Active support is one of the most common and colourful forms of fan engagement. All over the world, famous and even not-so-famous football clubs can rely on their most ardent and committed fans to turn up game after game home or away no matter where they are on the ladder. 

In the A-League, we have the Western Sydney Wanderers famous Red and Black Bloc, Sydney FC have The Cove” and Melbourne Victory had their Northern Terrace, among others.

Now female football is finally catching up. The Matildas have their own Mad-Tildas fan group who went to France for this year’s World Cup, and were in full voice again a few weeks ago in Parramatta and Adelaide as the Matildas took on Chile.

Leading the way in the W-League is Brisbane Roar’s Roar Corps led by Mandy Jamieson.

The Roar Corps, have been noisy the last two Thursdays at both Dolphin Stadium and again at Lions Stadium, getting the attention of Fox Sports.

When asked why she was involved in this level of support, it is clear to see the passion and dedication Jamieson and her group have for the Roar women and female football in general.

“I was sick of watching the women work as hard as their male counterparts, harder even as most had football plus a job/school/uni, for little or no return and little by way of real appreciation from the stands,” said Jamieson.

“I’m from Scotland where passion and atmosphere at games is a real thing.

“It always felt a bit like being in a library at games with little or no atmosphere. After initially talking with Amy Chapman and Mel Andreatta a few years ago, I then met with Mel and Chris from the RSF with a view to setting up a supporters group specifically for the W-League team.

“We arranged a workshop and invited along people we knew were big into women’s football. That meeting was a huge success and the rest is history.

“We not only want to actively support the team on game day, we also want to be able to advocate for them with the club, help encourage more people to get involved and support the team long term.

“Basically I’m passionate about women’s football and just want to increase the support and visibility of the game.”

The Roar Corps ensure they have banners supporting their favourite players as well as music and singing which continues non-stop throughout the game.

Jamieson insists things will only get better as active ladies groups get better exposure, however she admits there is still plenty of work to be done in terms of promotion and making sure the games are accessible for fans to be involved.

“I think social media presence improves every year but there’s still a long way to go,” she said. “I think Brisbane Roar are gradually getting better at their promotion of the W League which is hopefully attracting more fans.

“Unfortunately Thursday night games are hard to get to or further away venues can be a turn off for the non diehard fans.

“It’s great for TV viewers but 6.30 on a Thursday night is far from ideal. I still think there is a very long way to go to attract the number of fans the product deserves.”

Jamieson was positive though about the future of active female support and called upon the relevant authorities to make sure they do everything they can to support it and women’s football in general.

“Better promotion and social media presence is a start,” said Mandy. “Kick-off times better suited to optimise fan engagement as well.

“Initiatives like 'Bring a friend for free/$5' or something along those lines.”

Jamieson was also keen to get the youngsters involved which makes sense because they are after all the future. She came up with some clever suggestions to bring the kids on board.

“Closer ties with local schools/football clubs to encourage kids to get along to the games even as a whole team outing," she said.

“Discounted or subsidised transport to far away games (Redcliffe). There are a hundred things each individual club could be doing - especially community based things.”

When asked what she loved about active support, Jamieson was straight to the point: “Everything apart from losing! Being with football family, the build up and anticipation for the game.

“Enjoying the football experience with my football friends/family. Helping to create an atmosphere at the games. And there’s no better feeling than your team scoring a goal and winning a game!”

Apart from Roar, Newcastle Jets are also improving their active W League support. A small but boisterous group turned up at Bankwest Stadium last Friday night and showed plenty of passion. 

The RBB in the past have turned up to W League Sydney derbies to support the W-League team, and it is hoped many will turn up on December 20 for the next derby, which precedes an A League game.

This trend is even filtering to the lower leagues with NPL powerhouse club South Melbourne having their South Melbourne FC Ladies Active Supporters whilst North Geelong Warriors FC have “The North Fans” who are active even for their women's local league team.