SPOTLIGHT ON : HARROGATE TOWN AFC SUPPORTER - KATHERINE SWINN
- Her Game Too OAFC null
- Mar 21
- 5 min read
Each home game, we shine a spotlight on a female fan from the visiting team, giving them a chance to share their story and love for the game.
This week, we spoke to Katherine – a proud Harrogate Town fan. Katherine attends both home and away games. Here's what she had to say about football, fandom, and sharing her favourite memories with us.
🔵Name:
Katherine Swinn
🟠 Club:
Harrogate Town
📍 Hometown:
Harrogate
🗣️ Q&A
Tell us an interesting or unusual fact about your hometown or city.
In the 17th century Harrogate was once two separate villages - Low Harrogate & High Harrogate. The villages grew together with the discovery of 88 spas, which brought in more visitors. This is why Harrogate is known as a spa town.
What got you into football – and do you remember your first match?
I was a tomboy growing up. I always liked football. My first game is difficult to remember but I've a vague recollection of watching Harrogate Town home to Leeds United in a friendly in the 1980s. I also remember watching the World Cup in 1986 when I would've been 8.
Why did you choose to support your club?
Home town club. There are two teams in Harrogate - Harrogate Town and Harrogate Railway. I've always been to watch Town. The ground is close to my house & I have family links.
Who was your footballing hero growing up?
Don't think I had one. There were some players I liked but no one I would class as a footballing hero.
What's your favourite football memory as a fan?
As a Town fan travelling down to Portsmouth to see them cause an upset in the FA Cup & score the winner in injury time was unbelievable. The journey down was awful but a very happy coach on the way back!
Do you travel to away games often?
Not that often. I've done 3 this season so far. In previous seasons I've done more where the matches have been more local or not too far to travel.
What’s been your favourite league 2 ground to visit?
I used to enjoy going to Bradford City when they were in League 2. It was local & a Yorkshire derby of sorts. Lots of fans travelled & created a great atmosphere. Town used to get the odd win too. Double decker buses were also arranged by Harrogate Town Independent Supporters Club to get fans to the ground which added to the occasion.
What’s the best chant or song your fans sing?
"We're the Yellow Black Army" or after we score, which has also not been that often this season "We're Town".
Have you noticed attitudes toward female fans or the women’s game changing?
Definitely. Theres more female fans attending games now. Numbers have grown significantly over the years. I used to attend Town matches with my mum in their non league days & as two females together we stood out & were well known. Nowadays it’s become more normalised to see females at matches & for their views to be appreciated and/or respected.
The women's game has also grown significantly over the years & there's so many opportunities for girls/women to play which didn't use to be the case. The Lionesses success has really galvanised interest in the women's game.
Becoming professional with the WSL has also helped enormously to promote the game & increase fan interest. I've played football for nearly 30 years & I've always said I was born at the wrong time! The time to play is now!
Match day traditions – any lucky charms or rituals?
I'll generally wear the same scarf, walk the same way to the ground & stand in the same place at home matches. If we win, which has been rare this season, I'll take a photo of the scoreboard.
For away matches I'll generally "check in" on Facebook & take some photos of the ground.
If your club were a film or song, what would it be and why?
A song being "We are Family" as the Owner/Chairman is Irving Weaver & the Manager is his son Simon Weaver!
How do you feel Harrogate Town are doing this season?
Their position in the table speaks for itself. It's been a poor season. I've seen alot of poor performances & not much good football. They went through a period of over 20 league matches without winning & several months without scoring a goal at home so it's been very hard going. I've been disillusioned at times too & not really enjoyed it.
Any particular player for us to watch out for?
Reeçe Smith. Skilful & pacy winger. Scored a fantastic goal against Tranmere after not scoring for a long time. Absolutely deserved. He's hard working, takes on players & doesn't always get his rewards.
Score predictions this afternoon?
2-1 to Town. I'll be optimistic & say we'll be confident after beating Tranmere.
Where do you think you will finish in the league?
Hopefully outside the bottom 2. I'd take 3rd bottom!
How confident are Harrogate Town fans feeling going into this fixture, recently winning 3nil against Tranmere Rovers?
More confident than we were. We need to be winning games. We've been drawing too many or losing too many tight games recently. The team will be confident & the fans have renewed hope.
Favourite result or most memorable game between the two sides?
Town beat Oldham at home 3-0 a few seasons ago. My mum's cousin who was a legend at Town - massive supporter & who had been volunteer for 50/60 years- had passed away recently & the club did a tribute for him. My mum and me were sat in the comfy seats too & were really looked after on the day.
Thoughts on the relegation battle, do you feel Harrogate Town will do enough to remain in League 2?
Difficult to say. If we play like we did against Tranmere then yes but if we play like we've done for most of the season then no. The Tranmere performance came out of nowhere! One of the main differences was making a quick start & playing with great intensity & energy from the start which hasn't always been the case
⚡ Quick Fire Round
🏟️ Favourite stadium?
Anfield - as I'm also a Liverpool fan
🥧 Top matchday snack?
Sausage roll
🚌 Home or away days?
Home
📺 VAR – yes or no?
No
👕 Dream player to sign for your club?
Mohamed Salah
💬 Final thoughts?
Hoping for a good match but that Town get another 3 points & continue their climb out the relegation zone.
Thank you to Katherine for chatting with us! It was great to read your journey into being a Harrogate Town Fan, and the love you have for the club. Thank you for doing the blog with us at such short notice! Enjoy the match.
Look out for more fan voices every matchday as part of our Her Game Too Series.
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