SPOTLIGHT ON: FIRST TIME FANS AT ANFIELD

As Liverpool’s season was building towards a triumphant finish, a group of women and girls stepped into Anfield for the very first time and walked out with memories that would last a lifetime.

Organised as part of Her Game Too’s First Time Fans programme and led by the campaign’s Liverpool Ambassador Roopa Vyas, the initiative gave five first-time match-goers the chance to experience a game at the Merseyside club’s iconic stadium – a match that would form part of Liverpool’s strong finish to the season.

First Time Fans launched last year to introduce new female fans to live football for the first time in a comfortable and welcoming group environment, with partners EA Sports sponsoring the match tickets at Premier League and English Football League clubs and Her Game Too volunteers hosting the groups.

Taking place on International Women’s Day in March, the day was as symbolic as it was unforgettable.

“Being part of the First Time Fans programme and experiencing our first time at Anfield together was so special,” said Khadija Patel, older sister of eight-year-old Husna.

“Husna had the best day, her excitement lit up the whole experience, especially when she jumped up to celebrate the goals.”

The match, a Premier League fixture against Southampton, ended in a 3-1 win for Liverpool.

But for the fans in the stands, it was about much more than the result.

“Getting to be part of a matchday at Anfield in Liverpool's strong season was a surreal experience,” said Rhianna Ealey. “But the best part? Meeting incredible people through First Time Fans who I now consider friends.”

Roopa Vyas, who has been attending matches at Anfield for many years, reflected on the day as a moment of deep personal meaning.

“Being able to share that feeling with Khadija, Husna, Rhianna, Kelly and Summer on International Women’s Day, and watch them experience it all for the first time, was so emotional,” she said.

“The First Time Fans programme isn't just about a ticket to the game – it’s about showing women and girls that they belong in football. That they are seen. That there is space for them here.”

The group arrived from across the country, with Rhianna traveling from Liverpool with her dad, whose family are local, Khadija and Husna journeying down from Yorkshire during Ramadan, and Kelly and Summer making the trip all the way from South Wales.

To mark the occasion, Her Game Too and Liverpool presented each fan with a gift pack consisting of a home shirt, welcome programme, official merchandise and a match day magazine.

They were treated to a pre-match stadium tour courtesy of EA Sports and also had the chance to meet club ambassador and ex-England player Natasha Dowie for a chat and a photograph.

Further First Time Fans events will take place next season through Her Game Too's partnerships with EA Sports and Circuit Hospitality. Keep an eye on the campaign's social media channels for information about opportunities as they arise.