We reached out to Jessica Rafferty, who is part of Sheffield United Women Supporters Club, to ask some questions about our upcoming opponents Sheffield United:

Can you tell us a little about how your

supporters club was set up?

I had a few meetings with the amazing staff at the club and the FSA where we had a chat about what it would involve and how to get started, they also pointed me in the direction of other people who may be able to give me guidance and I went from there. I have had amazing support from so many people so have been very lucky. I run pre match socials with Rainbow Blades and they have really been fantastic and patient and guided me through the process. 

What is your earliest memory of watching Sheffield United Women?

The look of wonder on my children’s faces as they walked up the steps for the first time and saw the pitch was one of the best memories. It was a win too so it made it even more special. 

What has been your most memorable memory following the side.

The 8-0 win against Coventry was a very memorable match. 

What frustrates you most about following a woman's team?

Some of the online comments from people who have never watched the teams can be very frustrating. The reaction to women’s football has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go. 

Who is your favourite current player and why? 

How could you make me choose? That’s a tough question, and hard to pick a favourite, but Maria Farrugia has really stood out for me this season. 

Who is Sheffield United’s danger player that we should watch out for?

We are really fortunate to have some really strong players, it’s really hard to say just one. I could give a reason for everyone on the team. Farrugia as mentioned above, Monique Robinson always looks very powerful on the pitch, Sian Rodger’s has really kept us in some tough games, we have some amazing young talent that have really progressed this season like Butler and Connolly Jackson, I could go on and on. 

Like us you have had a tough season, what have been the standout moments? 

There have been some really amazing goals (Farrugia won Barclays women’s Championship goal of the month award twice in a row) and there’s been some really close final scores. Something I’ve also loved is the atmosphere this season, it’s really elevated from previous seasons and with even more fans filling the seats on Sunday, it should be electric. 

Advice for traveling fans? Where is the best local pub for traveling fans?

There are lots of bars and pubs within walking distance from Bramall Lane and towards London Road there are lots of bars and places to eat. 

What local delicacy do you recommend and what's the queue for cheesy chips like in the ground?

Well I wouldn’t be a true Blades fan if I didn’t say a greasy chip butty! You can also grab a Hendersons sausage roll from the ground, and Hendersons is iconic for Sheffield. The queues aren’t usually too bad, but with a lot of seats filled this week it may be busier than usual. 

Any advice for parking near the ground?

Parking isn’t usually too bad on Sundays and there’s usually on road parking.  keep an eye out for the match preview posted by the club to see if there is any parking mentioned. 

Thank you very much to Jessica for her helpful and insightful answers.

You Can Visit the Sheffield United Supporters Clubs Twitter here: https://x.com/sufcwomenfans