Exhibition Sheds Light on Female Football Fans' Historic Experiences
A powerful new exhibition titled Away From Home: The Untold Stories of Women Football Fans has opened at The Beacon of Light in Sunderland, next to the Stadium of Light. Created by Prof Stacey Pope, a leading women's football sociologist, in collaboration with David Wright from Durham University's museums team, the showcase delves into the lives of women on the terraces of the north-east from the 1950s to the present day.
Challenging Misogyny in Football Culture
The exhibition features interviews with 22 Newcastle and Sunderland fans, alongside archival footage that highlights female presence in male-dominated stands. "You can be the thickest bloke and you still think you know more about football than a woman," reads a quote from a Newcastle fan named Jo, encapsulating the dismissive attitudes many women face. Prof Pope notes that while there has been a feminisation of sports fandom over the last three decades, gender equality remains elusive, with women often required to defend and justify their passion for the game.
Recent research by Pope surveyed 2,000 male football fans, finding that three-quarters held overt or covert misogynistic views towards women in football. This aligns with reports from Kick It Out, which revealed that sexist incidents at matches have doubled in recent seasons. "I would say that's the tip of the iceberg," Pope states, emphasising that football remains a sexist environment where women's contributions are undermined.
Historical Evidence and Personal Stories
The exhibition presents undeniable proof of female involvement throughout football history, from long lines of women waiting for tickets to the 1955 FA Cup quarter-final replay to modern-day iPhone photos celebrating victories. Hand-sewn silk scarves evoke an era of handmade merchandise, while newly-commissioned artwork and soundscapes bring matchday rituals to life. These elements illustrate the deep-rooted passion and dedication of female fans, often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Prof Pope's two decades of research, including 200 interviews with female fans, inform the exhibition, aiming to amplify women's voices and highlight the gendered challenges they face. "Women are expected to give up weekend matchdays after marriage or childbirth, while stadiums have long been designed for male convenience," she explains. Additional issues like assault or abuse on matchdays further complicate the female fan experience.
Universal Themes and Future Hopes
Despite the focus on gender inequalities, the exhibition also celebrates the universal joy of football. Soundscapes capture the transition from complaints of hunger and cold to euphoria once the game begins, with interviewees recalling the intense emotional connection to the pitch and stands. "It doesn't matter what club you support, what your gender is, people understand the importance of football in their lives," Pope says, hoping the exhibition fosters broader recognition and solutions.
Away From Home runs until the end of the season at The Beacon of Light and is available online, offering a poignant look at the resilience and passion of women in football culture.
