Thirty ladies from our local Asian community stepped foot into The Hawthorns to witness their first football match on Sunday - and they can’t wait to come back again.
The Baggies threw out the welcome mat to the Aman Ladies Group to witness their first-ever live football game on Sunday watching Albion defeat Huddersfield 4-2.
Supported closely by Apna Albion, one of the Club’s official supporters’ groups, these Baggies first-timers had a day to remember and don’t want it to be the last.
“We were very pleased with the match and the support we received, it was fantastic,” said one of the group Bhaljinder Randhawa.
“I enjoyed every single moment of the game and we definitely want to go again!
“Everyone was so friendly and looked after us, that’s why we want to support them as much as we can.”
The Aman Group has been working closely with Apna Albion for the past year and have previously experienced a ground tour and held a celebration event at the stadium.
And to see the group make their “match debut” delighted Apna Albion’s chairman, Shin Aujla.
“The group mentioned that they have driven past the ground for the last 40, 50 years and they didn’t know what was inside so were intrigued to find out,” said Shin.
“They also heard previously that a football match might not be a welcoming environment for women of their background. We wanted to bring them along to the game so they could learn that it doesn’t matter who you are, what your background is, West Bromwich Albion is a family club and we want everyone to feel welcome.
“The women really enjoyed the match and watched Albion score four goals, so that was good!
“After the game they didn’t want to go home, they were taking pictures and absolutely loved it and they want to bring their family members next time.”
Sat in the East Stand, the ladies were joined by a set of Baggies Buddies who assisted the visitors throughout the day and were also sat alongside a representative from the Football Supporters’ Association.
“Albion are regarded as a model club by the other supporter groups and also the Football Supporters’ Association for its relationship with Apna Albion.
"I think if we can continue to do initiatives like this, it can only be a good thing,” said Shin.
For more information regarding Apna Albion, please email shin.aujla@albionfoundation.co.uk.