The FAWSL continue to make great strides when it comes to digital engagement with fans.  Opening up the women’s game to allow people to see what they get up to as well away from the pitch and provide opportunities to get closer to them.

The first of two activations took place on Monday night when the England squad got together ahead of tonight’s game with Croatia.  The initiative would never happen with the senior men’s side as the players are kept too cocooned from the public in fear of what may happen.  The women have taken this advantage they have to great effect already with the launch of their ‘Digital Ambassadors‘ and are pushing on again.

The official @FAWSL account started the ball rolling by asking for questions from fans to the players with the tag #Lionesses during the evening.  Then the players used their own accounts to take it in turns to answer the fans questions for about half an hour.

During the time of the Twitter chat, the #Lionesses hashtag was trending in the UK!  Not a mean feat for a side of the sport which gets less coverage than it deserves.  The FAWSL also recorded the night as it unfolded and put this great edit up on YouTube early the day after.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hkluzer3Hyw&list=UUnQpt1UxLq00NFULxTDHMww&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

The second part to the plan happens tonight.  The FAWSL will bring you live social media coverage of England v Croatia but with a difference as their Twitter and Facebook channels with be officially hosted by England & Arsenal star Ellen White.

Ellen will bring you her live build-up to the game from 4pm, sharing with exclusive pictures from the stadium as well as giving you her thoughts on the match through a series of in-game mini podcasts.

There’s also a chance for you to get involved whether you’re at the stadium or watching the game at home. The FAWSL want you to join in the conversation with Ellen by sending her your questions and shout-outs.

To do this you can simply tweet using #Lionesses or send them a message directly by tweeting @FAWSL or by going to Facebook.com/FAWSL and posting on the official match-day conversation thread.

Ellen will bring you closer to the match action by giving you an insiders view on how the team will be feeling and preparing as they countdown to kick off as well as answering any questions you might have as the game progresses. There will even be a chance for you to win a England shirt signed by Ellen herself.

Great work from Leigh and the team at The FA.  Women’s football again showing the men how it should be done!