The Football Supporters’ Association’s Women’s Game Network met for the first time in person on Sunday (3rd July 2022) for a “Vision Day” with supporters’ groups and football industry experts. 

Fan representatives from 18 FSA affiliated and associated groups came together to consider how the FSA can support the growth of fan activism in the women’s game.

Training and development for members is clearly part of that but the event also provided many members with an opportunity to meet each other in person for the first time.

“The group was set up in 2019, but then COVID hit, so despite being formally established at our 2020 AGM, this was our first meeting in person. It was great to get in the same room,” said Deborah Dilworth, the FSA’s Women’s Game Network manager.

“There was a real range of groups too – everything from new groups like Villa Bellas, through to supporter-owned clubs like Clapton Community FC, trusts like Bristol City as well as supporters’ clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City.”

Despite it being the first time everyone had got together, there’s still been a great deal of work done during the past couple of seasons, with countless Zoom meetings and a range of activities – including the launch of the FSA’s Women’s Game Strategy.

A short trip for us with @BluesWomenSG this morning to the @WeAreTheFSA Women’s Game Network Vision Day event in Birmingham.🔵⚪

Thank you @FreeLionesses for hosting & the guest speakers for joining us.

A real eye opener👀#equality #byfansforfans pic.twitter.com/5kQEcFKki8

— Blues 4 All (@blues_4_all) July 3, 2022

Supporters present considered the potential impact of the upcoming review of women’s football and explored the different challenges that can exist in the women’s game. We received support in that from various experts and would like to thank:

• Anika Leslie-Walker (Nottingham Trent University)
• Jean Williams (Consultant)
• Jen O’Neill (Editor – She Kicks)
• Katie Cross (Pledgeball)
• Kehinde Adeogun (Lawyer)
• Kieran Maguire (University of Liverpool)
• Stacey Pope (Durham University)

How can I get involved?

The women’s game is getting bigger by the day and July 2022 is a huge month with the Euros taking place on these shores. Join the FSA for updates on our activities.

Locally, we’d encourage you to join your club’s supporters’ group and get involved in their activities – and if there isn’t one at your club contact Deborah Dilworth to find out more about how a supporters’ group can be set up.

FSA Women’s Game Network members: