📂 Categoría: Football,Women’s Football,Women’s World Cup | 📅 Fecha: 1777236136
🔍 En este artículo:
Women’s football has undoubtedly been on the rise in the UK over the last five years.
A large part of that can be attributed to England’s Lionesses’ road to European Championship victory on home soil back in 2022, and then again in 2025 when they retained the title.
One pub in Bristol is looking to capitalise on the increased visibility and continued investment in the women’s game.
In partnership with both Bristol City Women’s Football Club, and their front of shirt sponsor Guinness, local pub ‘The Sportsman’ will – for one day only – change their name to ‘The Sportswoman’.
This temporary name change, which will mark Bristol City W.F.C’s final home game of the 2025-26 WSL2 season against Newcastle United, seeks to champion the growth of women’s football, with very few pubs around the UK actively celebrating the women’s side of the sport.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, which has significant playoff implications with Newcastle currently sitting in fourth place in the table with 33 points and Bristol City in sixth with 31 points, the pub’s co-owners Stacey Ball and Charlie Haynes sat down in an exclusive conversation with talkSPORT.
“It is a change that will highlight that we are a venue that offers a place for everyone to come and enjoy watching live sports. With the growing support of Women in Sports, we want to showcase our venue,” Haynes said.
Furthermore, they both discussed the importance of the collaborative initiative with Bristol City W.F.C and Guinness, and how they, together, hope to champion inclusivity and visibility for women’s sports in what has been a traditionally male-dominated hospitality industry.
Providing an inclusive space for all
It is uncommon for an independent business, like that of The Sportsman, to be afforded an opportunity to work alongside a global brand with the reach of Guinness to champion inclusivity on a much larger scale.
But when that opportunity does present itself, as long as they share the same principles and values – such as ensuring that women feel safe in a pub environment – then it should be clutched with both hands.
“We find ourselves in a very lucky position, being an independent business with no ties, it means that we can work close to brands like Guinness that have a far bigger reach than ours, to help us highlight that all sports are valued and encouraged,” Haynes explained.
“Supporting the women in our pub that play pool and darts every week, doing what they love in an environment where they feel safe and part of a community, is integral to helping create an amazing atmosphere in our pub.”
Despite the surge in popularity of women’s football, and women’s sports in general as exhibited by the record attendance of 81,885 at Twickenham Stadium when England claimed 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup glory against Canada, some establishments are more hesitant than others to broadcast these sports on their screens.
“I think it’s difficult making changes within two very big male-dominated industries,” Ball said. “I think for some businesses in the industry it could be damaging for them and to take the risk to jump on board early on might not have been viable.
“Fortunately, the demand to watch women’s sport is growing, but still has some way to go before there can be consistent and sustainable support [from other pubs].”
When asked about what she would say to pub owners who might be more hesitant to pivot toward showcasing more women’s sports, Ball added: “In an industry that is struggling, we have to accommodate everyone. As without bums in seats we will lose pubs and bars which help define local communities.
“If you’re a pub that doesn’t show your support for women in sports yet advertise male sports, you’re not only missing out on a growing market but definitely missing out on a massive opportunity to create a welcoming atmosphere for all.”
Ball’s full circle journey back onto the pitch
Guinness’ partnership with Bristol City W.F.C proved to be a somewhat life-altering one for Ball.
Having grown up playing ‘the beautiful game’, she stepped away from football for a while.
But after having been provided with some tickets to watch The Robins at Ashton Gate Stadium by Guinness, Ball’s love for football was reignited, and she has since returned to playing for Bristol Manor Farm Ladies – their first ever women’s team.
“It was the first day of the Guinness sponsorship with Bristol City Women and we were invited along to the game versus Sunderland,” Ball exclusively told talkSPORT about her journey back into playing.
“I hadn’t been to a women’s game at Ashton Gate Stadium before so to walk out and hear the atmosphere of the fans was amazing. The enjoyment I got from just spectating was enough for me to know how much I was missing out.”
Having had her passion for the game reignited when watching in the stands, Ball and co-owner Haynes have since sought to bring that same energy and camaraderie to the venue from behind the bar.
In doing so, they have recognised the similarities that the team and a local pub are both built on shared ‘pride’ and ‘connection’ of the community that surrounds them.
“The beautiful thing about running a pub that shows live sport is you get to see everybody’s passion and connection to the club. They’re very similar supporting a football team and supporting a pub,” Haynes told talKSPORT.
“Owners of football clubs and owners of pubs, they don’t really own it. It’s the people that are there day in, day out, supporting it, wearing it with pride, going, telling their friends about it.
“That’s what makes a successful pub and football club. And that’s what we want to try and blend. Everyone in the pub, proud to be in the pub and proud to watch the team on the screen.”
Uncovered history shows just how quickly things have evolved
The Sportsman – which is officially the Bristol County Sports Club, is one of the oldest members’ clubs still servicing the city, having done so since 1892.
Having once operated under more traditional, gender-segregated norms, it was only 30 years ago when the club was debating whether to even allow women into the venue to watch snooker.
This revelation was made after Haynes uncovered some committee minutes from the 1990s when under old management, which left him stunned.
“It [The Sportsman] was a private men’s social club. I find the whole concept so alien,” Haynes exclusively told talkSPORT. “To only allow 50 per cent of the population into a bar is so bizarre, but it wasn’t uncommon practice.
“Many places have not evolved and have had to shut down due to that. Being able to evolve and change is exactly what makes our place so unique and truly one of a kind.”
It is truly remarkable to think that it has only been three decades since women were barred from even spectating male sports, yet now the venue has been transformed and reimagined as ‘The Sportswoman’ to celebrate women’s football.
But Haynes believes this kind of evolution has been necessary for independent establishments to survive in the current economy.
Furthermore, by choosing to prioritise inclusivity for all, the pub has transformed itself from a restrictive men’s social club into a welcoming hub for a brand new, and diverse, generation of fans, which brings immense pride to Ball and Haynes.
“It’s massive to say that I was a part of this, and it is something that I’ll always be proud of. But to me, it’s far more than just football,” Haynes noted.
“Women’s sports are growing and we would like to do this alongside our growth. The fact that we have women in our pub every week playing sports that they love, that’s what it’s all about.”
Women’s football has undoubtedly been on the rise in the UK over the last five years.
A large part of that can be attributed to England’s Lionesses’ road to European Championship victory on home soil back in 2022, and then again in 2025 when they retained the title.
One pub in Bristol is looking to capitalise on the increased visibility and continued investment in the women’s game.
In partnership with both Bristol City Women’s Football Club, and their front of shirt sponsor Guinness, local pub ‘The Sportsman’ will – for one day only – change their name to ‘The Sportswoman’.
This temporary name change, which will mark Bristol City W.F.C’s final home game of the 2025-26 WSL2 season against Newcastle United, seeks to champion the growth of women’s football, with very few pubs around the UK actively celebrating the women’s side of the sport.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, which has significant playoff implications with Newcastle currently sitting in fourth place in the table with 33 points and Bristol City in sixth with 31 points, the pub’s co-owners Stacey Ball and Charlie Haynes sat down in an exclusive conversation with talkSPORT.
“It is a change that will highlight that we are a venue that offers a place for everyone to come and enjoy watching live sports. With the growing support of Women in Sports, we want to showcase our venue,” Haynes said.
Furthermore, they both discussed the importance of the collaborative initiative with Bristol City W.F.C and Guinness, and how they, together, hope to champion inclusivity and visibility for women’s sports in what has been a traditionally male-dominated hospitality industry.
Providing an inclusive space for all
It is uncommon for an independent business, like that of The Sportsman, to be afforded an opportunity to work alongside a global brand with the reach of Guinness to champion inclusivity on a much larger scale.
But when that opportunity does present itself, as long as they share the same principles and values – such as ensuring that women feel safe in a pub environment – then it should be clutched with both hands.
“We find ourselves in a very lucky position, being an independent business with no ties, it means that we can work close to brands like Guinness that have a far bigger reach than ours, to help us highlight that all sports are valued and encouraged,” Haynes explained.
“Supporting the women in our pub that play pool and darts every week, doing what they love in an environment where they feel safe and part of a community, is integral to helping create an amazing atmosphere in our pub.”
Despite the surge in popularity of women’s football, and women’s sports in general as exhibited by the record attendance of 81,885 at Twickenham Stadium when England claimed 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup glory against Canada, some establishments are more hesitant than others to broadcast these sports on their screens.
“I think it’s difficult making changes within two very big male-dominated industries,” Ball said. “I think for some businesses in the industry it could be damaging for them and to take the risk to jump on board early on might not have been viable.
“Fortunately, the demand to watch women’s sport is growing, but still has some way to go before there can be consistent and sustainable support [from other pubs].”
When asked about what she would say to pub owners who might be more hesitant to pivot toward showcasing more women’s sports, Ball added: “In an industry that is struggling, we have to accommodate everyone. As without bums in seats we will lose pubs and bars which help define local communities.
“If you’re a pub that doesn’t show your support for women in sports yet advertise male sports, you’re not only missing out on a growing market but definitely missing out on a massive opportunity to create a welcoming atmosphere for all.”
Ball’s full circle journey back onto the pitch
Guinness’ partnership with Bristol City W.F.C proved to be a somewhat life-altering one for Ball.
Having grown up playing ‘the beautiful game’, she stepped away from football for a while.
But after having been provided with some tickets to watch The Robins at Ashton Gate Stadium by Guinness, Ball’s love for football was reignited, and she has since returned to playing for Bristol Manor Farm Ladies – their first ever women’s team.
“It was the first day of the Guinness sponsorship with Bristol City Women and we were invited along to the game versus Sunderland,” Ball exclusively told talkSPORT about her journey back into playing.
“I hadn’t been to a women’s game at Ashton Gate Stadium before so to walk out and hear the atmosphere of the fans was amazing. The enjoyment I got from just spectating was enough for me to know how much I was missing out.”
Having had her passion for the game reignited when watching in the stands, Ball and co-owner Haynes have since sought to bring that same energy and camaraderie to the venue from behind the bar.
In doing so, they have recognised the similarities that the team and a local pub are both built on shared ‘pride’ and ‘connection’ of the community that surrounds them.
“The beautiful thing about running a pub that shows live sport is you get to see everybody’s passion and connection to the club. They’re very similar supporting a football team and supporting a pub,” Haynes told talKSPORT.
“Owners of football clubs and owners of pubs, they don’t really own it. It’s the people that are there day in, day out, supporting it, wearing it with pride, going, telling their friends about it.
“That’s what makes a successful pub and football club. And that’s what we want to try and blend. Everyone in the pub, proud to be in the pub and proud to watch the team on the screen.”
Uncovered history shows just how quickly things have evolved
The Sportsman – which is officially the Bristol County Sports Club, is one of the oldest members’ clubs still servicing the city, having done so since 1892.
Having once operated under more traditional, gender-segregated norms, it was only 30 years ago when the club was debating whether to even allow women into the venue to watch snooker.
This revelation was made after Haynes uncovered some committee minutes from the 1990s when under old management, which left him stunned.
“It [The Sportsman] was a private men’s social club. I find the whole concept so alien,” Haynes exclusively told talkSPORT. “To only allow 50 per cent of the population into a bar is so bizarre, but it wasn’t uncommon practice.
“Many places have not evolved and have had to shut down due to that. Being able to evolve and change is exactly what makes our place so unique and truly one of a kind.”
It is truly remarkable to think that it has only been three decades since women were barred from even spectating male sports, yet now the venue has been transformed and reimagined as ‘The Sportswoman’ to celebrate women’s football.
But Haynes believes this kind of evolution has been necessary for independent establishments to survive in the current economy.
Furthermore, by choosing to prioritise inclusivity for all, the pub has transformed itself from a restrictive men’s social club into a welcoming hub for a brand new, and diverse, generation of fans, which brings immense pride to Ball and Haynes.
“It’s massive to say that I was a part of this, and it is something that I’ll always be proud of. But to me, it’s far more than just football,” Haynes noted.
“Women’s sports are growing and we would like to do this alongside our growth. The fact that we have women in our pub every week playing sports that they love, that’s what it’s all about.”
💡 Puntos Clave
- Este artículo cubre aspectos importantes sobre Football,Women’s Football,Women’s World Cup
- Información verificada y traducida de fuente confiable
- Contenido actualizado y relevante para nuestra audiencia
📚 Información de la Fuente
| 📰 Publicación: | talksport.com |
| ✍️ Autor: | Kerrie Jacobs-Bryant |
| 📅 Fecha Original: | 2026-04-26 09:26:00 |
| 🔗 Enlace: | Ver artículo original |
Nota de transparencia: Este artículo ha sido traducido y adaptado del inglés al español para facilitar su comprensión. El contenido se mantiene fiel a la fuente original, disponible en el enlace proporcionado arriba.
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