As we count down to the start of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022, Ellie Taylor, Harry Redknapp, AJ Odudu, Karen Carney and Jermaine Jenas have all been showing their support by wearing the brand new 'I Am The 12th Woman' tee. The message behind the t-shirt is to encourage fans of all genders to show their passion for women’s football and the tournament, whilst shining a light on gender bias and stereotypes in football culture.
The limited edition ‘I Am The 12th Woman’ t-shirt is available at Amazon for £12, and delivers a twist on the 12th man - a common term in football language that refers to the influence of a passionate crowd, which until now has been male-focused phrase.
All proceeds from sales of the tees go to Women in Football, a not-for-profit that supports the growth of women's football.
The eclectic all-star squad was enlisted by Heineken, Official Partner of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, to be ambassadors for its new ‘12th Woman’ campaign.
Throughout the tournament, Heineken is rallying fans of all genders to get behind their national teams by displaying a twist on the term usually associated with collective, passionate fan support: the 12th man.
The ‘12th Woman’ is part of an ongoing campaign by Heineken which shines a light on bias and challenges stereotypes in football culture.
Stephanie Dexter of Heineken commented, “For so long football culture and fandom has been influenced by the men’s game. So, while the women’s game has grown massively, a legacy of terms such as ‘man on’ and the ‘the 12th man’ continue to dominate. Meanwhile the ‘12th woman’ is relatively unheard of. We want this campaign to help close the gender phrase gap in football language, but also invite a conversation about the entrenched bias and inequality that persists across football culture.”
Karen Carney, who played 144 times for England said ‘There are 11 women on the pitch who are giving everything to win for their country. Knowing that fans are cheering them on in the stands, at homes and in pubs across the country makes a difference and that’s why being a 12th Woman and saying it aloud really matters. Football fans’ approach to this tournament could be a major stepping-stone to real change in terms of how we all talk about football.”
Harry Redknapp said ‘When I was playing professionally it really was a man’s game – women were banned from playing football in 1921 and the Women’s Football Association wasn’t even established until 1969. Thankfully times have changed, and in a big way, and I’m really proud to be a 12th woman and to wear the T-shirt for all to see. Some people could be confused by the term the ‘12th Woman’, they might have to stop and think. But that’s the whole point, that’s what Heineken is trying to do with this campaign.”
What do you think? Will you be rocking this £12 t-shirt at a football match or pub near you? Let us know who you’re supporting in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 below.
