Fans, players and local famous faces were this Sunday 25th August sashaying down the purple ‘red’ carpet at the first home game of Lewes FC’s women’s team as the start of the new season was marked with Met Gala-style festivity.
The Sussex club – fondly known as ‘everyone’s second favourite team’ – together with newly announced sponsor, eco-friendly toilet paper brand, Who Gives A Crap, celebrated the start of the women’s return to the season by throwing a lavish party dubbed ‘The Foot Ball’.
Despite relegation last season, the women’s team, which competes in the FA Women’s National League, wanted to return to the field with a bang. The first of its kind, the Foot Ball saw fans, dressed in their finery, given VIP treatment as they were greeted at the team’s home stadium, the Dripping Pan, by paparazzi. Spectators were also treated to a set from local DJ, Char Collins, at half time, as partying continued throughout the game.
A signature cocktail and themed canapes were created for the game for fans to enjoy ahead of the match. Both the ‘Who Gives A Crap-tail’ and mash accompanying the steak pies were a vibrant purple- a nod to the team’s new away kit (a unique mauve and white wavy striped shirt) which the club handed over to the designers of Who Gives A Crap’s colourful wrappers.
Local fan, Aidan Gibbons, said: “It’s wonderful for both fans, owners and players to be given such a great welcome back! I can’t think of another club who would invite fans to come to a match in formalwear and give us the red carpet treatment.”
Lewes FC’s Commercial Manager, Stef McLoughlin said: “ The culture in women’s football is fun and joyful. We are always looking into new ways of bringing new fans into the game and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. This celebration was all about elevating the fan experience for our wonderful community while also giving the best support possible to our amazing players”.
Lewes FC has garnered a name for itself as a changemaker both within the game and wider society; it was the world’s first professional or semi professional football club to pay its men’s and women’s team equally. The club’s partnership with Who Gives A Crap marks another step to bring about change – unlike normal sponsorships, it’s about driving donations not fame. Similarly to Who Gives A Crap’s commitment to donating 50% of profits to help support the brand’s partners to create equal access to clean water and toilets, Lewes FC will be donating 50% of net profits from sales of the new away shirt and has pledged to raise over £25,000 towards Who Gives A Crap’s charitable foundation this season.