Rovers Women kick off a new era this weekend when they take on Birmingham City at Ewood Park (5.30pm).

It has been an eventful summer on and off the pitch as the side prepares for the new Championship campaign.

Earlier this summer, the club rebranded from Rovers Ladies to reflect “a positive and modern view on language and equality”.

Simon Parker also took charge of the side this summer, succeeding long-serving manager Gemma Donnelly in the hot seat.

37-year-old Parker previously had spells at Southampton and Lewes, as well as a sting overseas with Portuguese side SC Uniao Torreense.

Matt Bee, who took interim charge of the side during the final stages of last term, has returned to his previous role as first team coach.

This weekend’s game is the first of at least four guaranteed fixtures to be played at Ewood Park over the coming season.

Rovers Women achieved their record points tally in the Championship last term, finishing in 10th place.

Ahead of their curtain raiser against Birmingham, the club has partnered with local charity We Are Lancashire Women.

The side will warm up in a special edition shirt to raise awareness for the work the organisation carries out in the local community.

The charity offers support in areas such as employment, mental health and wellbeing, and homelessness.

They have venues in Blackburn, Accrington, Burnley and Blackpool, also offering virtual one-to-one support.

General manager Ellis Clark said: “Blackburn Rovers Women are proud to be linking up with We Are Lancashire Women ahead of this weekend’s game at Ewood Park.

“Rovers as a whole are an integral part of the Lancashire community, and we are extremely proud of our roots.

“Our ethos and values mirror those of We Are Lancashire Women, and we are pleased they are involved in Saturday’s game.”

Amanda Greenwood, CEO of We Are Lancashire Women, added: “We are thrilled to be partnering Blackburn Rovers Women as the new season kicks off. 

“As we have seen with the fabulous Lionesses, the recognition and support for women in football is growing and echoes Lancashire Women’s ethos and work that all women and girls should have equality not just in sport but in all aspects of life.”

Ahead of Saturday’s game, Rovers Women have also signed 24-year-old forward Lucy Shepherd.

Shepherd has put pen to paper over a professional contract at the club as she makes the switch from London City Lionesses.

The attacker came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa and made her senior debut at just 16 years of age.

Shepherd spent two years in Villa’s first team squad before heading to the United States on a scholarship. She studied in New York for four-and-a-half-years and was selected by Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League draft in 2021.

The forward to England last summer as was regularly involved as London City Lionesses finished third in the table. She has also represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 levels.