Chelsea ladies boss Matthew Beard has called on fans to back his side when the Women’s Super League gets underway later this year.

The eight-team league, which will be played between April and August, is aiming to build a bigger profile for the game, with ESPN promising live coverage.

And with Chelsea set to play their home games at Tooting & Mitcham’s Imperial Fields, Beard hopes the new venture will attract healthy crowds.

he said: “Women’s football is the fastest growing sport in the world but it still struggles a bit for an identity.

“By switching it to a summer league it will increase the exposure and give the players a platform that their talents deserve.

“The FA are really getting behind this and it is a very exciting time for everybody.”

Beard, brother of Tooting boss Mark, will see his side face Arsenal in their first clash in Mitcham on April 14.

But the Blues have five friendlies lined up before then, starting with Millwall at Imperial Fields on January 25, with Beard predicting anyone who comes along will get a real treat.

He added: “If people come along to watch I am pretty confident they will be pleasantly surprised.

“Technically it is just as good as men’s football and this league is the perfect opportunity to show that.”