by Bella Katz

PARIS FC’s groundbreaking initiative to offer free tickets for all home matches at the Stade Charlety is not just a move to redefine football; it's also a strategic push to elevate women's football to new heights.

In a sport where women’s games have often played second fiddle to their male counterparts, Paris FC are taking a bold step towards gender equality both on the pitch and in the stands.

By including the first division women’s team in this initiative, which will continue until the close of the 2023-2024 season, Paris FC are sending a powerful message — women’s football deserves the same attention, celebration and fanfare as the men’s game. This move is a deliberate effort to boost attendances at women’s matches and break down the barriers that have historically hindered the growth of women’s football. 

This is a major first for a professional football club in Europe and indeed the world. Although a free ticketing model was recently launched in Germany, it only concerned a limited number of seats in the stadium and is not deployed for all matches.

Free access to the Stade Charlety for women’s matches serves as an open invitation to fans, both seasoned and new, to witness the skill, passion,and intensity of women’s football.

Paris FC are creating an environment where supporters can rally behind their favourite women’s team without any financial constraints. This accessibility is a crucial step in dismantling preconceived notions and stereotypes that have held women’s football back.

The collaboration with charitable causes at each women’s match adds another layer of positivity to the experience. Fans attending these games aren’t just witnessing top-tier football; they’re actively contributing to social causes through their presence. This dual engagement — with the sport and with philanthropy — transforms each women’s match into a platform for positive change.

Paris FC’s initiative holds the potential to create a ripple effect in the world of women’s football. By removing financial barriers and actively involving the community in charitable initiatives, the club aims to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity. This, in turn, could lead to increased interest, support and attendance at women’s football matches, not only at the Stade Charlety but potentially inspiring similar initiatives across the football landscape.