In the 90s and 00s, Charlton were a powerhouse in women's football. Regularly competing with Arsenal and in multiple cup finals, it has taken them 19 years to return to the top flight in England. It was the men's relegation to the Championship in 2007 that saw the women's team disbanded - just two years after winning the FA Cup. They eventually secured sponsorship and were run by the Charlton Community Trust, but many of the players left and the club struggled to stabilise.

It took 11 years for the club to earn promotion to the then-Women's Championship in 2018. The team was bought back under the club's control, and former Addick Karen Hills was appointed as head coach. They went fully professional, targeting a return to the WSL. Now preparing for their first year back since 2008, they face Liverpool on Sunday in their season opener, live on Sky Sports. Hills - the first manager to guide two clubs to WSL promotion - said it is a 'pinch me' moment. Charlton finished third last season after a dramatic promotion play-off defeat to Birmingham and Crystal Palace. They will face a relegation/promotion play-off against Leicester City to secure their WSL status.

Reflecting on the end of season spell, Hills said the winter transfer window was more successful for other teams, leaving Charlton fatigued. One mentioned game was a straight shoot-out with Birmingham at The Valley on the final day, which Charlton lost 2-0. The commitment and work rate of the players earned praise, with Hills hoping to push the club back to where it was 20 years ago.