The disparity between lower league teams and the top clubs in the Women’s Super League has become increasingly pronounced, particularly in terms of attendance and financial backing.
Financial support for women’s teams contributes significantly to their development and success; however, this is not the sole factor of a team’s ability to secure titles and trophies. An example of progress within a women’s football program can be seen at Arsenal. Thanks to the club’s strong promotion and unwavering commitment to a ‘one club‘ philosophy, Arsenal stands out in the league, evidenced by their impressive attendance figures and numerous sell-out crowds, particularly during the 2023/24 season.
Arsenal’s Meadow Park, located in Borehamwood, has a capacity of just 4,500 on match days. With an average attendance of 29,999 during the 2023/24 season, it’s clear that the club has outgrown its smaller stands. In contrast, West Ham’s women’s team averaged only 1,683 attendees in the same season – a significant 94% less than Arsenal. Their highest attendance came when they hosted Arsenal in February, a match that West Ham unexpectedly won 2-1.
During the 2022/23 season, West Ham was the only club to not play at their primary stadium. Every other team in the league managed to host at least one or two matches in their respective ‘men’s stadiums’. West Ham’s main stadium has a capacity of 62,500, placing it third behind Tottenham Hotspur’s 62,850, and Manchester United’s Old Trafford, which leads with 74,310. Based on these figures, it is hard to understand what is stopping the team’s growth and development, especially when they have the facilities already in place.
Arsenal’s promotional efforts for ticket sales during their Emirates games were unmatched during the 2023/24 season. By involving players and creating engaging promotional videos, the club succeeded in attracting a record-breaking crowd of 60,160 for the match against Manchester United. In my view, other clubs are not promoting ticket sales with the same enthusiasm and effort as the Gunners are, which has resulted in a vast contrast in attendance figures from the highest to the lowest.
Attendance figures do not necessarily equal results, as demonstrated by West Ham’s victory over Arsenal in the 2023/24 season. The established result prior to the match favoured an Arsenal away win, not solely because they were perceived as the ‘better team,’ but because West Ham was viewed as the ‘weaker team‘ based on common assumptions. If West Ham had a more consistent fan base attending matches and engaging with their games online, this preconceived notion could have been challenged.
Ultimately, the more fans that engage with Women’s Football, the bigger the crowds will grow. This fosters a sense of community around the clubs, creating an inviting atmosphere for newcomers seeking a team to support. While funding and support from the club is foundational, the role of fans play a large part in driving a club’s future growth and attracting larger crows, as seen with Arsenal at the Emirates.
