WSL's Stand Drinking Pilot Hailed as Major Success with Growing Club Participation
The Women's Super League's groundbreaking trial of permitting football supporters to consume alcoholic beverages in the stands has been celebrated as a resounding triumph by league officials. This innovative initiative, known as the Fan Choice pilot, has now expanded to encompass an impressive eighteen out of twenty-four clubs across both the WSL and WSL2 divisions, demonstrating widespread acceptance and enthusiasm for the scheme.
Expanding Participation and Positive Fan Feedback
Originally launched this season across fourteen clubs following a smaller-scale experiment in the latter half of the previous term, the pilot has rapidly gained momentum. Aston Villa embraced the initiative earlier in the campaign, with Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, and Leicester City recently joining to elevate the total number of participating clubs. The league has reported no incidents or ejections directly linked to the pilot, underscoring its smooth implementation and responsible management.
A comprehensive survey conducted among fans involved in the trial has yielded exceptionally positive results. Participants rated their overall feeling of safety at an outstanding 9.4 out of 10, indicating a high level of comfort and security. Furthermore, supporter backing for alcohol availability in the stadium bowl during women's matches has surged to seventy per cent, a significant increase from the fifty-eight per cent recorded last summer. Remarkably, only one in ten fans expressed opposition to the policy.
Enhanced Atmosphere and Family-Friendly Environment
Fans have consistently reported that matches remain as family-friendly as before, alleviating concerns that the introduction of alcohol might alter the welcoming atmosphere for all age groups. Additionally, scores assessing the overall matchday atmosphere have shown a slight but noticeable improvement since the pilot's introduction, suggesting that the option has contributed positively to the spectator experience without compromising safety or enjoyment.
Hannah Buckley, WSL Head of Infrastructure, Safety and Sustainability, commented enthusiastically on the pilot's progress. "We have been trusted by our clubs and fans to take the leap with piloting Fan Choice, and it's so pleasing to see such positive feedback in the first half of the season," she stated. "As a league, when it comes to having a different approach to the norm, we are not scared to test and learn, and the pilot so far has shown the value in doing that."
Club Innovation and Future Developments
Buckley further highlighted the fantastic innovation demonstrated by participating clubs, many of which have designated specific sections of their grounds as alcohol-free zones to provide supporters with a genuine choice. "Fan Choice has also seen some fantastic innovation from our clubs, and we're thrilled that three more have joined for the second half of the campaign," she added. "We will continue to work with our clubs over the coming months and look forward to seeing how the pilot develops over the rest of the season."
The list of clubs currently involved in the trial includes:
- WSL: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, London City Lionesses, Manchester City, Manchester United
- WSL2: Birmingham City, Bristol City, Crystal Palace, Leicester, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Sunderland, Southampton
Broader Implications and Historical Context
In a related development, fans will be permitted to drink in the stands at the Women's League Cup final for the very first time when it is held on 15 March at Bristol City's Ashton Gate Stadium. This marks a significant departure from the regulations governing men's football, where consuming alcohol in view of the pitch has been prohibited for over thirty years under legislation introduced during the hooligan era. This rule, however, does not apply to the women's game, allowing for greater flexibility and experimentation.
The overwhelming success of the WSL's trial is anticipated to intensify calls for similar restrictions to be relaxed at Premier League and Championship stadiums, which are now universally all-seater venues. The pilot's positive outcomes—characterised by enhanced safety ratings, increased fan support, and maintained family-friendly environments—provide compelling evidence that responsible alcohol consumption in stands can be managed effectively, potentially paving the way for broader policy reviews in English football.
