FSM
Stadium Safety
WSL Football Unveil World-First Design Guidelines For The Delivery Of Elite Women's Stadiums
WSL Football have unveiled Design Guidelines for the Delivery of Elite Women’s Stadiums in England – a world first framework supporting clubs, local authorities, and architects in building or upgrading venues specifically for their women’s teams.
The rapid growth of the women’s game has demonstrated that football venues, which have historically been built and designed for the male player and fan, need to be better equipped to cater towards the specific needs of female athletes and supporters to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and consequently, become spaces that serve everyone, regardless of their gender.
To explore what women’s stadiums of the future could look like, WSL Football led a comprehensive consultation process alongside AFL Architects, Mott Macdonald and Forward Associates which involved supporters, clubs, current and former players, managers, matchday technical staff including medical professionals and match officials, media, broadcasters, governing bodies, engineers, sports architects and sustainability experts.
Several new approaches were highlighted including a focus on female-friendly changing rooms and toilet facilities, parent/ guardian
orientated spaces including family toilets and
breastfeeding areas, accessibility for those with disabilities and futureproofing for environmental/climate change.
Other key design principles from the guidance document include: Inclusivity & Accessibility • An appropriate number of WC provisions, moving from 80% / 20% male/female to 45% / 45%, with gender neutral facilities to be available (10%). • The inclusion of baby changing facilities and family toilets for parents with children of the opposite gender. • Specific rooms for players/staff/media and broadcast talent to breastfeed/care for their child. • Provision of reflection/multi-faith spaces.
Changing Facilities • Appropriate changing facilities with a consideration of squad size. • Separate changing areas for Under-18s. • An uplifted number of toilets, mirrors, power and lighting. • Menstruation provisions in changing areas. •
Separate 18 changing backroom staff. FSM facilities for
Fan Experience • Accessible provisions for disabled supporters, including changing places provisions, audio descriptive commentary and sensory rooms. • Seat sizes and spacing in stands that are aligned to supporters’ needs. • Offering supporters the option to sit in a separate area where alcohol is not available if preferred. • Specified Fanzone area at each stadium.
Facilities & Safety • Providing safe and well-lit access travel routes to grounds, with clear signage and wayfinding. •
Accessibility, transport connectivity and minimal environmental
impact at the heart of site selection. • Future proofing for environmental/climate change both on and off the pitch. • Providing water stations and areas of shade. • Ensuring stadiums are well connected technologically – including internet access – for future developments.
Media/Broadcasters • Appropriate spaces for broadcasters to conduct interviews pitchside. • Designated presentation areas/TV studio spaces for broadcasters. • Specific press conference spaces and mixed zone areas for media.
female and male managers/ ©
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