The stories of female fans of Newcastle and Sunderland men’s football teams are celebrated in a new online and pop-up exhibition at Durham University.
“Away From Home: The Untold Stories of Women Football Fans” tells the stories of women fans of the men’s teams from the 1950s to the present day.
Based on research by leading expert on women, football and inequalities, Professor Stacey Pope, the exhibition features the stories from Newcastle and Sunderland fans and their memories of going to the games.
The online exhibition is available at https://stories.durham.ac.uk/awayfromhome and the pop-up stall can be visited at our Sport and Wellbeing Park, known as Maiden Castle.
It includes football scarves made by fans from around the North East as well as a series of artworks.
Additional items are on display in Palace Green Library in Durham City. These include embroidered pieces by Take a Stitch 2 Durham, an independent group of creative textile artists and stitchers and a football banner made by dementia-friendly inclusive art group, Durham’s Creative Age.
Visitors can also see a new large-scale colourful mural by artist Nocciola The Drawer which tells the story of how little kicks at the park or in the garden can eventually lead to the world of professional sport.
The stories told by the fans show their dedication to their clubs.
I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I took my support of Newcastle, my going to matches, out of it. It’s something I hugely value.
From the end of November, the pop-up exhibition will tour venues around the region, including at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland.
You know the song, “Sunderland 'til I Die”? Yes, well, that could be me. That will be me, because I will be.
The fans’ stories also show how women’s place in football culture has evolved and challenge lingering stereotypes about female football fans of the game.
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