Seven WSL clubs join trial allowing alcohol in stands
The WSL and WSL2 2025-26 seasons begin in September
- Published
Seven Women's Super League clubs have joined a trial that will allow supporters to drink alcohol in the stands during the 2025-26 season.
Last season's top four - champions Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United - are among the clubs who will take part.
It follows an initial trial last term at four clubs in the second tier - rebranded as WSL2 this season - that offered fans the opportunity to consume alcohol while watching the match.
League operator WSL Football said the trial was a success, with 66% of the 51,000 spectators that took part supporting the idea.
Holly Murdoch, the chief operating officer for WSL Football, said the expansion was "part of our strategy to offer a best-in-class experience".
WSL Football said there were no reported safety incidents from last season's trial and that match officials noted 'no change to fan behaviour' during the trial.
While consumption of alcohol within view of the pitch is allowed in the women's professional game, it is banned in men's professional football in the UK.
"We support that process and there's no reason such research couldn't be extended across the men's game too," Football Supporters' Association chair Tom Greatrex said.
"Of course not every supporter wants a pint in the stands - but we don't believe those who do should be criminalised either."
Champions Chelsea will be the first team to host a match with alcohol available by virtue of their season-opening match against Manchester City being scheduled for Friday, 5 September (19:30 BST).
Both Stamford Bridge, which will host the match, and the club's more regular home of Kingsmeadow will take part in the trial.
The trial will be operated flexibly, meaning there will be areas where alcohol can be taken or not depending on the match, kick-off time and an ongoing review of how the plans are working.
At the beginning, the trial will allow those in the west stand at Stamford Bridge to have alcoholic drinks while similarly blocks A-H will be allowed it at the smaller Kingsmeadow. There will also be alcohol-free areas in both stadiums.
Teams participating in the expanded trial
WSL teams: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, London City Lionesses, Manchester City, Manchester United
WSL2 teams: Birmingham City, Bristol City, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Sunderland, Southampton
