Can Jill Scott Help Create the Next Generation of Women's Football Fans?

Send us Fan MailFor generations of football supporters, the obsession started long before their first trip to a stadium. Football magazines, annuals, sticker books and stories helped young fans learn the players, pick their teams and develop the loyalties that could last a lifetime. So, as women's football continues to grow, how do we create that same connection for the next generation? On the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I spoke to Zarah Al-Kudcy from the Women's Super League and James Corcoran from official partner British Gas about Things' Football Adventures, a new children's book series specifically designed to help grow the next generation of women's football fans. Our conversation took place just one day before the new WSL season, and we discussed why introducing children to the players, personalities and stories around the women's game could be so important. One of the interesting differences we explored was tribalism. For all its faults, the men's game has generations of family loyalties, rivalries and traditions behind it. Children often inherit a club before they're old enough to have much say in the matter! Women's football doesn't yet have that same history of tribal support, which creates both a challenge and an opportunity. Today's young supporters could be the generation that builds those traditions. And who better to help get them interested than Jill Scott? The former England international is the face and voice of Things' Football Adventures, bringing one of the most recognisable and popular personalities in women's football to the series. We talked about Jill's ability to connect with people well beyond dedicated football fans. She's become such a universally liked figure that, as we joked during the conversation, even Roy Keane likes her! Of course, with a new WSL season about to begin, I couldn't let Zarah and James escape without asking for their predictions. Zarah had the tricky job of remaining impartial. James did not. He's tipping Manchester City for the title. Whether that prediction survives the season remains to be seen, but if projects like Things' Football Adventures work, there could be a whole new generation of supporters watching it unfold. 🎧 Hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh