The proportion of girls in Swedish soccer stands is among the highest in Europe.
A new study from Malmö University emerges – a picture shared by proponents.
There are more girls going now than before, it’s fun to see, says MFF fan Kim Esbjörnsson.
Sissy Carlin and Kim Espornson both played football for many years. Over time, they have also gone from supporting their “only” teams from the stands to being involved in both groups and association life in general.
Among other things, Karlén co-founded Gulsvarta Systrar, a support group that follows Elfsborg in both Sweden and Europe. She talks about the climate in the runway, which has changed for the better.
– We took a lot of blows and had to explain ourselves internally and externally, but it got a lot better. People didn’t think we’d last that long and actually be who we are.
The experiment was confirmed in a study from Malmö University and the Department of Sports Sciences. It is based on interviews with members of five supporting women’s clubs – Malmösystrar (Malmö FF), Gulsvarta Systrar (IF Elfsborg), BajenBaes (Hammarby IF), Blue Striped Ladies (Djurgårdens IF) and Pekingsystrar (IFK Norrköping) – and concludes that 20-30 % of football fans in England, Germany and Sweden are women. The study also shows that countries have the highest percentage of supporters in the stands in Europe.
‘It was hard sometimes’
Kim Esbornson, an MFF supporter and co-founder of the Femmes de Malmö group, shares the photo. At the same time, there’s room for more, she says.
– It’s hard to see the girls in the stands because everyone is active in their own way, and not many dare to sit down. The environment is very attractive in many ways as it is not “new” for girls only to take a seat, but not everyone feels safe in themselves. It’s more than just screaming for 90 minutes — it’s about adapting and adapting based on what you feel comfortable with, says Kim Esbjörnsson.
Being a woman is not what is emphasized, but the degree and amount of one’s commitment to which one is judged. Maybe it has something to do with girls’ mental barrier, which is that you don’t dare take where you might want to.
Sissy Carlin talks about the importance of social media, which the study also considers as a contributing factor to the increased interest.
To show that we exist, that we are visible and active, help us even if it is difficult at times. Increased reach, breadth and accessibility means more people see us and want to be part of Elfsborg’s support.
Despite the many benefits, there are still downsides to showing your commitment to an online activity.
Basically all social media has huge advantages, but its emergence like magical accounts and deviant opinions are also present. But unfortunately we are neither the first nor the last with this kind of treatment. It’s just a matter of persistence, says Kim Esbornson, and summarizes:
– There are more girls going now than before, and there is a lot to see.