Women’s football in England is set for a bumper few days as thousands of fans across the country are set to attend matches at Premier League stadiums as part of the FA’s inaugural Women’s Football Weekend.
After a record-breaking season opening weekend in September, during which 62,000 supporters flocked to WSL games, the FA has launched the special weekend to pack out stadiums.
The men’s Premier League and Championship are pausing for the international break over the next few days, allowing the FA to schedule women’s football games at larger stadiums.
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will compete in a London derby at the 62,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur StaFdium, while its usual home ground is National League Barnet’s 6,500-capacity The Hive Stadium. The club has not revealed any ticketing numbers at present.
Meanwhile, a Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton will be held at 54,000-capacity Anfield – the first women’s game in its more than 130-year history.
Liverpool told the Press Association news agency that it is hopeful of drawing a 15-20,000 crowd, although early estimates are difficult because of the way the club is ticketing the event.
Tickets are on sale until 3pm on Saturday, with a £5 adult ticket also allowing three under-16s to be added for free at the time of purchase.
A large number of concessionary tickets have also been distributed to local schools, football teams and residents via the LFC Foundation and the club’s Red Neighbours scheme.
Earlier this season, the Manchester derby at the 55,097-capacity Etihad Stadium, which cost £7 for a ticket, welcomed a WSL record attendance of 31,213 to a game that saw City beat Manchester United 1-0.
The London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at the 41,000-capacity Stamford Bridge welcomed 24,564 fans – more than five times the club’s previous record.
For perspective, last season’s average attendance across the WSL was just 833.
Image: James Boyes
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