The stories of female fans of Newcastle and Sunderland men’s football teams are celebrated in a new online and pop-up exhibition at Durham University from today (28 October).
“Away From Home: The Untold Stories of Women Football Fans” tells the stories of women fans of the men’s teams from the 1950s to the present day.
Based on research by leading expert on women, football and inequalities, Professor Stacey Pope, the exhibition features the stories from Newcastle and Sunderland fans and their memories of going to the games.
The pop-up stall is open every day in the reception area of the Sport and Wellbeing Park at Durham University DH1 3SE (also known as Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle) from 28 October until the end of November. The virtual exhibition can be found at https://stories.durham.ac.uk/awayfromhome.
From the end of November, the pop-up will tour venues around the region, including the Beacon of Light, Sunderland, and is available to hire in full or in sections by contacting david.wright@durham.ac.uk.
It includes football scarves made by fans from around the North East as well as a series of artworks.
Additional items are on display in Palace Green Library in Durham City. These include embroidered pieces by Take a Stitch 2 Durham, an independent group of creative textile artists and stitchers and a football banner made by dementia-friendly inclusive art group, Durham’s Creative Age.
Visitors can also see a new large-scale colourful mural by artist Nocciola The Drawer which tells the story of how little kicks at the park or in the garden can eventually lead to the world of professional sport.
The stories told by the fans show their dedication to their clubs.
Anne has been a Sunderland fan since the 1960s and went to her first match aged 13. She said: “You know the song, “Sunderland ’til I Die”? Yes, well, that could be me. That will be me, because I will be.”
Kathryn has been a Newcastle fan since the early 1980s following in her mum’s footsteps. She said: “I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I took my support of Newcastle, my going to matches, out of it. It’s something I hugely value.”
The exhibition is based on research funded by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), National Lottery Heritage Fund and Foundation of Light.
The stories told by the fans also demonstrate how ideas about football fan culture have changed over time, and what it means to be a woman in a space that is often thought to be for men only.
It is hoped that the fans’ experiences can help change negative attitudes shown towards women in football today and imagine what the future could look like for women football fans.
The recent success of England’s Lionesses has brought much more attention to women’s football, leading to a general positive shift in attitudes towards all women in the game, including players, coaches, pundits and fans. However, Durham University research has shown that misogyny is still common in football and many female sports fans struggle to be taken seriously.
A Sunderland fan since the 1960s, Mary talked about her experience with negative attitudes. She said: “Not so long ago there was an objectionable man sitting a few seats along and behind. He said, ‘Oh, you should be at the hockey game.’ I said, ‘Who d’you think you’re talking to?’ He was horrible. Didn’t put me off though.”
Lynsey has been supporting Newcastle since the 90s. She said: “We hear comments like, ‘What would you know about football? You’re a woman.’ I’ve had comments like that. They wouldn’t dare say it to us now. But I do think there’s an attitude there, definitely. And sometimes I sit and I think, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Professor Stacey Pope from the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University, said: “Throughout history women fans have always attended football matches. For many of the women we spoke to in our research, supporting their team is central to their lives, stirring their emotions and providing unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.
“However, despite the long history of women football fans, their stories remain largely untold. This lack of visibility has allowed negative attitudes to form, meaning women are often still viewed as outsiders or newcomers rather than real and authentic fans.
“We really wanted to capture the women’s voices and tell their stories as loyal, committed and passionate supporters.”