Wednesday (26 November) saw the Manchester City Women Supporters Club celebrate their tenth anniversary with a special event at the City Football Academy. Both myself and my wife Heidi were guests (Heidi was a player with the original City Ladies and scored two goals in their inaugural match in November 1988), as were a few other players from the early years, founding manager Neil Mather and Steph Houghton (the extraordinary captain of the Club during the last decade or so). It was a great night.
The Supporters Club have created a great atmosphere at City Women games and they’ve been wonderful promoters for women’s football, not simply City. They deserve recognition and it was great to be there and help pay tribute to the fans. I was asked to say a few words and in my speech I made reference to the fact that back in 2014/2015 City made several important signings such as Steph, Jill Scott & Karen Bardsley, but it’s often overlooked that another major decision made at that time was to ask Blandie to establish a Supporters Club. Jayne, Dave, Jude, Dave & others helped direct the supporters club and the group grew over the decade that followed. They established a tone and atmosphere for supporting City Women that ensures this is a welcoming space. Over the last decade the Supporters Club has contributed significantly and is recognised by others at the FA and at other clubs for ensuring a positive mood and feeling for both City and their opponents.
They’ve also supported various non-City initiatives such as welcoming the Manchester Corinthians (see images below) and attending events connected with the Corinthians too.
I thought it was fitting too that last night, in the middle of the celebrations time and space was found by the committee to remember members from this first decade who are sadly no longer with us.
Thanks to all the committee and members for all you do. Here’s to the next decade.
There are some official photos from the anniversary event here:
Gary James' Football Archive 