Four Women’s Championship teams to allow fans to drink alcohol in the stands

Credit: PA

Four Women’s Championship teams are set to take part in a pilot scheme that will allow supporters to drink alcohol in the stands.

Starting this month, Southampton, Newcastle, Bristol, and Birmingham will trial the programme, the clubs have announced.

The clubs were partly selected due to their geographical spread but also because their venues are accustomed to allowing alcohol to be consumed by fans.

Under the Sporting Events Act of 1985, drinking in the stands is currently banned in the top five tiers of the English men’s game - but the legislation does not cover the women’s game.

If the trial is successful, the concept could be rolled out more widely across the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship.

Director of Women’s Football for Southampton FC Marieanne Spacey-Cale said the 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.

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"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," she added.

Newcastle United also said in a statement that it will continue "to look at ways to improve the matchday experience of fans" while Birmingham said it will review the scheme until the end of the season "before a permanent decision is made."

Bristol Sport CEO and Bristol City Women Board Chair Gavin Marshall said: “We believe that fans being allowed to enjoy their refreshment of choice in view of the pitch will add to what is already a great matchday experience.”

Each team will be involved with the pilot for either four or five home fixtures in the second half of the Women’s Championship season.

Both Bristol City and Southampton will begin on January 19 during their games against London City Lionesses and Sunderland, respectively.

Birmingham and Newcastle will trial the scheme the following week in their home fixtures on January 26 against Bristol City and Portsmouth, respectively.

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