Watford fan Kate Lewers has created a new supporters’ group which launches today in preparation for the 2021/22 season.
Women of Watford FC, or WOW as they will also be known, was born initially out of Kate’s frustration and sadness from her own experiences of being a female football fan.
The aims of WOW are very simple: to give women more of a voice within the club, to encourage and promote a more diverse fanbase, and to inspire and empower future generations of female fans.
Kate takes up the story of how WOW moved from being an idea to something that will become a safe space for all women at Watford FC.
“In March I appeared on Hive Live to celebrate International Women's Day and discuss being a female fan. One question I was asked really made me think: how do I feel as a woman attending away games? I suddenly realised I had never, and most likely never would, go to an away game by myself.
“I don't pretend to speak for all females here by any means, we all have different journeys, but for the most part feeling unsafe in the streets is a common-lived experience for a lot of us.
“That same week saw the death of Sarah Everard at the hands of a stranger as she was walking home in the dark, prompting many women to share their own stories of being followed or simply not doing something they would like to out of fear for their own safety.
“To say that was a heavy week would be an understatement. But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, something brilliant has been born! The club got in touch to discuss what more could be done to make things better for our female fans and it has been decided that the best place to start is founding a female supporters' group.
“We welcome all who agree with our aims, regardless of gender identity. We stand for community, allyship and diversity amongst plenty of other things and, if you relate to that and want to ensure Watford FC is a positive experience for all, we’d love to have you with us.
“Our safe space is both physical and virtual - with hopes of regular meet-ups once the season starts back up, attending away games together and having a strong online presence on Twitter and a private Facebook group.
“We're a group for both Watford FC veterans who have been attending games for years and those fresh-faced among us who have only recently been introduced to the club.”
If you'd like to know more about WOW, to join, ask questions or just to say hello, then please get in touch with Kate via Twitter: @WOWatfordFC.
Wembley image credit: Stuart Roy Clarke @homesoffootball
