by Murmurs of change in the Assikura Women’s League continue to gain pace. Amongst the headlines that grab the most attention are changes targeted toward increases in viewership. In chasing sold-out stands, it is good to reflect on which games attracted crowds locally and the facets that are at play when chasing this goal.
The Highlights of the Season
The importance of fans at the games cannot be overstated. The record crowd for the friendly between Birkirkara FC and Manchester United Women showed a glimpse of what the atmosphere could be like in matches and gives a tangible milestone. There is no doubt that big names attract viewers, however, there was also heavy publicity for the match which is crucial in securing a wider audience.
A quick scan at the stands during matches indicates that the Assikura Women’s Knockout has likely enjoyed a larger turnout than the Assikura Women’s League. Amongst the best atmospheres were those in the semi-final between Swieqi United and Raiders FC, the quarter-final between Hibernians vs Mgarr United, and of course the final between Hibernians and Swieqi United. As expected, the quarter-final between Swieqi United and Birkirkara FC also attracted crowds but the tension in the stadium made for a very different atmosphere.
These fixtures took place both during the week and also on weekends, so perhaps it is the winner-takes-all nature of the competition that attracts such crowds. However, it is worthy of analysis in search of replicating enthusiasm for league matches.
It is also interesting that some of these matches featured bands that generated a different atmosphere and encouraged more interaction among the fans. Though their presence is lamented by certain sections of fans around the globe, perhaps one may consider that in the absence of a core group of singing fans, a band can be useful to generate engagement.
In the league, encounters between Swieqi United FC and Birkirkara FC also attracted attention, presumably because of the bearing the matches had on the league standings at the top. Meanwhile, the involvement of Hibernians FC and Raiders FC always attracted a few crowds on their ends. However, arguably one of the loudest atmospheres was during the final league encounter between Mtarfa FC and San Gwann FC. Such instances are a testament to the interest generated when tension is high and crucial points are deemed to be within reach.
Attracting the Numbers
The Assikura Women’s Knockout fixtures featured heavier publicity amongst clubs which plays an important role in attracting crowds. The fact that it is carried out at the back end of the season and thus towards better weather and longer days may have also played a part.
Assessing the crowds there is no doubt that more needs to be done to attract fresh faces to the stadiums, who are not necessarily directly involved with the clubs. The National Team enjoys larger viewership, but one must consider that this involves players from more clubs and so is likely to bunch up the core fans of each.
There is an effort that is needed for the league matches to get to similar crowd numbers. Tallying on the models being employed by foreign sides, marketing the league matches around the international breaks can help to transfer viewerships, but capturing that rush requires a move away from buying tickets at the door. Independent, club and the football association media departments have a role to play in this. Additionally, more must be done to also elevate the experience of the match itself. Seating arrangements with adequate shelter in case of bad weather, improvement of refreshments before the match and during half-time, and even as simple as having a lit-up scoreboard in all venues could elevate the match experience.
If the rumours of a change towards matches being played over the weekend are to be confirmed, then there are two opposing aspects to consider. On the one hand, weekends offer a chance for more children, families and those working on weekdays to attend. On the other hand, one must also accept that the fixtures will be in direct competition for the same group of people who watch other local and international football leagues. Though the demographic may be somewhat different from the men’s game, those who enjoy the women’s game will also factor it against matches in foreign leagues. In this regard, the need for establishing a strong fanbase by the clubs is vital, as is having competitive fixtures throughout the matchdays.
Cue the Banter
In search of increasing the crowds, the game may therefore attract young families but also those who perhaps previously only tuned in to men’s football who wish to expand their support. As the numbers grow, the banter launched from the stands is likely to also increase and evolve. It is part of the footballing culture and there is a level of thick skin that players, officials, staff members, as well as opposing fans, need to have to take it. There is no glory without a bit of criticism.
As the global debate ensues, there are opposing views as to how much fans should be restricted in how they voice their support in the face of these different demographics. In this regard, one may need to be braced for contrasting views and atmospheres.
From the fans’ perspective, a raucous atmosphere adds a different layer to the game. However, there is a fine line to be trodden on and the point at which it is drawn can be debatable. Keeping the human in mind often provides a guideline to ensure that the atmosphere remains pleasant enough for all. However, in the cases when banter turns into abuse, then perhaps having structures in place to deal with it, avoids escalation.
As Covid-19 showed globally, games played in empty stadiums pale in contrast to the emotions exuded when the stands are full. Players and benches draw enthusiasm from the crowd, and vice-versa. As a new era dawns, one hopes for surges in viewership like those seen in leading countries across the world, but as noted there is plenty of work still to be done to realise that dream.
Photo by Bertrand Gabioud on Unsplash
