Season ticket holder and CCMB poster Melly explains why women at the City is no longer a taboo subject.
I can't remember exactly when football became a part of my life. There was no specific defining moment, like chocolate growing up it was always there; and I loved it.
At the age of seven my dad passed away. I spent Saturdays sat in front of the television, curtains closed, life engaged in the football. On Sundays I'd stand and watch the local pub team play or have a kick about in my street.
Years later and with many matches under my belt I decided to get qualified and do my coaching badge.
It was then that someone took me to Ninian Park. I'd always been a “city girl”. My dad and my mum were both City fans going back from the 60s. I'd just never had the opportunity to go before. The first time I encountered Ninian Park I ventured into the Grange End. I loved it. I was hooked.
Being a girl, and one with piercings and tattoos is always a battle in places which are male orientated. I encountered at first the banter of "Show us your T**s" - this soon went away. Five or so games in, people started to say hi, chat to me and acknowledge the fact I was a City supporter. It wasn’t a fad, It was in my life. I felt it.
I guess that some people are born into football, others stumble across it. People are opinionated in all aspects of life. Breaking down these preconceptions is a battle. I have been welcomed into the culture that is Cardiff. Maybe I was lucky? Maybe I met the right people - Clemo, Sludge and Vince. Who knows?
There are still men that will not accept women at football, but I do think these attitudes are breaking down. I saw the same girls in the Bob Bank and now the Canton Stand , dedicated ,week in week out. With the ever increasing price of following this sport, I think males are accepting us more. They know a woman wouldn’t spend £400 on sitting watching a game of sport if she wasn’t 100% committed. That’s a LOT of shoes!
I've laughed and I’ve cried with this game. I’ve gone home at times with my head hung low and wanted better. I’ve sobbed my heart out at Wembley knowing we could be more.
It's about belonging. Having a feeling you’re part of something. City is my blood. We are Cardiff City.
