'Finding the balance' - The stories behind the women who are striving for equality in football

Safety at a football stadium has never had a universal meaning for match-goers. The expectations differ between demographics, especially genders. While men routinely gather for an afternoon of matchday gaiety without concerns over safety, women such as myself find ourselves praying for it on the terraces.

Football sadly has a way of highlighting the worst elements of society. One minute you feel heartened there is a sense of solidarity over racial discrimination, sexual and gender discrimination. But in the next moment, the game makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin.

There is a clear disparity in the lifestyle and culture of match-going fans in men's and women's football. The men’s game is home to more of the hardcore, laddish fan culture, whereas the women’s game has become a haven of a calmer more family-orientated atmosphere. Those laddish men may not be interested in being a part of the women's game but it does not mean women should not be made welcome in the men's game.

I must admit, the lengths I have to travel to watch women in action is ridiculous. Several of the London-based clubs play their games right on the suburban outskirts of London. It bothers me that I have to leave the familiar postcodes to watch Chelsea Women play the best football that they have in years.

So when I had the chance to watch Chelsea face Arsenal at the Emirates, I took it with both hands. To say it was an eye-opener is an understatement. The atmosphere was … peaceful.

Marva Kreel, Everton supporter, Label Manager, and footballer for Rinse Group has admired the different atmosphere that the WSL provides.

"For one, it’s much more family-friendly; there are a lot more kids and families so generally less aggressive and much more