Can WSL Revolutionize Stadiums for Men?

The Women's Super League (WSL) has announced pioneering design guidelines aimed at transforming football stadiums to better accommodate female players and supporters. These recommendations come in response to the rapid growth of women's football, highlighting the need for venues historically built with only male audiences in mind to evolve and become more inclusive. The guidelines encompass essential facilities such as female-friendly changing rooms and toilets, as well as family areas, aiming to create an enhanced matchday experience for all.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The WSL's recent unveiling of these design guidelines marks a significant shift in how football stadiums are conceptualised and constructed. With women's football gaining substantial traction, the guidelines aim to ensure that venues are not only accessible but also welcoming and functional for female athletes and fans. By addressing the specific needs of women, the WSL hopes to foster a more inclusive environment that reflects the sport's evolving demographics.

Key takeaways

WSL has introduced world-first design guidelines for football stadiums.
Stadiums must include female-friendly facilities such as changing rooms and toilets.
Guidelines advocate for 45% of toilets to be female, 45% male, and 10% gender-neutral.
Improved matchday experiences should cater to the needs of female supporters.
The initiative is a response to the growing popularity of women's football.

Timeline: how we got here

In recent years, the landscape of women's football has undergone a significant transformation. Below is a brief timeline capturing key milestones leading to the WSL's new guidelines:

2011: The Women's Super League is established in England.
2018: The FA launches a strategy to grow women's football in England.
2020: Women's football sees a surge in viewership and participation.
October 2023: WSL unveils new design guidelines to enhance stadium facilities for women.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent announcement of the WSL's design guidelines is a notable development in the ongoing evolution of women's football. These guidelines are the result of collaborative efforts involving fans, clubs, players, coaches, and architects, aiming to create a more accommodating and supportive environment for women in football.

What was already established

Historically, football stadiums have been designed with male spectators and players in mind, often lacking the necessary facilities for female participants and audiences. The need for change has been widely recognised, but until now, specific guidelines addressing these issues were not in place.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and families attending matches, the WSL's guidelines promise a more enjoyable and inclusive experience. Facilities such as family toilets, breastfeeding areas, and designated alcohol-free zones will cater to diverse needs, making it easier for families to attend matches without concerns about accessibility.

Businesses and jobs

Stadiums that embrace these guidelines could see a boost in attendance as more women and families feel encouraged to attend matches. This increase in patronage can benefit local businesses and create job opportunities within the hospitality and service sectors surrounding these venues.

Policy and regulation

The WSL's guidelines may influence future regulatory policies regarding stadium construction and renovation in the UK. Local councils and governing bodies could adopt these principles as standard practice, ensuring that all new developments consider the needs of female supporters and athletes.

Numbers that matter

45%: Percentage of toilets recommended to be female.
45%: Percentage of toilets recommended to be male.
10%: Percentage of toilets recommended to be gender-neutral.
20%: Increase in attendance at women's matches over the last five years.
70,000: Estimated attendance at major women's football events, highlighting the sport's growth.

Definitions and jargon buster

WSL: Women's Super League, the top tier of women's football in England.
Gender-neutral facilities: Facilities designed to be accessible to people of any gender.
Matchday experience: The overall experience for fans attending a sporting event, including facilities, amenities, and atmosphere.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, stakeholders in the football community will likely begin discussions on how to implement the WSL's guidelines. Clubs may assess their current facilities to identify areas for improvement.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As awareness of the guidelines spreads, it is possible that more clubs will commit to refurbishing or redesigning their stadiums. We could see initial pilot projects emerge, showcasing the benefits of inclusive design.

Signals to watch

Announcements from clubs regarding facility upgrades.
Increased attendance figures in women's matches.
Feedback from fans on matchday experiences as new facilities are integrated.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage clubs to adopt the WSL’s design guidelines.
Support women's football by attending matches and events.
Provide feedback to clubs regarding facilities and matchday experiences.

Don’t

Assume that existing facilities meet the needs of all attendees.
Overlook the importance of inclusive environments for all supporters.
Neglect to advocate for improvements in your local stadium.

Checklist

Assess local stadium facilities for inclusivity.
Research upcoming women's matches and events.
Engage with clubs about facility improvements.
Promote the importance of gender-neutral facilities.
Participate in discussions about women's football development.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the WSL's guidelines represent a positive step forward, there is no guarantee that all clubs will adopt these recommendations. Financial constraints and differing priorities among clubs may hinder implementation. Additionally, the effectiveness of these changes will depend on ongoing dialogue between fans, clubs, and governing bodies.

Bottom line

The WSL's groundbreaking design guidelines aim to reshape football stadiums into inclusive and welcoming spaces for female players and supporters. As the women's game continues to grow, these efforts are essential for ensuring that all fans can enjoy the sport comfortably and safely. The next steps will be crucial in determining the real impact of these guidelines on the football community in the UK.

FAQs

What are the new WSL design guidelines?

The WSL design guidelines aim to create more inclusive stadiums for women, focusing on facilities such as female-friendly changing rooms, toilets, and family areas.

Why are these guidelines important for women's football?

These guidelines address the historical bias in stadium design, ensuring that venues cater to the needs of female players and supporters as women's football grows in popularity.

How can fans contribute to this initiative?

Fans can advocate for the adoption of these guidelines by providing feedback to clubs, attending matches, and promoting the importance of inclusive facilities in stadiums.