WSL Football’s alcohol pilot “overwhelmingly positive”

Posted on 20th February 2026

Supporters from the Football Supporters’ Association’s Women’s Game Network joined a WSL Football consultation call earlier this week which discussed the on-going alcohol pilot at women’s football.

WSL Football’s “Fan Choice” pilot gives matchgoers at certain stadiums in the top-flight WSL and WSL 2 the option to drink alcohol in the stands while watching their team. Clubs are also encouraged to provide alcohol free blocks alongside these new areas.

The FSA backs the WSL Football’s evidence-based approach which has engaged matchgoing supporters throughout the trial and saw four WSL 2 clubs – Birmingham City, Bristol City, Newcastle United and Southampton – run pilots last season.

The legislation which prohibits alcohol consumption in sight of the pitch in the upper echelons of men’s football in the UK does not apply to the women’s game.

This week’s focus group saw that work progress as M·E·L Research spoke to FSA supporters’ groups at various clubs, including those directly involved in the pilot. Discussion covered all experiences to date, club communications, the effect on matchday routines, and much more.

Fans reps on the focus group.

Deborah Dilworth, head of women’s football at the FSA, said: “We’re delighted to work closely with WSL Football on the Fan Choice pilot, sharing fan opinions and experiences on a monthly basis.

“The opportunity for our supporters’ groups to have a designated focus group, facilitated brilliantly by M·E·L Research, was a welcome opportunity and something our members very much enjoyed being a part of.”

Fan pilot – positive signs

More than 100 games have now been part of the on-going Fan Choice pilot and, last month, WSL Football said the feedback from supporters had been “overwhelmingly positive”.

There had been no reported incidents or ejections relating to the pilot, with the average score for feeling of safety amongst matchgoers rated at 9.4 out of 10.

WSL Football say support for the pilot is also increasing with January’s survey showing 70% now in favour, up from 58% last summer, while opposition has reduced from 18% down to 11%.

WSL Football said: “Additionally, there has been no impact on the feeling of women’s games offering a family friendly environment, with the average score remaining at 9.1 out of 10, while the average score for sense of atmosphere has increased to 8.6 out of 10, up from 8.4.”