Mundial, a brand under the umbrella of Footballco, has recently released a short documentary titled "Why Is Women’s Football So Gay?". This 12-minute film is part of a strategic shift by the brand to focus more on documentary production.
The release of this documentary marks a significant change in strategy for the Footballco brand. Moving forward, each new print issue of Mundial will be accompanied by an associated documentary. This innovative approach aims to provide readers with an immersive and engaging experience that goes beyond traditional print media.
"Why Is Women’s Football So Gay?" is hosted by journalist Rosie Hewitson, who also plays as centre-back for Whippets FC, and Suky Stroud from Ex Girlfriend FC. Notably, Ex-Girlfriend FC made headlines in 2023 when they announced their partnership with sexual wellness brand Uberlube.
Mundial editor-in-chief, James Bird, said:
“As a publisher focused on football culture, we’ve covered numerous sub-cultures over the years but felt the relationship between women’s football and queerness had so many layers it necessitated the film treatment and to be handled expertly by women from within that culture.”
Featured interviews and insights
The film includes an interview with Joanie Evans from Hackney Women’s FC (HWFC). Established in 1986, HWFC holds the distinction of being Europe's first openly-gay football team. Joanie Evans' pioneering efforts have significantly contributed to shaping the rich queer culture present in women's football today.
In addition to the insightful interview with Joanie Evans, viewers can anticipate a variety of engaging content. The documentary includes interviews with fans that were filmed during this year's Dyke March, providing a firsthand account of their experiences and perspectives. It also delves into the unique aspects of queer women's football internet culture, offering insider insights that are rarely explored in mainstream media.
Viewers will be introduced to popular memes such as 'they’re lesbians Stacy', which have become cultural touchstones within this community. Furthermore, the film discusses the infamous 'couple’s chart', a visual tool used to represent players’ inter-football relationships, adding another layer of depth and understanding to the complex dynamics within women's football.
Where can you watch it?
"Why Is Women’s Football So Gay?" is available on Mundial's YouTube channel. The release through this platform ensures easy accessibility for viewers worldwide, allowing them to engage with the content at their convenience.
Mundial's new documentary is a bold and insightful exploration of queer culture in women's football. By shifting its strategy towards documentary production, Mundial is not only diversifying its content but also providing a platform for important discussions around diversity and inclusivity in sports. This move is likely to resonate well with sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts who are keen on understanding the evolving dynamics of the game.
