As the Women’s Euros get under way, Greene King is inviting the nation to get behind the Lionesses like never before with its first ever ‘chant book’.
Photographs: Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments
It’s a collection of anthems written by fans, for fans, of the women’s game. It follows research in which more than 2,000 fans were asked wht would improve pub atmosphere and sense of community during games.
The most common suggestions were more cheering and clapping (30%), more opportunities to watch together (26%), and dedicated chants (19%).
All the chants playfully parody familiar tunes by celebrated musical artists, and have been designed to help ‘bring the energy’ to pubs during the Women’s Euros.
Featuring pithy lyrical narrative about the Lionesses’ achievements on the pitch, sports fans can enjoy individual chants about Michelle Agyemang, Lucy Bronze, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo — all 23 squad members are referenced in one rousing rendition.
Co-created with comedian, football superfan, and host of the Big Kick Energy podcast, Maisie Adam, Greene King’s chants will be played in more than 900 of its pubs throughout the tournament.
“Football is nothing without its fans,” said Maisie. “It’s a fan-centric sport, and chants are an intrinsic part of football’s appeal. They wouldn’t be played in stadiums if they weren’t essential to the vibe.
“It’s why chants go down so well, because they make you feel part of something bigger, together. So it’s really important for something like the Women’s Euros, but also more broadly with different sports, that the fans feel that they are not only welcome but appreciated and part of the tournament as much as the squad is.
“I would say that the key to a good chant is a big chorus that gets people going and doesn’t need much explanation. You just need to have it easy so anyone can pick it up immediately, whether in the stands or in the pub garden.”
Fans in Greene King pubs can get involved with the chants, and also enjoy the brewer’s Women’s Euros special beer. Cheers Her(e) is a 4% ABV pale ale with juicy citrus and tropical fruit characteristics.
