AT one time the nearest a woman got to a football pitch was to scrub the grass stains off her husband's kit.

Women were strangers to the offside rule and were more likely to spend their weekends home-making than supporting their home team.

But a lot has changed and members of the fairer sex are now just as likely as any man to cheer on their team, rush out to buy the latest strip or curse a referee.

Worcester's football, rugby and cricket grounds see thousands of women walk though the gates each week to back their boys and have a good time.

Barbara Hicks hasn't been put off by her experience at the weekend - in fact, she has already been to another match.

"All of my family love the weekend games and travel to different places each week - it is definitely not an activity for men only," she said.

"I actively promote the attendance of families to games as I think it is really important they feel welcome. There are more men than women but that does not mean the women don't sing, shout and get as passionate about their team as anyone else. I sometimes think women care more!"

Sarah Beaudro has been a fan of Worcester City since she first went as a child with her granddad. She goes to every match she can, and is a signed-up member of the England Supporters Club.

The 26-year-old administration officer, who lives in the city centre, said: "I love Worcester City and my country's team and I go and watch England at most home games.

"I love the atmosphere, the rush you get watching the game and the wonderful friends you meet. The travelling is also great."

But, with only around 10 per cent of Worcester's registered supporters being female, there still appears to be an imbalance between male and female fans.

"There are still fewer women at local games than men, although national football receives a better turnout," said Sarah.

"I go to matches with a group of friends - but they are all lads. It is a shame more women don't turn up to support their teams."

Worcestershire County Cricket Club, however, has had a more or less equal spilt of the sexes for a number of years.

With England's recent cricketing success - for both men and women - at the Ashes, even more women are becoming avid fans.

Amy Leicester works at the New Road club after growing up going to matches with her mum and sister. She believes there is no distinction between how men and women feel being a fan.

"I loved the game so much I started working at the ground part-time from when I was 16," she said.

"I have never experienced any negativity from any male fans and would be shocked if I ever did - we all feel the same and just want our teams to win!"