No disruption to fan safety in WSL alcohol trials

Positive reviews have been made about fan safety for trials that gave supporters the option to drink alcohol while watching Women’s Super League games.

Since WSL Football’s most recent scheme began, with 15 of the top 26 clubs in England participating, 100 matches will be played this weekend.

For the remainder of the season, three additional clubs will join: Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, and Tottenham.

WSL Football polled 4, 270 fans and rated their experiences on a scale of 1 to 10.

This figure is higher than the 58% it was last summer, when Southampton, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Bristol City all signed for WSL2.

WSL fans were also questioned about the family-friendly environment at games, with an 8 and average score.

Hannah Buckley, WSL Football’s head of infrastructure, safety, and sustainability, told BBC Sport, “We invited remaining clubs across the WSL and WSL 2 to expand it after receiving some very positive feedback from fans last summer.

“We realized that it was important to give our fans the choice,” one of the main lessons we learned.

It is a fantastic illustration of how the women’s game and men’s games are different, both in terms of legislation and as a chance to create some really creative things.

The Control of Alcohol Act, which prohibits alcohol consumption in view of the pitch during the men’s game, does not apply to WSL and WSL 2 clubs.

However, WSL Football’s current competition regulations restrict its ability to test it. That is being looked at by shareholders and could change.

“We will finish the season and conduct a survey once more.” We have our own League Cup final, so watch for the response from the crowd,” Buckley said.

“We will discuss those findings with clubs, go over our regulatory procedures, and choose a vote-by-mail list for the shareholders.”

You never know when things are positive at this time, though. Clubs all over the nation have been good hosts.

Although there are still “drinking free” zones in stadiums, teams are utilizing innovation to expand fan bases and increase WSL attendance.

Chelsea and Arsenal’s match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday will have a bottomless brunch for the fans.

Before the start of their season opener against Manchester City, Chelsea also provided half-price drinks.

At Goodison Park, fans can purchase strawberry Daiquiri cocktails, and Arsenal has held workshops this season to create the ideal matchday experience.

Every club’s relationship with its food and beverage provider is unique. According to Buckley, it’s testing and learning to understand what our fans want.

Clubs have been brave enough to try it, shareholders are paying attention to our work, but most importantly, fans’ opinions are what drives us.

WSL clubs that took part in the trials

WSL 2 clubs are participating in the trials.