Durham Women have made their television debut after featuring as opponents of AFC Richmond in the latest episode of Ted Lasso.

The Women’s Super League 2 club appeared in Season Four of the global hit series, which has returned with a focus on the women’s game.

For Durham, seeing their club represented on screen marks a unique moment in their history — and one that places a real English women's football club alongside one of television's most recognisable fictional teams.

How Durham Women Feature Against AFC Richmond in Ted Lasso

Durham confirmed the appearance on Wednesday, revealing that the club had been selected to feature as one of AFC Richmond's opponents during the new season.

The club chose not to reveal any spoilers surrounding the episode, although an image shared alongside the announcement may offer viewers a clue about how the fixture unfolds.

For a club competing in the WSL2, appearing in a series with a global audience represents a very different kind of exposure from anything that can be achieved on a football pitch.

And Durham were clearly delighted to be involved.

"Today has been a special moment for everyone at the club, as we saw Durham Women line-up against AFC Richmond in the latest episode of Ted Lasso."

How Ted Lasso Season 4 Puts WSL2 in the Spotlight

Season Four's focus on the women's game makes Durham's appearance particularly significant.

The WSL2 is the second tier of the English women's football pyramid, providing an important pathway for clubs and players looking to progress towards the top level.

While the league continues to grow, its clubs do not always receive the same international exposure as their WSL counterparts.

Ted Lasso offers a different platform altogether.

Viewers around the world who may not regularly follow the second tier of English women's football are now being introduced to Durham Women through one of television's most popular football stories.

The club described the moment as a milestone not only for Durham but for the wider women's game.

Read More: Durham Women FC’s Future Is Secure: Why Club Stability Matters For The Growth Of Women’s Football

Durham Turn Ted Lasso Appearance Into Manchester United Invitation

Durham's appearance comes at an interesting time for the club, with their next competitive fixture providing supporters with the opportunity to swap the fictional world of AFC Richmond for the real thing.

Durham will host Manchester United in the Subway Players Cup at the Wolf Competitions Stadium on Wednesday 30 September, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm.

The club have used their Ted Lasso moment as an invitation to viewers who may have discovered Durham through the show to come and experience a real women's football match for themselves.

"If you've watched the series and wanted to attend a real game, consider this an invitation."

It is a simple message, but one that captures the potential impact of moments like this.

A fictional football match might introduce someone to Durham Women for the first time. Durham hope the next step could be seeing the real team in person.

How Ted Lasso Could Introduce New Fans to Women's Football

The growth of women's football has increasingly been supported by opportunities to reach audiences beyond traditional matchday supporters.

Television, social media, streaming platforms and major sporting events have all helped bring the women's game to new audiences.

Now, Durham Women have become part of that story in a rather unexpected way.

Their appearance alongside AFC Richmond may only last for an episode, but for the club and the WSL2, it represents another opportunity to put women's football in front of people who might not otherwise encounter it.

And while Durham are keeping the result under wraps, one thing is already clear: this is a fixture that will be remembered long after the credits roll.

Durham Women host Manchester United in the Subway Players Cup at the Wolf Competitions Stadium on Wednesday 30 September, with kick-off at 7pm.