This is a place where people can post their experiences of their teams and generally discuss the topic. It's also another way for me to show my daughters how I'm championing their game.
For around a decade now I've been around women's and girl's football due to my daughter's involvement. Involvement in the sport has grown steadily and beyond anyone's expectations during that time. The 2022 Euros helped bring it to the mainstream and attendances have increased as a result.
I'm a passionate advocate of the women's game. I know it's not for everyone and I accept that but what I'd ask doubters is to give it a go. Come to a stadium and feel the welcoming atmosphere. Go to a grass roots game and see the passion and commitment the girls have, even at the early ages.
The biggest mistake people make is to compare it to the men's game. Don't. It's a different game. It's a game of it's own merit.
I've watched my youngest, now 13, go from a child who wouldn't say boo to a goose (stupid saying) to a young person who lives for the game, is passionate about the female version, is 100% committed to every minute of every game she plays and is driven to reach the highest level she can.
She's recently left the club she played for since the age of seven in search of competition and development. That's a massive decision for a 13 year old girl to make. It's also a big commitment for me as it's on the other side of the water (wees keys are theeese keys?) but I'll do anything and everything so she can follow her dream.
She's been part of the NUFC development centre and now wants to progress to the next level; the Sunderland Academy of Light. Sorry I just threw up in my mouth.
Anyway, my point is that the game can be great if taken on its own merits. We attend a lot of Newcastle United Women's games both at their usual home ground and when they play at the Mecca of Football, the Cathedral of the Hill; St James Park.
Attendances are always huge and dwarf WSL gates on a regular basis. Please consider the team plays in the National League, that's four leagues below the WSL. It's basically the equivalent of the Vanarama National League. The standard is pretty poor yet we regularly get gates of 25k at St James and today was no exception for the visit of Bradford City Women.
Another amazing turn-out in excess of 24,000 saw us win 6-1. The standard is poor but the enthusiasm and commitment is great.
I'm so proud of every girl who plays football. Remember, they weren't allowed to play for 50 years. I'm so proud of our club for supporting the girl's team the way they do. Amanda Staveley and her husband attend a lot of games. Great leadership. They were there again today. There's no limit to where this team can go with this leadership.
Those of you involved or interested already will know what I'm talking about. I'd urge those who don't to at least give it a go.
Here's a few pics from today.
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Originally Posted by bigvic
maybe some of the overpaid ponces in our men’s team might take note.
