How 'This Fan Girl' are changing what it means to be a fan of women's football
This Fan Girl is the creative community "where women power football" that promises to be "there for women in the game". Celebrating the Lionesses since 2016, and redefining what it means to be a 'fangirl', the online space is growing in numbers this Euro's. With nearly 20,000 followers, here's why the creative football consultancy should be on your radar this summer.
During the Lionesses ' win against Sweden on July 17, the brand embraced the rise of the 'football core' fashion trend by hosting a watch-party that celebrated female fans of sport. The event was hosted in collaboration with TKMaxx.
Attending the event, what caught my attention was the sense of community and shared enthusiasm for the sport. I was struck by how fashion had become a trendy gateway to welcome more 'fangirls' in.
Who are This Fan Girl?
This Fan Girl is "an online platform and community for women in football" that has been running since 2016. A spokesperson told the Mirror that: "We want women to feel fully involved in the game in all the ways they want to; working, playing and spectating".
Their website states that "all women should have access to football and the benefits it brings". They plan to do this by providing access to sport culture, creativity & community.
For eight years, the platform has acted as a creative studio and consultancy to nearly 20,000 Instagram followers. By curating fun and bold campaigns to bring women in sport, This Fan Girl has transformed a once marginalised community of fans - by coming together.
Founder Amy Drucquer states her mission to as battling the sexist representation of female football fans in the media. Their website claiming the Google ranking of "female football fan" at the time of their formation "only scratched the surface of this rapidly growing fan culture".
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In the time since, This Fan Girl has made a significant stand for the progression of modern football culture. They have taken ownership of the term "fangirl" that validates women for their interest in sport by providing connection and acceptance.
They are particularly focused on game-day fashion, football-core outfits, and even Lioness-themed nails. Their partnership with TK Maxx explored how fans can show up to support England's Women's team in affordable style, agreeing that the global fashion trend was an inclusive spectrum of feminine and androgynous looks.
Unfortunately for women in sport, the UEFA's Women's Euros are in the midst of tackling the layered sexism and racism towards its players. In light of the racial abuse targeting player Jess Carter, The Fan Girl reposted a statement by Sarina Wiegman on Instagram. This said: "We stand with Jess and all Lioness players past and present who have suffered racism".
"No one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life. Representing our country is the greatest honour. It is not right that while we are doing that some of us are treated differently simply because of the colour of our skin.
"Until now, we have chosen to take the knee before matches. It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism," adding that the team "have agreed as a squad to remain standing before kick off on Tuesday".
The statement concluded: "We hope the game can come together to see what more can be done," before demanding that "those behind this online poison must be held accountable".
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