MORE than half (53%) of Brits think that women’s football is underrepresented in UK pubs and bars.
Launching in time for International Women’s Day, as the official beer partner of Arsenal FC Camden Town Brewery is raising awareness of the gender imbalance in British pubs by creating an all female foosball table.
It follows research revealing only 14% of pub patrons have seen a women’s football match at their local in the past year, but the majority (52%) said they would like to see the presence of the women’s game increase at pubs – including more matches screened, pub games and memorabilia.Camden Town Brewery and Arsenal couldn’t agree more, and were inspired to team up to do something to encourage gender equality in pubs.
The specially created table has been installed at famous Arsenal pub, The Victoria Tavern in Islington, where it will remain throughout March.
The honour of the first foosball match was given to one of Arsenal’s longest serving female members of staff – Office Manager for Arsenal Digital, Joanne Harney, who began working at the club in 1986. Her opponent was Legal Counsel, Kelly McAuslan, who has been working at the Premier League club for two weeks.
It costs Victoria Tavern patrons £3 to play, with the money raised going to The Fawcett Society. As the UK’s leading membership charity for gender equality, it campaigns for women’s rights at work, at home and in public life.
Jasper Cuppaidge, Founder of Camden Town Brewery, has said:
“As a business, gender equality is massively important to us, so we wanted to work with Arsenal to raise awareness of the football gender imbalance. Women’s football is going from strength to strength, and we want to see more of it in the place we call home – the pub!”
Sam Smethers, Chief Executive, Fawcett Society, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Camden Town Brewery again this year after our very successful partnership last year, to mark International Women’s Day with some feminist football.
“Women’s football is now becoming much more popular but still not valued equally with the men’s game.”
Peter Silverstone, Arsenal Football Club Commercial Director, said:
“As the most successful women’s team in the country, Arsenal has a long-standing commitment to growing and developing the women’s game. With that also comes a responsibility to inspire the next generation of young sportswomen – and that starts with greater representation and visibility across the board.”
The latest initiative is the second time Camden Town Brewery has used the power of football to support The Fawcett Society. Last year, the brewer created a limited edition ‘Women of Camden’ kit for Camden Town Ladies FC, which was adorned with illustrations of iconic women, including Sylvia Plath, Buchi Emecheta OBE, Dame Barbara Hepworth and Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett GBE.
At the end of March, the foosball table will make the short trip across North London to Emirates Stadium, where fans will be able to enjoy it for years to come.