As the players return to competitive action, team captain Sarah Woodbyrne has shared her thoughts on the upcoming season and the team’s preparation.
“We know there are new challenges ahead this season,” Woodbyrne said.
“But we’re training hard and preparing ourselves for our first game back in Tier 3. Everyone is excited to be back together again. We've had a strong start to preseason, and it feels great to be building on the foundations we set last year.”
Lightning hopes to turn this preseason momentum into early success, starting with their season opener at home against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday 17 August.
Their next two matches will be on the road: they will face Derby County (August 24) and Burnley (August 31).
Fixtures Overview
September
- Sunday 14th – vs Rugby Borough (Home)
- Sunday 21st – vs Liverpool Feds (Away)
October
- Sunday 5th – vs Halifax (Home)
- Sunday 12th – vs Stoke City (Away)
- Thursday 30th – vs Hull City (Home)
November
- Sunday 2nd – vs Sporting Khalsa (Away)
- Sunday 16th – vs Wolves (Away)
- Sunday 30th – vs Middlesbrough (Home)
December
- Sunday 7th – vs West Bromwich Albion (Away)
January 2026
- Sunday 4th – vs Derby County (Home)
- Sunday 25th – vs Rugby Borough (Away)
February
- Sunday 8th – vs Burnley (Home)
- Tuesday 17th – vs Hull City (Away)
- Sunday 22nd – vs Liverpool Feds (Home)
March
- Sunday 8th – vs Middlesbrough (Away)
- Sunday 22nd – vs Wolves (Home)
- Sunday 29th – vs Stoke City (Home)
April
- Sunday 12th – vs Halifax (Away)
- Sunday 26th – vs Sporting Khalsa (Home)
In addition to their league campaign, Loughborough Lightning will also compete in the League Cup. They’ve been drawn into Group K alongside Rugby Borough, Arsenal PGA, and Northampton Town.
League Cup Group Stage Fixtures
- Thursday 21st August – vs Rugby Borough (Home)
- Sunday 7th September – vs Arsenal PGA (Home)
- Sunday 28th September – vs Northampton Town (Away)
League Cup Knockout Rounds
- October 19th – Round 1
- November 9th – Round 2
- January 11th – Quarter-Finals
- February 1st – Semi-Finals
- March 29th – Final
As the Lightning prepares to light up Tier 3, all eyes will be on how they will handle the challenges ahead.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a united squad, their return to this level promises to be an exciting journey.