Derby Women’s Team Shirts Now Available for Purchase, Hailed as Significant Milestone

The captain of a women’s football team described seeing the team’s football shirts available for purchase as a “pinch-me moment.” As of Wednesday, Derby County Women’s home shirts became available for purchase at the club’s retail outlet located at Pride Park Stadium. Emily Joyce, who captains the team, also known as the Ewe Rams, stated: “The young players coming through now can look up to that, and see our names in the shop.” Supporters have characterized the initial availability of the women’s team shirt for sale as a “massive step” and a “proud moment.” Joyce, a lifelong supporter of Derby, commented: “For me personally – and for a few others – [we] are through-and-through Derby supporters and to see your name on the model is lovely. “It’s really nice to see our names up in the shop alongside the men. It’s a bit of a pinch-me moment really.” She further remarked: “I think it shows how much the game has grown.” “Now some of the younger girls can be seeing the names of us in the shop and have our names instead of the men – it is a really nice thing to think of.” “It’s that one-club feel and feeling like we really are part of Derby County.” Simran Atwal, a 22-year-old supporter from Chellaston, Derby, indicated that this development demonstrated the team’s respect from both the club and its fanbase. She stated: “I think it must be amazing for the women’s team themselves, amazing for the fans who wanted to be able to buy a kit with their name on.” “It just shows the club is taking women’s football just as seriously as it takes men’s football.” Ms. Atwal is also involved with Her Game Too, an initiative focused on addressing sexism within football. In March 2023, Derby County “fully integrated” its women’s team into the club, resulting in players and coaching staff receiving contracts for the first time. Prior to this, the Ewes, who compete in the third tier of English women’s football, were affiliated with the club but operated by volunteers. Last week, Derby County additionally disclosed a partnership with Her Game Too. Amelia Warren, a lifelong Rams fan residing in Stenson Fields, expressed that she was “really proud.” She noted: “You see the teams in the Women’s Super League (WSL) doing it, you’ve got your Arsenal, Tottenham, Man City, those kind of teams, but it doesn’t happen in your lower leagues, even in the Championship it is not something you tend to see.” “So I think it is a really proud moment.” The 21-year-old further commented: “I think I actually prefer it to the men’s shirt.” “Being a woman myself, it is about having the better fit but I think it looks cleaner.” “With the sponsor being with the university as well, that gives it something local to have and be proud of.”