England’s Alex Greenwood calls for more pubs to show women’s football

Gathering around a table with a few pints and packets of chips is a rite of passage for any football fan, but it’s more difficult for those who follow the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Until a few years ago, women’s games were hardly ever broadcast on television – let alone in pubs or bars.

Research by pub chain Greene King found that two-thirds of Brits (66%) still feel there is a lack of awareness of women’s teams.

Only 26% believe their local pubs feature enough women’s sport.

England footballer Alex Greenwood, who plays for Manchester City in the WSL, has seen a surge of new fans since the Lionesses’ success at Euro.

Making games as “accessible” as possible is key to sticking with the new support, she explained.

It wasn’t until Greenwood started training with players like Farah Williams that she saw footballers in action, as it was impossible for her to watch as a child.

She told Metro.co.uk: “Women’s games weren’t on TV when I was younger. I grew up being taken to pubs to watch games but you never saw the women’s games so it will be really nice to see that change now.

“Going into pubs and seeing a women’s game will be great visibility for us.

“It makes games more accessible to fans, these are places where people socialize and watch football together.

“All transmission opportunities are important and that starts at the bottom in grassroots football – it’s about seizing that opportunity in women’s football.

“Broadcasting more women’s sports games in public venues will help us maintain momentum and continue this improvement.”

According to research by Greene King, more Brits than ever are supporting women’s sport.

The data, commissioned to mark International Women’s Day, also showed that three-quarters of the nation (76%) think awareness of women’s sport has improved, but two-thirds (66%) believe it has is still too little compared to male teams.

And it seems pubs are taking note of the demand for women’s sport, with 42% saying their local pubs now show more women’s sport than ever, but just 26% believe their local pubs show enough women’s sport.

Greene King has vowed to ensure women’s sport gets the airtime it deserves and has pledged to show all WSL matches for the 2023 season in many of its city center pubs.

READ MORE: What record-breaking viewership in women’s sport in 2022 means for the future

Amanda Royston, Marketing Director at Greene King, said: “Pubs are the original social network – they give people a place to relax, unwind and socialize with friends.

“We want our pubs to be safe and welcoming places for all people and that is why we are committed to inclusion not just on International Women’s Day but every day.

“Our research has made it clear that people believe pubs play an important role in raising awareness and support for women’s sport.”

Greene King’s research found that confidence in lionesses’ abilities is also at an all-time high.

More than three quarters (78%) of Britons firmly believe the team will take home the title at this year’s Women’s World Cup.

Greenwood told Metro.co.uk: “We’re going to take the tournament as it comes, we believe in that.

“We have quite a long prep time before we get started, which we’re going to take really seriously to get ready for that first game.

“Of course we want to be successful, and success looks different for everyone. For us, we always want to strive to improve the next generation and create opportunities for them.

“Hopefully football will follow suit.”

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