Women’s Super League (WSL) has released design guidelines to improve stadiums for elite women’s football in England.
This is a world first.
The guidelines aim to help football clubs, local authorities and architects to create venues that are more suited to female athletes and supporters.
This comes following a wide consultation, it included input former players, supporters, clubs, and sustainability experts, as well as many others.
The framework is going to be used to address a gender imbalance in stadium designs. WSL Football has said the rapid growth of the women’s game has led to current venues not fully catering to the needs of women.
There are many recommendations for inclusive facilities. This includes there being implemented a 45% male, 45% female and 10% gender-neutral toilet ratio.
In addition, separate changing facilities for female and make managers and staff will be implemented. Menstruation provisions will also be added to such facilities.
Accessibility is a main focus in these guidelines. There are further provisions for disabled supporters along with sensory rooms and audio descriptive commentary being added.
Stadiums will be encouraged to feature well-lit travel routes, with clear signage and transport connectivity being crucial in site selection.
Hannah Buckley, head of safety, sustainability and infrastructure for WSL Football said:
“It was acknowledged that female-specific stadiums were a blind spot in the industry, and the willingness of our stakeholders to come together with their expertise and insights has been inspiring.”
In addition to Buckley, Kathleen Carthy of AFL Architects said: “The WSL Stadium Guidance represents a bold and necessary evolution in how we design for the women’s game.”
In recent years, women’s football has grown rapidly. A new generation is being inspired and the success of the Lionesses in the UK has marked a turning point for women’s football.
England’s Leah Williamson looks out during their Women Euro 2022 semi final soccer match against Sweden at Bramall Lane Stadium in Sheffield, England, July 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
As momentum grows for the game, such framework will make it safer, more accessible and enjoyable for fans and players alike.
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HeadlineNew planning guidelines for female-specific stadiums released by women’s Super League
Short HeadlineWomen's Super League releases new planning guidelines
StandfirstWSL Football has unveiled the world’s first design guidelines for women’s football stadiums in England.
Women’s Super League (WSL) has released design guidelines to improve stadiums for elite women’s football in England.
This is a world first.
The guidelines aim to help football clubs, local authorities and architects to create venues that are more suited to female athletes and supporters.
This comes following a wide consultation, it included input former players, supporters, clubs, and sustainability experts, as well as many others.
The framework is going to be used to address a gender imbalance in stadium designs. WSL Football has said the rapid growth of the women’s game has led to current venues not fully catering to the needs of women.
There are many recommendations for inclusive facilities. This includes there being implemented a 45% male, 45% female and 10% gender-neutral toilet ratio.
In addition, separate changing facilities for female and make managers and staff will be implemented. Menstruation provisions will also be added to such facilities.
Accessibility is a main focus in these guidelines. There are further provisions for disabled supporters along with sensory rooms and audio descriptive commentary being added.
Stadiums will be encouraged to feature well-lit travel routes, with clear signage and transport connectivity being crucial in site selection.
Hannah Buckley, head of safety, sustainability and infrastructure for WSL Football said:
“It was acknowledged that female-specific stadiums were a blind spot in the industry, and the willingness of our stakeholders to come together with their expertise and insights has been inspiring.”
In addition to Buckley, Kathleen Carthy of AFL Architects said: “The WSL Stadium Guidance represents a bold and necessary evolution in how we design for the women’s game.”
In recent years, women’s football has grown rapidly. A new generation is being inspired and the success of the Lionesses in the UK has marked a turning point for women’s football.
England’s Leah Williamson looks out during their Women Euro 2022 semi final soccer match against Sweden at Bramall Lane Stadium in Sheffield, England, July 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
As momentum grows for the game, such framework will make it safer, more accessible and enjoyable for fans and players alike.
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