Women’s football has a way of inspiring across generations, quietly shattering the idea that it is only for children or a certain type of fan. People discovering the game for the first time in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s are finding themselves caught up in the excitement. Volunteers stepping in later in life, lifelong supporters seeing the sport in a new light, all drawn in by the energy, the joy, and the sense of belonging it offers. Age, experience, or background no longer define who can love the game. Each story shows how women’s football opens doors, builds communities, and reminds everyone that it is never too late to be inspired.
“I was up in the early hours, screaming at the TV…”
For Sarah Wright, the 2015 Women’s World Cup was a turning point.
“I took a much greater interest in the women’s game, seeing the significant improvement in quality and the lack of BS on the pitch. Then came the WSL and with Chelsea challenging Arsenal, plus a brilliant manager like Emma Hayes, I became far more engaged.”
The 2022 Euros brought a surge of emotion.
“I was up in the early hours screaming at the TV, texting my best friend and literally crying when we finally won. We promised then to tour with England – and so came the 2023 World Cup here in Oz and the 2025 Euros in Switzerland. Having been to so many men’s tournaments where I didn’t always feel safe, to attend and be so included, with such a cross-section of people, and to see fathers with daughters – it’s the best feeling.”
Sarah reflects on the broader impact of the sport:
“There’s no judgement from the true fans. Sport, either playing or following, can support mental health. My nerves were well and truly stripped this summer, but I’d never trade that for anything.”
“Proper goosebumps and more than one tear in my eye.”
For Rhys Evans, women’s football became a bridge to family connection.
“My daughter told me she wanted to start supporting after enjoying the engagement she was seeing on social media. I told her she only had one choice – Arsenal!”
They went to multiple games and travelled to Switzerland for Wales’ first tournament finals.
“We were singing our hearts out at the national anthem. Proper goosebumps and more than one tear in my eye.”
Rhys also shared the experience with his retired neighbour, a lifelong Cardiff City season ticket holder.
“When Wales scored, he was out of his seat hugging strangers. He turned to me and said: ‘It’s the shirt, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter who’s in it, it’s the shirt.’”
“Seeing the women celebrate the title last season was fantastic!”
Adam Bateman first felt the excitement of women’s football at Old Trafford in 2012, watching Canada face the USA in the Olympic semi-final.
“It blew me away. I was there in person, and it really made me a fan of women’s football even more than I was previously.”
He later became involved behind the camera.
“I am part of the media team at Nantwich Town, so I film games, interview the manager, help with social media. Honestly, it is the best decision that I have ever made. It’s all voluntary, but the rewards are more than money could ever provide. Seeing the women’s team celebrate the title last season was fantastic – the camaraderie, the team spirit is excellent!”
“The smile on her face — a memory for her for a lifetime.”
Gerry Hitchings has been interested in women’s football since the late 1980s, when a friend played for Arsenal. Taking his daughter to Meadow Park in 2018 became a defining moment.
“Leah and Beth gave her an autograph and a pic. The smile and contact made my daughter’s day. A memory for her for a lifetime.”
At 52, Gerry has found his own place in the community as part of Arsenal’s red-and-white chanting group.
“Bringing the noise, helping fans on matchdays, being a point of contact. I feel part of something – moving the beautiful game forward. It puts a massive smile on my face every game I’m at, win, lose or draw.”
He emphasises inclusivity:
“Young, old, boy, girl, no matter what, it just takes that hello or ‘can you help’, that could make the difference for someone else to feel connected to this great passion we have.”
“I thought I might be too old to try a new genre…”
For Heidi Langton, football was largely inaccessible growing up.
“We weren’t allowed to play at school. I didn’t know any girls who played, and though I would have loved to give it a go, it didn’t seem like an option.”
Later, she found a role through photography.
“After attending the Lionesses game in June I started reaching out to women’s football teams to get pitchside experience. I thought I might be too old to try a new genre, but it turns out taking the step has been brilliant. I’m building more and more connections and loving every game.”
Her daughters are now inspired too.
“They were in awe of the girls during the Euros, so who knows – I may be a football parent soon as well!”
“Hated leaving!!”
Den played football from age 14, eventually joining West Ham after a five-a-side tournament.
“Played until 23. Hated leaving!!”
Den has followed the women’s game since the 1980s and sees the sport’s cultural growth.
“Encourage them to watch and follow teams either on TV or if possible at local stadiums. The club supporters are very open to meeting new people and making them feel welcome.”
“It’s never too late.”
One supporter discovered women’s football later in life and found it opened doors they never expected.
“I had never been to a football match until I went to Meadow Park with my daughter to watch an Arsenal game in my 50s. I’d always been a bit put off by the aggression of fans at men’s games and never really watched football, other than the odd England game, but I really enjoyed it and found the atmosphere friendly and inclusive.”
Watching key fixtures on TV also sparked new interest.
“I discovered women’s football during the World Cup. My daughter took our family to Box Park to watch one of the games on screen, and it was really exciting. It’s fantastic to see young women achieving their ambitions and we can all be inspired to aim higher as a result.”
Some moments stand out more than others.
“There have been lots of moments, but the rollercoaster of the Euros was definitely up there, and Chloe Kelly’s goals certainly stood out with her confident hops and skips! Even taking part in a training session this summer, at 54, I wasn’t the oldest on the pitch. Age shouldn’t stop anyone from getting involved – the sport welcomes everyone.”
Another supporter’s experience began with watching televised games.
“In short, watching a few women’s games on TV gave me an interest in a sport that just hadn’t appealed to me before. I started watching some of the more important fixtures in 2019.”
The sport changed their perspective on football and its culture.
“I discovered that the reason I had not previously been drawn to football was largely because of toxic masculinity on and off the pitch. Alessia Russo has been brilliant from her early days at Manchester United, and seeing her potential develop has given me a new awareness of the hard work and determination of young people. I wish that I’d had even fifty per cent of that drive to succeed when I was her age.”
Their advice for anyone hesitant about joining in is simple:
“As someone who’s always been sporty, I say it’s never too late. I’m much more limited in what I can do now due to declining fitness, but that doesn’t stop me from being a fan.”
Moments That Last a Lifetime
Across generations, women’s football is creating moments that stay with people for a lifetime. The exhilaration of first-time spectators singing the national anthem, the pride of fathers cheering alongside daughters, and the joy of volunteers celebrating local team achievements all demonstrate how the sport reaches beyond age and experience.
For many, it is the friendships formed in the stands, the shared laughter, and the sense of belonging that makes the game special. For others, it is watching women lead with resilience and professionalism; a reminder that ambition and passion know no age. It truly is inspiring across generations.
As one supporter reflected,
“No matter the age or experience, it only takes a small step to become part of this incredible community.”
Women’s football is more than a game; it is a space for connection, pride, and shared passion, open to anyone at any stage of life. It is inspiring across generations.
