Arsenal and England striker, Alessia Russo, stunned young players of Harpenden FC with a surprise training session to mark the launch of the Panini Barclays Women’s Super League Adrenalyn XL Trading Card collection.
The new collection will feature the first-ever Barclays WSL Golden Ballers, which include Manchester United’s Grace Clinton and Chelsea’s Lauren James! The collection also includes Rising Star, Debut and Game Changer categories with breakthrough talents Manuela Pavi (West Ham) and Lenna Gunning-Williams (Spurs).
Russo, who features as a prestigious ‘Golden Baller’ in the new collection, joined the starstruck grassroots players in a training session that included finishing and ball control drills, and an opportunity for the youngsters to take a penalty against England’s leading striker.
“The growth in the Women’s game over the past decade has been driven by greater visibility of the sport, the teams and the players. Panini is playing a massive part in that growth by creating albums like the Barclay’s WSL Adrenalyn XL Trading card Collection. The popularity of the albums is evidence that there is real demand for Women’s football products, which is so inspiring for the future of Women’s football. For me personally, to be recognised as a Golden Baller in the collection is a really proud moment. I know the cards will be popular with my teammates and I can’t wait to see the girls get their hands on them at the training ground, there will be a few swaps going on for sure!”
Arsenal and England Lioness, Alessia Russo
The Arsenal striker then participated in a group Q&A, before posing for photographs and signing copies of the new collection for the Harpenden FC players to take away.
The Barclays WSL Official Trading Cards are now available for purchase in retailers nationwide. Collectors have over 360 trading cards to hunt down, with categories including Super Stoppers, World Class, Adrenalyn Rush, Midfield Engine, Defensive Rock, and limited-edition Crystal Crest cards.
Fans can kickstart their collection with a starter pack, which includes a binder, 3 card packets, 1 Limited-edition card and 1 Golden Baller card.
The Panini Barclays WSL Adrenalyn XL Trading Card collection hits shelves on Thursday 6th March.
“Launching the first ever women’s domestic football trading card collection is an extremely proud moment for Panini. After the success of our Barclay’s WSL sticker collections over the past 2 seasons we are so excited to now be bringing something else to women’s football fans for them to enjoy! Panini is all about bringing people together and we love to see fans swapping their Barclays WSL or league? collectables at games to complete their collections! There will be product giveaways by all Barclays WSL clubs at matches during March to support the launch and to help fans kick-start their collections! We love being able to support the growth of the women’s game through our collections, bringing fans closer to the game off the pitch.”
Katie Gritt, Head of Marketing for Sport at Panini
