We Are All Fans Documentary: Fulham Lillies

Earlier this year I was beyond happy to have participated in something special! I had the privileged to be asked to join the Sky Sports We Are All Fans documentary. A doc based on female football fans who love the game as well as pushing to see change. Featuring the Fulham Lillies community group, we united together to share our best football memories, teams and what improvements we'd like to see.

I caught up with the founder of Fulham Lillies Sarah Keig where she talked me through how impactful female football communities are, and why we need to keep having our voices heard.

Sarah had always been an avid football fan and supporter of Fulham FC. It was when Covid 19 took place and lockdown occurred where the world stood still. With no one able to attend games in person, Sarah felt the need to start interacting with other football fans. With the help of social media, Zoom and Whats App she started to scope out other like minded individuals. With regulations being lifted, the world returned to stadiums again, however Sarah also noticed a rise in antisocial behaviour.

''I formed Fulham Lillies in 2022 as I noticed a large increase in sexism, homophobia, racism and other thug like behaviour in the stadiums. It was such a shame as the Covid was finally ending however people were not acting civilised''

Sarah set up a female supporters group and held focus group meetings regularly. The Fulham Lillies formed first with just 10 female supporters between the ages of 23- 80. This has now expanded! With Sarah based in Leeds, she often makes frequent visits to London to attend Fulham games and meet with her community group. In addition to Sarah living outside of London, there are also other members in the Fulham Lillies based in Barcelona, Australia and Surrey. Evidently, this goes to show that you can be located anywhere across the globe and still have a sense of unity.

When asking Sarah about those that support Fulham Lilllies that are not necessarily based in South West London, she said:

''‘The pandemic had everything virtually so it was easy to interact and meet people. The power of social media also had a great impact on forming this group of passionate women.

We have 70 members in the Whats app group and we all interact daily to discuss upcoming matches, social issues and general football content''

Sarah also aims to have more women in football to create their own community and groups based on their club. Urging those to set up Whats App chats, Instagram accounts ,Twitter and Facebook groups, she would love to bring together women from all backgrounds and ages. In addition to her leading and expanding Fulham Lillies, she also mentors other female football communities. Supporting Nottingham Forrest, Sheffield, Suprs Women of the lane and Women of Watford, Sarah examples that rivalries in sport are simply a part of the game and unions outside of competitions break down the stigma of lack of sportsmanship.

'‘My goal is to have every team to have a women's group to deal with women's issues. We are just the same as men, we are just as passionate as you. It’s not a sport owned just by men and belonging only to men. ''

The scheduled on air date is: 

Monday 4th November 23:00

After Monday Night Football Brentford vs Fulham 

Sky Sports Premier League. ⚽

Alternatively you can watch the full documentary on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72lTsMPfGGs

Visit the Fulham Lillies: https://lnkd.in/e5WPH7XU