When I first cooked up my season long project, I had a plan to watch random mens non-league football matches around the south of England and throw in a few women’s games along the way, almost as an afterthought. On starting out, the idea comprised of taking in a couple local games and spread my wings a little further for the other two games, with the possibility taking in a women’s game when the opportunity arose. Much like virtually the whole of the country, I’d been totally enthralled watching the Lionesses success in the summer which had kicked off the idea of taking in a few women’s games in the first place but when I actually started going to watch women’s football matches, everything suddenly changed for me. Four games a month with the occasional women’s game thrown in suddenly became two games every weekend, one mens game as planned and adding one women’s match. From watching a couple of women’s pre-season friendlies at Ipswich and Ascot, I’d swallowed the bait and found myself well and truly hooked. I’m lucky to have five women’s teams local to me with all being relatively easy for me to get to via public transport on a Sunday. With Caversham United, Woodley United, Ascot United, Maidenhead United and S4K Berks County covering four levels of the women’s pyramid in the FAWNL, SRWFL and TVCWFL, a new plan quickly took shape where I’d try to take in one of those teams games every Sunday if possible. I mean, at least one of the five has to be at home each weekend, right? It has worked like a dream and I’ve now visited each several times, ironically the club closest to me (a five minute walk away from my house) is the one I’ve visited the least! I’ve managed to clock up 15 women’s games by the halfway point of the season and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It’s been lovely being able to chat to some of the wonderful people involved in the running of the clubs, watching and slowly getting to know many of the players has also been fun although there are just so many names to try to remember and, much like your first day at a new job, it takes a while! It’s a win-win situation. I’m enjoying going to the games and writing about them, the players love reading about themselves and the game, and it gives them the opportunity to share with friends and family, The clubs really appreciate the extra coverage too as many don’t receive much, if at all, from their local media. All the clubs I’ve visited have been so welcoming and friendly and it’s been an absolute pleasure being part of watching the teams and players develop as the season has progressed. On a long weekend away in Kent I was determined to find a women’s game to go to and, after a bit of research, managed to find one, a short trip to Margate from where I was staying and I once again found everyone to be so welcoming. It was a very entertaining game with both teams playing some lovely football at times. I enjoyed a long chat with the Margate manager, Evan, who gave me a fascinating insight into running a women’s team and he was an absolute pleasure to talk to. That game topped off a great trip and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I visit Hartsdown Park! I’ve also had the pleasure of getting to know two local sports photographers, Andrew Batt and Andy Wicks, who both provide some great coverage for the local women’s football scene. Andrew’s pictures are often used by the local media which helps give the teams he visits get some much needed coverage, while Andy Wicks’ work gives more welcome publicity for the women’s game on social media and he also finds the time to put together an excellent matchday programme for Woodley Ladies. Both are top guys. I would heartily recommend going to watch your local side and give them some support, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it and there’s every chance you’ll get as hooked as I have. With many local clubs now offering opportunities to take your first steps in various age groups, often with excellent coaching and facilities, there’s never been a better time for any girls wanting to give football a go. The women’s game is progressing at a rate of knots at the moment and you never know, someone you watch playing for your local team may go on to be a future Lioness! To sum up, women’s football has been a bit of a revelation for me this season. The standard of football is high with many technically gifted players and can get very competitive! You always get a warm welcome wherever you go and, like most grassroots football, they really do appreciate your support. There really is a special atmosphere around the women’s game at the moment and long may that continue.