An investigation into the relationship between gender and fan experience in professional English football

Name: Charlotte Lawrence

Role & Company: Head of Strategy and Business Services - The Football Association

Dissertation Length: 10,154 words

Introduction:

For centuries football has featured at the heart of English society. From its early origins as a pastime for young boys and men, rooted in Victorian ideals of muscular Christianity, to the more recent rise of the women’s game, following the lift of The FA’s ban on female participation in 1971. While recent successes of the Lionesses and the growth of the women’s game demonstrate significant progress, gender continues to influence how fans experience football. Women, in particular, often face barriers to inclusion, safety, and enjoyment within the men’s game, whereas the women’s game has gained a reputation for being more welcoming and inclusive. 

This dissertation explores how gender impacts fan experience across men’s and women’s professional football in England, examining the underlying causes and potential solutions for issues identified. It draws on theoretical frameworks including Hegemonic Masculinity and Social Identity Theory, alongside a literature review on fandom, football’s historical roots, and modern supporter culture. Primary research consists of ten interviews with industry professionals to understand expert perspectives.

The topic is significant given football’s social benefits and the historic exclusion of women. Persistent acceptance of football as “male by default” risks reinforcing wider gender inequalities. The study focuses on male and female fans of professional English football and adopts a self-identified definition of fandom.

Key Findings:

Findings and analysis from the study’s primary research, quantitative survey data and qualitative interview insights resulted in a number of key findings. The quantitative results show strong agreement that male professional football environments are not equally welcoming for male and female fans, while women’s football is widely viewed as inclusive and welcoming for all. Although participants of different genders largely shared similar perceptions, women were more likely to report negative online experiences and a stronger need for change in the men’s game.

Qualitative findings highlight that fan experience at men’s football is characterised by intensity, intimidation and aggression, with misogynistic language, sexist attitudes and exclusionary behaviours frequently cited. Women reported being treated as inauthentic fans and facing additional gender‑based abuse, both in stadiums and online. These behaviours are linked to low gender diversity, strong tribalism, hegemonic masculinity and, potentially, poor male mental health.

In contrast, women’s football was consistently described as friendly, safe and inclusive, offering “passion without the poison.” Its more diverse, less tribal fan base and visible LGBTQ+ representation contribute to a more positive culture. However, challenges remain around facilities and retaining a positive environment, as the game grows.

Participants agreed that improving fan experience for everyone requires multiple long‑term interventions, including education, stronger club leadership, clear standards of behaviour and learning from best practice within women’s football.

Conclusion:

While the culture within men’s football has improved persistent issues such as sexism, misogyny, online abuse and aggressive behaviour continue to negatively affect inclusivity. Addressing these challenges requires sustained commitment, using a combination of sanctions, education and behavioural‑change initiatives. These problems also reflect wider societal issues, particularly the increasing prevalence of violence against women and girls. Although football cannot resolve these issues alone, it has an important role to play in challenging harmful norms.

By contrast, fan experience within the women’s game is widely perceived as positive, inclusive and welcoming. As the women’s game continues to grow, the key challenge lies not in creating a positive environment but in maintaining it, while avoiding the replication of problematic behaviours seen within the men’s game. The study draws on Social Identity Theory, Hegemonic Masculinity Theory and elements of Sub‑Cultural Theory to explain how gender shapes fandom, including the formation of in‑groups, exclusion of “others,” and the emergence of more positive, alternative fan cultures within women’s football.

The research highlights the need for further study, particularly involving larger and more diverse samples to explore intersectionality and other influencing factors such as fandom strength, age and socio‑demographic background. Greater understanding of female fandoms could help inform policy and share best practice across the game.

This dissertation was part of the MA Leadership in Sport course, co-delivered between the Institute of Sports Humanities and Loughborough University, educating current and future leaders.