"Attendance FC? That's your insult? You're jealous!"

Rachel Major often counters barbs from opposing supporters regarding Arsenal's rising crowds. A dedicated follower for two decades, she has watched from a front seat as the club fuels expansion in the women's game.

Last season the Gunners drew an average of 34,000 at Emirates Stadium, nearly four times the next best figure set by Chelsea and ahead of eight Premier League sides. Arsenal home fans made up 41 percent of total WSL attendance, a club triumph that also prompts wider questions about supporter experience as the league and teams aim to advance.

To explore this, BBC Sport asked supporters how the sport can retain current followers, attract newcomers and encourage future generations.

A YouGov survey in January 2026 showed 28.5 million global WSL fans, evenly split by gender and with nearly half aged 18 to 34. This profile differs sharply from the men's game, which leans male and older.

"At a men's game you feel like just another number," says Donna Jones, a season ticket holder at London City Lionesses. "The game ignores the fans. In the women's game players and staff want to build real connections."

Backed by billionaire owner Michele Kang, London City is the sole fully independent WSL club and averaged just under 3,000 at Bromley's Copperjax Community Stadium in their first top-flight season. Their fan engagement work earned the Best Fan Engagement award at the 2026 Women's Football Awards.

"The club has created an atmosphere beyond the match," Jones adds. "Different food choices, a T-shirt cannon, foam fingers, player signings and a half-time spin-the-wheel add up to a full experience. They are working hard to expand the supporter base."

The family-friendly nature of women's football has driven growth in England after back-to-back European Championship wins in 2022 and 2025. Pre-match activities at the Wembley fan park before England's April match against Spain prompted Mark Jenkins to bring his six-year-old daughters to their first professional game.

"We checked timings and activities in advance and the fan park felt welcoming," he tells BBC Sport. "The girls enjoyed it and immediately asked if we could return. Women's sport feels more open now. One day they will know player names and put up posters just as I once did."

The women's game has tested a fan choice pilot allowing alcohol in stands over the past two seasons. Eighteen clubs in the WSL and WSL2 took part and 70 percent of supporters now support the change.

"It is excellent," says Arsenal season ticket holder Major. "Behaviour has improved. Previously fans had only 15 minutes to queue, buy a drink and finish it before entering, which encouraged poor choices."

Deborah Dilworth, head of women's football at the Football Supporters' Association, notes this is one of several steps to improve matchdays. "The pilot has our backing but food, entry flow, comfort and safety all matter too," she says.

Rising attendances have led clubs to create distinct seating zones for dedicated fans and casual visitors. "Clear ticket information helps everyone know where they belong," Dilworth explains. "Clubs need lively sections for atmosphere while welcoming new fans, neutrals and families."

What's not working?

Scheduling draws the loudest complaints. The 2025-26 season swapped the Sunday 18:45 slot for more noon kick-offs, yet many fans disliked the change. "Away trips become difficult," Major notes. "Supporters leave at 3 a.m. or pay for overnight stays." The new times also clash with Sunday morning grassroots matches, blocking younger fans.

Long breaks in the schedule also hurt momentum, as former England defender Anita Asante observed. Accessibility remains another concern. While large grounds like Emirates and Goodison Park are well equipped, smaller venues lag. Wheelchair user Jones faced missing Blue Badge parking details for London City's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

"Communication is the main problem," she says. Club websites often list only the men's stadium. After emails and calls Jones learned the venue had no Blue Badge spaces because it sits in a residential area, and the accessible section was far from the away fans, leaving her isolated.

Tottenham Hotspur stated that venue details appear via the Ask Spurs chatbot and confirmed they are adding Brisbane Road-specific guidance and a full matchday guide for next season.

Smaller grounds bring further issues: poorer facilities, longer travel and uncovered stands. Major highlighted problems at West Ham's shared Chigwell Construction Stadium, where lack of seating and cover creates hardship for older or disabled supporters, especially in winter rain.

What next for clubs looking to grow their fanbase?

Many WSL sides target existing men's team fans. Manchester City and Arsenal staged joint parades in 2025-26 celebrating all teams. Major praises Arsenal's use of real supporters in campaigns to build shared identity.

Yet close alignment carries risks, as seen at Reading and Charlton Athletic. Dilworth urges caution against simply copying the men's model. "Can we try new approaches? Innovation matters but we must protect what fans already value," she says.

Stadium choice adds complexity. "A shared stadium narrative is powerful," Dilworth notes, "but any sense that men's teams come first creates tension." Brighton's purpose-built women's stadium offers one path, though few clubs can afford it.

From next season Chelsea will host all WSL games at Stamford Bridge, joining Arsenal, Aston Villa and Everton at larger venues with better transport. Tottenham, Manchester United and Brighton will use main stadiums for select fixtures.

Reaching fans requires sharper digital strategies. BBC Sport research shows social media is the top source for 18-24-year-olds, with 35 percent using it first for women's football updates. Major agrees: "Social media is where I check first because everyone is already discussing it."

Fixtures drop on Thursday 30 July and the expanded 14-team league could draw bigger audiences in 2026-27. The Lionesses' success, including Chloe Kelly's Euro 2025 final penalty, has boosted interest, with next summer's World Cup in Brazil set to add more excitement if England qualifies.

Clubs now face the task of fixing current issues while using national team momentum to drive further growth.