Four English Women’s Championship clubs have been selected to take part in a new pilot programme granting fans the ability to drink alcoholic beverages within the stadium bowl.
Birmingham City, Bristol City, Southampton and Newcastle United have been chosen after meeting a set of minimum requirements for the trial. The announcement comes after Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), in October revealed that trials would be held at two Championship clubs.
The trial is being led by the newly set up and independent WPLL. Since taking over responsibility of the top two tiers of women’s football in the UK, WPLL are actively looking at different way to improve the matchday experience for fans.
Currently, football fans cannot drink alcohol in view of the pitch at matches in the Women’s Super League and Championship due to the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985. This applies to matches in the top five tiers of men’s football and has since been reflected in the Football Association (FA) regulations and adopted during the rise of women’s football.
However, as the WPLL is now fully independent of the FA, it can make changes to the structure of the league, invest in new technology, and implement rule changes without FA oversight.
The four clubs are reported to have been chosen due to their geographic spread and also the fact that they represent an even split between stadia that are accustomed to allowing fans to consume alcohol in-bowl, and those that are not.
Ashton Gate and Kingston Park, the homes of Bristol City and Newcastle United, respectively, also host Premiership Rugby clubs Bristol Bears and Newcastle Falcons, with alcohol control legislation for football not applying to other sports such as rugby union.
Bristol City and Southampton’s (St Mary’s Stadium) first matches in the trial are on January 19, with Birmingham (St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park) and Newcastle’s on January 26. Either four or five home games per club will be utilised during the second half of the season.
The aim of the trial is to improve the matchday experience for fans, with the venture to be reviewed at the end of the 2024-25 season before a permanent decision is made.
Marieanne Spacey-Cale, director of women’s football for Southampton FC, said: “This new trial marks an exciting step in enhancing the matchday experience for our fans. By allowing alcohol to be consumed responsibly in the bowl, we aim to create an inclusive, enjoyable atmosphere that mirrors the vibrant energy of the sport itself.
“Whilst we know it might not be everyone; this trial is about offering fans the choice to have a drink whilst watching the game if they’d like to. As always, fan safety and respect for all attendees remain our top priority.”
