Women’s football matches are unique; the intimacy and interactions with players are at a different level.
I am a childhood Newcastle United fan, growing up in a great footballing city.
However, Newcastle has been known, like all other football clubs, for their men’s team.
On the 14th of April, I attended my first-ever women’s football match.
Attendance of Women’s Games
Newcastle United Women hosted Huddersfield Town Women at their home ground of Kingston Park.
Since the triumph of England’s Lionesses in 2022, attendance at games has significantly increased.
For example, Arsenal’s women’s team is of significance, selling out the Emirates this season.
This was unthinkable just 50 years ago.
However, Newcastle United Women have dominated the lower leagues of women’s football in recent seasons.
At the end of last season, they gained promotion to the Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.
After this promotion, the women’s team went full-time.
Two years ago, the Saudi-led takeover of the club integrated the team into the main part of Newcastle United.
The Match Experience
On the 14th of April, The Lasses, as they are known, stood just one win away from confirming promotion for the second successive season.
The atmosphere was incredible.
There was excitement, and the sun was shining to match the occasion.
Newcastle scored within the first thirty seconds, eventually winning 10-0.
Chants and cheers ran around Kingston Park throughout the match.
The trophy presentation at full-time was an emotional moment, but also a moment of celebration and triumph.
The most touching part of the match was the players greeting young fans.
Rarely do we see this connection between players and fans within the men’s game.
Seeing young people proudly wearing Newcastle shirts adorned with the names of women’s players was enough to give anyone goosebumps.
It is a clear marker of how far the women’s game has come in the last decade.
Overall, the final home game for The Lasses this season is a stark reminder of the importance of supporting small teams in lower leagues, regardless of gender.
What is Next for the Lasses?
The Lasses set a new stadium record attendance of 7,382, which was the highest attendance for any sport at Kingston Park all year.
They have been led to two successive promotions by manager Becky Langley, who will take the team into their first season in the second tier of women’s football.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
