As we enter our third year as season ticket holders, we couldn’t feel more at home, the two rows of red plastic chairs in our corner of the stand feels just like a favourite local (albeit one that’s short on leg room). As we turn up, greeted by familiar ey up’s, nods and smiles, we take our seats with pride! And no matter how bad the week has been, within a few minutes of friendly craic, with a bit of football thrown in, everything feels lighter – like a good pinch of snuff!
We’re lifelong football players and fans, and so inspired by the rapid development of the national team, so a local season ticket seemed a great way for us to bang the drum for women’s football – in fact a drum is very much a year 4 season ticket aim. However, like most LGBT+ couples we always enter new spaces with a degree of caution. However, we didn’t need to worry. In season one we picked up two new season ticket buddies…and within weeks there were homemade cakes made from produce from a local allotment (and, yes, this was from the lentil belt… Meersbrook allotments!). We felt welcome, and part of something.
Three years later there’s been highs and lows on the pitch, and off it. However, we feel ever more loyal to the women’s team, and even more connected to the 1000 or so fellow fans who have stuck with it, even when we’ve had more frequent changes than the Sugababes lineup. We have been the familiar accompaniment, like a good bottle of Hendos, supporting our new team to shine.
And this year we’re pleased to say our motley gang of LGBT+ season ticket friends has grown considerably, and now stretches into two rows (with newcomers always welcome!)…
“It's fun to support our local team and know that we’re contributing to the growth of women’s football. We never thought football was for us, but the atmosphere at the women’s matches at the Lane is inclusive and fun. It’s been great meeting new people and getting to know our season ticket next door neighbours, especially as we’ve found ourselves in a little cluster of LGBT+ fans. Up the Blades!” (fans to the left!)
“I like the atmosphere. It’s about coming together to enjoy the sport. I don’t go to men’s football anymore because the rivalry can feel aggressive and not sporting” (fan in front!)
“I just love the fact that so many families, women, girls and boys come to the games. It really is a space where anyone is welcome. And being at the Lane, home of the Blades, that is really important too” (fan to the right!)
So it leaves me to say thank you. Thanks to our fellow fans, ones we know, and don’t yet know, for creating an atmosphere we should all be proud of. A crowd of people that share a love of Sheffield United Ladies, and are all willing to play their part in making sure everyone gets to enjoy the match - equally - whoever they are. And even more remarkable is that win or lose, and unfortunately the latter is a more familiar state of affairs, spirits are not dampened. In fact, arguably, we’ve just then got more to discuss over a post match pint!
By Jo Hall.
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