A ladies support group? We don't need one!

By Gemma Bell

Firstly .... that statement is WRONG. I know it's wrong because a little while ago I spent the night, following the Lionesses defeat to the Netherlands, reading sexist comments.

Now I'm not going to argue that the women's game is on the same level as the men's ... not because women couldn't be that good ... let's face it males have a much better facilitated game than women. Look at what happened to Lincoln City Ladies and more recently the Notts County Ladies! As for the Lionesses, sadly they didn't seem to show up. If you watched them you will know they are usually a fast placed play kinda bunch. Karen Carney is a fast paced player who is always super busy. She didn't get much game time and her presence was missed.​ Anyway ... so here I am in my tent in the middle of a field reading comments on a banter page (not our club’s thank goodness) and it's always a swift reminder of how football is often seen as a 'mans' sport.

One post read; 'The women's team were played off the park'.  And then... 'not that I watched it'. Ha ! Didn't watch but is adamant we were 'sh*te'. Another said, "women should stick to washing the pots". I'd like to thank all the IMPS that don't think like that. I also want to thank the other lads who got on the old Facebook banter wagon and stuck up for the ladies. I think it is that attitude and how often, it's more than just banter that puts women off or makes them uncomfortable. Not me I'll give as good as I get but I think if I had just discovered my love for the game, that attitude might have a massive part to play in staying away. I love a good bit of ‘banter’ but it’s not to everyone’s taste. I love reading our banter page and the playful comments between the people on it. 

I've met the lovely team at L.I.S.A and I know they agree that the men at Lincoln City FC have been welcoming. The club is very fortunate to have such a family feel amongst its supporters. However; what Maria and the other L.I.S.A's realised is that being female entering into a male dominated hobby can be a bit nerve wrecking or like stepping into another world! It’s often just the unknown and they try to take the fear away. They encourage women to give it a go and many men support them in that. It’s about getting our whole community behind the club. So many fans, including new ladies who nervously stepped into the stands of Sincil Bank love the energy and drive of the 617, the other fans, players and managers. Everyone at the club should be proud that the club is miles ahead of others by having a support group like L.I.S.A.