Alisha Lehmann the coach! Aston Villa star all smiles as she manages men's team in unlikely partnership with World Cup winner Lukas Podolski

It was revealed back in December that Switzerland international Lehmann would form part of the new project that has been pieced together by World Cup winners Lukas Podolski and Mats Hummels. She will not be taking to the field, in the middle of a WSL campaign, but is taking on a managerial role.

Lehmann - who has rekindled her relationship with fellow Villa star Douglas Luiz - will be partnered at Streets United, one of 12 teams taking part in the tournament, by former Arsenal forward Podolski. She has been in Germany for the start of competition, following an exciting draft, and was all smiles when meeting up with her new team. Indeed, they claimed a 3-2 win against Hollywood United to get the tournament off to a positive start.

The Baller League is a six-a-side event, with each squad made up of 11 players – nine of which were selected on draft day and two of whom can be called upon as wildcards on for any given game. There will be 11 match days in total – featuring fixtures of two 15-minute halves – with the Final Four set to battle it out for ultimate glory on April 6.

The Baller League is similar to the Kings League that Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has introduced in Spain – with former players and celebrity guests figuring prominently. It remains to be seen how many visits to Germany that Lehmann will be able to fit in, as her focus is locked on professional matters in England.