ACCESSIBILITY
MAINTAIN A WELCOMING AND PASSIONATE ENVIRONMENT
W omen’s football has developed a reputation for providing a more welcoming, inclusive environment than can be found at some men’s football matches, and this unique atmosphere has become the number one expectation of fans across markets. As mentioned previously, women’s football has traditionally been welcoming to families, particularly those with little girls, with some clubs choosing to provide additional entertainment geared towards that market: for example, face painting, half-time competitions and giveaways, and so on. The more even split between men and women when it comes to watching women’s football has also typically created a warmer welcome for new fans, with less of the partisan atmosphere that may be found at men’s games; indeed, many
women’s games at all levels continue to allow home and away fans to mix, which would not even be considered at men’s matches. These are, of course, all positive points, but some fans may be used to and want to experience a more ‘passionate’ atmosphere – some of the ‘tribal’ noise that set football apart from other sports. Women’s clubs should look for ways to create a livelier and more passionate atmosphere without compromising on the friendly and welcoming environment that makes the women’s game unique. For example, that might include ‘singing areas’, where the rowdier fans can meet up and chant their support, and then the corollary of a ‘family area’, where those with smaller children can congregate away from the more tribal noise.
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