-2nd in recent seasons. Do you think this year could be the hardest yet for you, with the likes of Manchester City joining and more players coming into clubs?

I wouldn't say harder as such but I would definitely say more competitive. Every team has strengthened some how including us so this year, so it can only be a more exciting and more competitive.

Q. Are there any teams you see as rivals in your league? Especially Liverpool perhaps, who just beat you to first place last season.

Well we want to compete with the best and obviously Liverpool and Arsenal are up there with those teams. I wouldn't say so much as direct rivals, but to be on the same level as Liverpool would be great, so beating them would be on the agenda.

Q. You've recently signed a new contract with Bristol, after playing every game last season and scoring 5 important goals. What is it that about the club that made you want to commit to another season? Did any other teams show interest in you?

I thought after last year with everyone working so hard to get second and the Champions League it would only be justified by me staying and others at the club. Last year was my best season by far, so I thought if I stayed one more year it would only make me better. I had a few top English teams show strong interest, one in particular was looking the most likely that I was leaving for. I even had two top Swedish clubs interested, one of which is still in the Champions League. But when the time is right and I feel like I have given everything to Bristol and visa versa, then it will be time for me to move on and learn from other clubs/coaches.

Q. In 2012, you scored your first hattrick in an international qualifying match against Israel, congratulations. Obviously you play a lot with Bristol and Cardiff players for Wales, so I assume you all know each other well anyway. How does playing internationally compare to domestic games?

Yes it was an amazing feeling, scoring a goal for your country is always great but for me I was lucky enough to score three at once. It was a great day personally, but overall most importantly we won as a team. With international matches it's a different because it is more defensive, so my roles are a bit different. It's challenging as a player but that's how individually and as a team we learn.

Q. With the second tier being created for the FA WSL and more matches being shown on TV, positive steps are happening in women's football. How does this feel for the players to finally see the game developing more and being invested in?

Football in Britain is only getting bigger and better, and to make another league will only strengthen that. More and more players from overseas are wanting to play in the league and that is only positive for women's football in Britain.

Q. Aside from football, am I right in thinking you study? If so, how do you find the balance dividing your time between that and football?

I finished my degree last June (2013) and I'm fortunate enough to just play football as my job. But I was getting bored in the times when we didn't have training, therefore I got a job as a teaching assistant in a college working with special needs. It works around football and is challenging, but equally rewarding.

Q. That's great work, and you are also actively involved in the Vixens community programme. What sort of activities/events do you partake in?

Yes, the community programme is going great, although with this other job I am just balancing them both, so I'm pretty busy at the moment. We do half-term and holiday camps and they have been great. We are also getting local schools and clubs more involved in the area. It's growing more and more popular in Bristol thanks to our success last season.

Q. Is there anyone you see as your football idol/hero?

I just think what Mia Hamm has done for the women's game is massive and thanks to her generation, my generation are reaping the benefits.

Q. And finally, what does the future hold for you Natasha, in terms of continuing playing, or would you possibly like to get into coaching?

Well obviously it's to do well this coming season, win some sort of trophy and to do well in the Champions League. But I don't plan anything too far in to the future because we never know what happens.

After an impressive season last year, coming second place behind Liverpool by five points, Bristol Academy begin their 2014 campaign against Chelsea at home on Thursday April 17th. Good luck Natasha and the girls and thank you for your answers.

Goalkeeper Cherie Rowlands, talks Bees, Barnet and Schmeichel with SOTB.  She has experience playing for Arsenal Ladies in the FA WSL and Champions league, as well as being Barnet's leading footballer with the most appearances. 

Q. How are you personally, and as a club, looking forward to new challenge of the FA WSL season ahead?

Myself personally, I can't wait for the season to start. Being a apart of this club feels like family and I know all the girls as well as the staff are raring to go. It will be a difficult season that's for sure with every club wanting to prove themselves.

Q. Are there any teams you see as rivals in your league?

Everyone. There is no ruling anybody out of the equation as it is new for every club in this league. I am sure though that a few close teams in terms of geography will no doubt become rivals over time, that's what happens in football.

Q. London Bees have signed a lot of new, young players recently. Is the squad mixing well in preparation for the new season?

Oh yes, the girls are great and everyone gets along so well. The mix of the younger players and more experienced works really well as the kids just want to learn and play and the experienced players are more than willing to help them along the way.

Q. As well as playing for Arsenal, you once helped Barnet win the FA League Cup in 2011 and gained the most appearances, over 130. Do you feel your experience as a player can help others in your team? 

My experience, I would hope would help others within the team. I am very much a veteran now compared to most the girls, but that's alright as I don't feel too old. I feel I would be able to give the correct advice for anyone wanting to know anything. 

Q. Do you ever get nervous anymore when stepping out onto the pitch?

Yes I get nervous, I don't like to show it though but as soon as I am out of the tunnel my other personality comes through and takes over from the nervous wreck that morning!

Q. With the second tier being created for the FA WSL and more matches being shown on TV, positive steps are happening in women's football. How does this feel expecially for experienced players like yourself  to finally see the game developing more and being invested in?

As you say, everyone can see it and I personally think that it is brilliant. There was nothing like the FA WSL, or even knowing the England squad back when I was a kid. Now there is so much hype over it all and the girls growing up know exactly what they want when they are older. As for the players I am sure that they think "all the hard work has paid off".

Q. Aside from football, do you have a job elsewhere? If so, is it difficult dividing your time between the two?

I do have a job and I love it. I work full time at a sports centre called OXSRAD, which is an integrated sports centre that caters for everybody and every need. Day to day it is so rewarding; for example helping a man walk with an aid after being told he would never walk again, that's brilliant. Work are very understanding of my football and I am given the relevant time off for games and training, although I do find myself owing days back!

Q. What does the future hold for you Cherie in terms of continuing playing? Would you ever like to get involved in coaching, refereeing or other areas of football?

I am uncertain of what my future holds, as I am getting older I am thinking more career wise. Maybe coaching would be a good route, but I can't stand refereeing. Football has been my life since I was 10 but there are times when it seems a little too much for me.

Q. And finally, who do you see as your football idol/hero? And what advice would you give to any young girls who want to become a goalkeeper one day?

My idol/hero is one of two: Peter Schmeichel or Hope Solo. They are both incredible, I grew up watching Schmeichel and adored him. Hope Solo is another one, after reading her book and realising how hard she has worked to get to where she is, is amazing.

A goalkeeper is a special position and not just anybody can do it, you want to have to do it. So my advise to anyone thinking about being a goalkeeper would be, work hard, in and out of training study the position and don't be afraid (afraid to get hurt, afraid to dive, afraid to shout, afraid to be the last line of defence, etc).

'The Hive'-home to Barnet FC, London Bees and London Broncos

London Bees will be playing away to Oxford United in this years first FA WSL fixture, April 14th. Cherie can also be found posing for MD-PRO, who are a professional goalkeeping glove range, with pro keepers wearing their products across the English leagues. Thanks for your answers Cherie, good luck with the season.

Durham's dynamo midfielder, Jess Round, talks to SOTB about the new season ahead and her experience in the England squad.

Q. Are you and the rest of the team excited for the new FA WSL season?

I am looking forward to this exciting new venture and its great to be involved in this new generation of the development of women's football. As a new team we will thrive, learn and grow at the challenges ahead of us.

Q. Are there any teams you see as rivals, especially on a personal level, with your old club Sunderland being in the league?

At the present moment, Durham and Sunderland are the two most northern teams In the league. Therefore, this local derby will be competitive which is great, as this will draw many local spectators and again heighten the growth of women's football. Obviously knowing players from Sunderland does give me an insight on how they play and can be used as an advantage. Sunderland have some talented players with lots of experience as a team and I am looking forward to the game. 

With regards to the rest of the league, there are teams like ourselves who are fairly unknown and then there are those who are deemed as favourites, all of whom provide different challenges. However, our opponents should see Durham WFC as a challenge as we are one of those unknown entities.

Q. You have represented England at various youth levels, do you think you can continue to have a successful international career in the future?

Being involved with England from a young age has given me a wealth of experience and knowledge into how hard it is to be an athlete. I would hope in the future that I will be called upon as I do work hard in between my studies. Playing for your country I believe is a privilege.

Q. When you're not playing/training with Durham, how do you find the balance to fit in your studies as well?

I study a sports degree and juggling study, work and training is just about managing my time effectively. I've had to learn to do this since secondary school when I started to be a part of the international set up so I have adapted to being organised. My friend always tell me that I'm too organised, to which I always reply "You can never be too organised"!

Q. With the second tier being created for the FA WSL and more matches being shown on TV, positive steps are happening in women's football. How does this feel for the players to finally see the game developing more and being invested in?

Its brilliant! From the time I started playing football to date, the changes have been incredible. When I think about it where it will progress in another 10 years, it continues to be moving in the right direction, overall bridging the gap between the women's and the men's game is fantastic.

Q. What does the distant future hold for you Jess, in terms of playing ? Would you ever contemplate coaching/refereeing after you've hung up your boots?

My long term plan is to complete my degree and train to be a PE teacher, as well as remain playing. Refereeing was something I did as a teenager to earn a bit of money after getting my referee qualification. At this stage, coaching may be something I would consider when I retire but at this moment playing is for me.

Q. Who do you see as your football idol/hero?

To be honest I don't have one specific football icon that I look up to. I look at footballers as a whole, with a huge amount of respect for what they do and how they have got there. From a young age I was taught from my dad that you get out of it what you put in, so one of my icons is my dad, they can come from different areas. 

Q. And finally, what advice would you give to any young aspiring footballers?

My advice for younger players is to take advice and learn from different people to make themselves a better player.

Jess became a local celebrity in her hometown Redcar in May 2010, when she officially opened new football facilities. She was an England U17 international and Sunderland player at the time. Photos are those of Gazette Live.

Good luck with the season Jess and thank you for your answers.

Oxford United WFC midfielder and ex-Arsenal Academy, Reading and Millburn Magic player-Kayleigh Hines, talks to SOTB about the new season.

Q. How are you looking forward to new challenge of the FA WSL as a player and as a club?

Obviously it's exciting for the club, just because it's new to everyone. I think that we've prepared in the best way that we can and we're half-way through pre-season now. And then personally, I'm just excited about the challenge that lies ahead really. It's a new club for me as well and I'm just really excited about what's to come in the season ahead.

Q. Are there any teams you see as rivals in your league?

I think obviously Doncaster coming down from what was WSL 1 last year will be tough, because they've got the experience. To be honest, with everyone else I think it's going to be new to pretty much every other club in there. You hear who clubs have signed, so you're aware of some people. Obviously Reading are in it as well, which I guess is going to be our local derby. I don't think the clubs have met – certainly not for a couple of years anyway – in a competitive fixture, so that will be a big one.

Q. What's the atmosphere like around the changing room? Are there any natural leaders or lively characters that get the squad hyped up for games?

I think there's a good mix, to be honest. That's one of things I've noticed as pre-season has gone on, that there's a good balance amongst the girls and different personalities at the right times. Just judging on some of the pre-season games that we've had, there's definitely a lot of character in the changing room, so it's lively and I think that'll be important going into the season.

 Q. Aside from football, do you study or work?

I'm a trainee dental nurse at the moment and I've just recently taken an exam. I work full-time at a dental practice and I get my results next week, so hopefully when I'm fully qualified I can go on and do that. That keeps me busy when I'm not playing football.

Q. How do you find it juggling your time between full-time work and football?

It is tough to balance it with football. I knew it was going to be a big commitment coming into it anyway, but it works at the moment. Obviously it occupies the majority of my evenings, but as I say, it was a commitment I was aware of and I want to play at this level, so I know that that's what it takes.

Q. you're still only young, but what does the distant future hold for you Kayleigh? Would coaching football interest you?

Well I hope I've still got a few years left in me! I have done a bit of coaching before anyway, so that's always an option for the future. But for me personally, my priorities are getting fit for the season ahead, staying fit for that and getting a good few games under my belt really. I hope to do really well and promote the game for Oxford as well.

Q. With the second tier being created for the FA WSL and more matches being shown on TV, positive steps are happening in women's football. How does this feel for the players to finally see the game developing more and being invested in?

It's important as there was a lot of comparison before to the men's game and it seems that now it's starting to be looked at as its own sport. Obviously, running in the summer means that there's a lot more opportunity for people to actually see games and we've got games on TV as well.

And of course all the set-ups that all the clubs seem to have now and with players coming through the age groups, that's really important too. So definitely publicity-wise it's really good for everyone. Everyone at the club here does a really good job of promoting the game, and at all of the other clubs as well, which is going to be important next season too.

Q. Who do you see as your football idol/hero?

That's a tough one! I don't know, there are a lot of players. I watch a lot of men's football anyway, so there are certain players in the game at the moment. I am actually a Man United fan, but I guess I look to players that play in the same position as me and what they do. So obviously Jack Wilshere at Arsenal, Coutinho at Liverpool – sounds terrible coming from a Man United fan. But when I watch men's football I just look at the players that play in my position.

Q. And finally, what advice would you give to any young aspiring footballers?

There's so much opportunity out there now, so it's very important to just get involved really. If you enjoy it, that's the main thing. And as I say, with all the set-ups and everyone who puts in all the time and effort and money into girls' and women's football at the moment I feel like it's the perfect time to become involved and just get amongst it really.

Oxford United WFC will be playing in the first 2014 FA WSL fixture at home to London Bees on the 14th April. This date will also mark the first time professional women's football has been played in Oxfordshire.

Thanks for your answers Kayleigh, good luck for the coming season.

SOTB talks to Millwall Lionesses captain, Dionne 'Grandma' Lennon. With 8 years experience playing for the Lionesses from youth to adult level, Dionne is their longest serving player and leads by example on the pitch.

Q. How are you looking forward to new FA WSL? Are Millwall ready for the challenge ahead?

Everyone is excited, there's a buzz with everyone definitely. It's a long time until April, we're just eager to get on with it now and get stuck in. Training is going well, stepping up the fitness is a big difference from what we're use to. But we're doing everything we can to be competitive in the league.

Q. Are there any teams you see as rivals in your league?

In general, most teams are going to be competitive as everyone is recruting, so it'll be a case of who gels the quickest with their new players. All the teams are recruiting players with experience in terms of new signings and bringing in their youth players. The obvious main rivals are the likes of Sunderland and Watford, those teams who were in a higher league with us last season. It's anyone's league at the moment, I think it's just a case of who hits the ground running.

Q. You've been at the club for over 8 years, do you feel that your experience can help others in the team?

I hope so, some of them call me 'Grandma' a lot as I do like to have a moan. I've been at the club a long time and I was fortunate to play at a higher level in the winter leagues for a couple of seasons which I learnt a lot from. Hopefully I can bring something to the team, if not in the way of football experience, then an old head to keep them focused and on the straight and narrow.

Q. What's been your playing career highlight so far?

Apart from getting into the FA WSL, it would probably be the year we got promoted into the National Premier League . We almost went the whole season unbeaten, only losing to Barnet, but by that point we had already won the league.

Q. With the second tier being created for the FA WSL and more matches being shown on tv, positive steps are happening in women's football. How does this feel for players like yourself with years worth of playing experience to finally see the game developing more and being invested in?

I think it's brilliant. the Olympics really helper push it all forward and made the FA set up a second league. Being more televised and more promotion does nothing but help the game. Some of the teams in the top league are getting pro contracts now, which is only going to strengthen the national team better.

Q. Aside from football, do you have a job elsewhere? If so, how do you find it juggling your time between the two?

I work for Suffolk council doing play work and youth work. A lot of the people I work alongside are ex semi-pro's involved in football, so they understand the demands. They are happy for me to leave early, have days off and go training, which is very helpful.

Q. Millwall FC have a great footballing history and the women's side were the first team ever to affiliate with a professional men's team. Does the team have much involvement with the men's side? For example, going out into the community or using the same training facilities etc.

The men's side have got a lot better in dealing with us, they're a lot more supportive in helping us achieve what we want and wish us well. Playing our home games at The Den next season is massive for us. We've only ever played there once in a season, so playing more regularly down there would be great. We get to watch their home games and recently we have been doing some promotional work with them, which is good. 

Q. What does the future hold for you Dionne, in terms of continuing playing? Would you like to get into coaching at all?

I hope I have a couple of more seasons left in me if I stay injury free. Coaching is definitely something I'd like to get involved in. I know Millwall are trying to sort me out with some coaching so I can get my badges and hopefully be able to give something back to the club.

Q. Who do you see as your football idol/hero? And what advice would you give to any young aspiring footballers?

Well I'm an Arsenal fan, so it's got to be Thierry Henry for me. Just his whole attitude to the game, he always plays with a smile on his face and is obviously a great player. In terms of advice, I'd just say enjoy it. Work hard at training, play with a smile and get the most out of it that you can.

Thanks for your answers Dionne, best of luck for the new season.

Watford's new signing Gemma Bryan talks to SOTB about Watford's season ahead in the FA WSL second tier. With past experiences playing for Millwall, Charlton and LA Strikers, Gemma's goal scoring ability is sure to boost Watford's chances once she regains her full fitness.

Q. How are you personally, and as a club, looking forward to new challenge of the FA WSL season ahead? 

I'm doing well, training hard in rehab and looking forward to competing in the WSL for Watford. I think all the girls are excited about the new league and the fresh challenge it will present.

Q. In 2010/11, you helped secure promotion with Charlton and won the top scorer award. Was that the highlight of your career would you say? And do you think you can have the same impact at Watford once back to full fitness?

That was a great achievement,  I think so far that is my greatest success in football. Hopefully I can add some experience, we've a young and very talented squad so I hope I can have an impact once fully fit.

Q. Are there any teams you see as rivals in the league? Especially with your old club Millwall in the same division. 

It will be very interesting this season, and very competitive, there have been plenty of signings happening throughout the league and the clubs have had a long time to prepare for the forthcoming season. Millwall have a decent set up and they've added some good players to their squad so it will be an interesting opening fixture.

Q. You once signed for the LA Strikers but your time there was cut short due to injury. Do you think one day you may want to return to the States? 

I hope so!  The injury prevented me from playing, so it's something I'd like to be able do again one day. 

Q. Does the team have much involvement with the men's side? For example, going out into the community or using the same training facilities etc. 

It's been different at every club. At Watford we have some team meetings at Vicarage Road and a team photo shoot. I think there is a good set up as a club here with both the men's and women's teams. I've not been here long enough to see too much so far.

Q. With the second tier being created for the FA WSL and more matches being shown on TV, positive steps are happening in women's football. How does this feel for the players to see the game developing more and being invested in?

It's important not just for women's football, but for women's sports all together. There should be no reason why women shouldn't be able to compete at a professional level full time.  Women's football has been spoken about for a long time in England so I think players competing deserve some recognition and coverage.

Q. You're a qualified personal trainer and a model for W Athletic, do you find it hard juggling your time between those and football? 

It's difficult, to juggle work between games and training, recovery is important, and sometimes you have to get used to feeling tired!!   

Q. What does the future hold for you Gemma, in terms of continuing playing? Would you like to get into coaching or refereeing at all? 

I'd like to play as long as I'm physically able to compete at a high standard. The idea of coaching interest me.. Defiantly not refereeing though! 

Q. And finally, who do you see as your football idol/hero? And what advice would you give to any young girls wanting to become footballers? 

Robin Van Persie! This still, coming from an arsenal fan! I think he's a great professional and a player who has developed his game every year. 

My advice to young girls wanting to become female football players is to believe in your own ability and work hard. Hard work always pays off. 

Many thanks for your answers Gemma, good luck for the new season.