‘The atmosphere means everything’: the growth of women’s football fan culture

The relationship between players and fans in the women’s game is unique and hopefully can remain despite the recent rapid growth

One of the most brilliant things about elite women’s football is the relationship between the fans and the players. It is unique, heartwarming and reciprocal. A case in point: after a late goal sees Arsenal go 2-1 up against Manchester City on Sunday, the Gunners’ keeper Manuela Zinsberger turns around to ask fans how long is left. While this is the top tier of women’s football in England, Arsenal’s home ground Meadow Park is leased from fifth-tier men’s side Boreham Wood. For this game, it seems, the clock facing Zinsberger’s goal is either broken or hasn’t been turned on – it’s just a blank screen – so she has no way of knowing the time. The fans come to her assistance, with outstretched palms indicating that a handful of minutes remain.

Barely minutes later, a supporter collapses near me, also in the all-standing North Bank section. We file out onto the tarmac below, with the crowd calling to Zinsberger for help. This time, she comes to their aid, directing the medical team and shouting to the referee, who subsequently pauses the game while the fan receives treatment. “Thank you, Zinsberger!” shouts a small girl as we wait by the hoardings. “You’re welcome,” she replies. After the game, players from both sides send their well wishes on social media (the fan is now recovering at home).