Switzerland Still Working to Bounce Back from Euro 2025 Frenzy
After the euphoria of hosting the Women's European Championship, Switzerland's football association is now focusing on sustaining a boost in popularity. The national team's performance at the tournament was impressive, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time and attracting record-breaking crowds of 623,088 spectators across 31 matches.
While the initial surge in interest has waned somewhat, attendance figures for domestic league matches have shown a notable increase. Grasshopper, currently second in the Swiss Women's Super League (WSL), has seen its average attendance jump from 300 to 450 this season. Thun, on the other hand, has more than doubled its average attendance, with Basel experiencing a significant rise in season ticket sales.
To encourage fans and drive long-term growth, clubs are exploring various strategies. For example, Grasshopper is offering free popcorn to children at matches, which has had a positive effect. However, Fabian Sanginés, Basel's women's sporting director, emphasizes the need for more than just gimmicks. "We saw the hype from the Euros and we want to be sustainable, not just temporary," he says.
Sanginés stresses that sustaining momentum requires a plan beyond short-term measures. He advocates for increased investment in youth development programs and financial support to ensure a stable foundation for women's football. "When you host a tournament, you need to have a legacy program in place," he notes.
The rise in interest in the national team is also worth noting, with their October match against Canada in Lucerne attracting a second-highest attendance figure of 10,025 spectators.
As Switzerland continues to navigate the complex world of women's football, it remains to be seen whether they can maintain this momentum and drive sustained growth in popularity. However, one thing is certain: the nation's passion for the sport will continue to be a driving force behind its progress.
After the euphoria of hosting the Women's European Championship, Switzerland's football association is now focusing on sustaining a boost in popularity. The national team's performance at the tournament was impressive, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time and attracting record-breaking crowds of 623,088 spectators across 31 matches.
While the initial surge in interest has waned somewhat, attendance figures for domestic league matches have shown a notable increase. Grasshopper, currently second in the Swiss Women's Super League (WSL), has seen its average attendance jump from 300 to 450 this season. Thun, on the other hand, has more than doubled its average attendance, with Basel experiencing a significant rise in season ticket sales.
To encourage fans and drive long-term growth, clubs are exploring various strategies. For example, Grasshopper is offering free popcorn to children at matches, which has had a positive effect. However, Fabian Sanginés, Basel's women's sporting director, emphasizes the need for more than just gimmicks. "We saw the hype from the Euros and we want to be sustainable, not just temporary," he says.
Sanginés stresses that sustaining momentum requires a plan beyond short-term measures. He advocates for increased investment in youth development programs and financial support to ensure a stable foundation for women's football. "When you host a tournament, you need to have a legacy program in place," he notes.
The rise in interest in the national team is also worth noting, with their October match against Canada in Lucerne attracting a second-highest attendance figure of 10,025 spectators.
As Switzerland continues to navigate the complex world of women's football, it remains to be seen whether they can maintain this momentum and drive sustained growth in popularity. However, one thing is certain: the nation's passion for the sport will continue to be a driving force behind its progress.