Chelsea will play all WSL games at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will play all of their Women's Super League (WSL) matches at Stamford Bridge from the start of next season.

The eight-time English champions will leave Kingsmeadow, a venue in Kingston upon Thames, where they've played for nine years, and relocate to the 41,000-seat stadium in West London.

"This moment is not just for us," the players wrote in an open letter to fans after the announcement.

"It's for every player to have worn the Chelsea badge. It's for every person who has pushed the women's game forward."

Chief executive officer Aki Mandhar said:

"Playing WSL matches at such an iconic ground ensures our players and supporters have the arena they deserve as we look to propel the game into its next phase of growth."

Chelsea are expected to name a second stadium which meets Uefa's regulations as a back-up venue for the Women's Champions League.

The Blues played their final game at Kingsmeadow this season on 6 April when they beat Tottenham 2-1 to reach the Women's FA Cup semi-finals.

Their remaining two home games of the season are already scheduled to take place at Stamford Bridge.

It follows moves by Arsenal, Aston Villa and Leicester City, who all play their WSL matches at the club's main stadiums.

The team said: "Leaving Kingsmeadow after nine years is bittersweet. It's where so many Chelsea greats built their legacies.

"Countless memories, off the pitch and on it, were created by friends, family and our incredible fans at the stadium.

"We've celebrated unforgettable triumphs but also had tearful farewells and heartfelt goodbyes.

"This is a new chapter, but our ambition remains the same. We want to win. We want to lift more trophies. We want to create further history."