IWD: Three generations of County fans share their story

On International Women's Day, three generations of County fans - the Hoey family, shared their experience of supporting the Exiles and tackling discrimination.

SUE

"I am Sue and I have been a Newport County fan since 1970. Supporting them from the Somerton Park days to Rodney Parade and everything in between - the lows and the highs.

"Myself, daughter Lisa and granddaughter Niamh make up three generations of female Newport County fans.

"We are also avid supporters of Wales Women's football. The atmosphere at live games is amazing and it is wonderful to see so many girls and young women so passionate about football but there is, unfortunately, another side to being a female footballer or supporter: Discrimination.

"When I started supporting County, other (male fans) said to me that I only watched County because my husband was a fan and back in the early nineties during a non-league football game, I was told to get back in the kitchen where I belonged.

"I have never forgotten that remark. I thought those days were gone, but only recently I watched a video aimed at combating online hate towards girls and women in football. Thirty years on and one of the many misogynistic comments made to women was "get back in the kitchen."

NIAMH

"My name is Niamh and I am 12. I am a massive Newport County fan after starting to go to games with my Nanny, Grandad and my Mum.

"I love watching my team and have lots of fantastic memories of going to Wembley, watching them play teams like Middlesborough and Manchester City, where I was lucky enough to be a mascot and walk out with the teams and my favourite player Padraig Amond.

"I wear my Her Game Too hoodie to all games as I believe football is for everyone!"

LISA

"I am Lisa and I have been a supporter of Newport County for 40 years after attending games with my parents.

"I now watch the games as one of three generations of females in my family. To be able to share my love of football whether it be watching the County or Wales women with my daughter Niamh and my Mum Sue makes me very proud."