Michele Kang says London City Lionesses' new training ground will set a new standard in women's football

'I'm not doing this as a charity' - Kang on why she's trying to 'level playing field'

Michele Kang believes London City Lionesses' planned training ground will set a new standard in the women's game and surpass facilities used by the majority of men's Premier League clubs.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Kang revealed a purpose-built training centre is expected to open within the next year.

"Our architect, who has built several Premier League training centres told me that by the time the London City training centre is up and running, it would be better than with the majority of Premier League men's teams training centres."

"How could you possibly accept the notion that your girls, your daughters, granddaughters, sisters are treated as second-class citizens where in the same sport the boys go to play as if it's their birthright?"

"We have to take care of our female players better so that they can train, perform, and thrive as female athletes, not small men," she said.

Kang is a strong advocate of independent women's clubs and said that was one of the reasons she was attracted to London City Lionesses.

"I wanted to show that there isn't just one model that the women's team has to be part of the men's team, but an independent team, because I think at that time, London City and Durham, if I'm not mistaken, those are the two, women-only teams.

Michele Kang studied at the Ewha Woman's University, a private institute in Seoul

Kang traces much of that belief back to her upbringing in South Korea and the influence of her father.

"I was growing up in South Korea, where it was still a very traditional society, where girls have certain roles.

"I want them to be able to focus on what they have to do to be the best football player, not having to worry about changing clothes in the middle of a public park or broken equipment - all those type of things."