Bristol City captain Vicky Losada has thrown her weight behind a landmark pub takeover in the city, celebrating the growing momentum of women's football.
The historic venue, originally known as 'The Sportsman' since its founding in 1892, temporarily rebranded to 'The Sportswoman' for a day. The timing was no coincidence—it aligned with Bristol City's final home match of the Women's Super League 2 season, a symbolic nod to the rising profile of the women's game.
The rebranding was part of Guinness's broader partnership with Bristol City, which focuses on supporting local pubs—especially those that are female-owned—and creating more inclusive spaces for fans. For Losada, who joined the club in 2024, this initiative resonates deeply.
"Since day one, you could tell it was a family club—a bit different from all the places I've been before," said the former Barcelona captain. "They've also shown me how massive and important the community is for the club. Being part of the foundation and sharing things with people from Bristol has made the city feel like home."
Losada, a regular at 'The Sportsman', believes venues like this are becoming more welcoming for women's sports fans. "It's a process, and I still think there's room to improve," she admitted. "But I was there the other day at The Sportswoman, and it's small steps that make a massive difference."
Guinness has been making waves in women's sports visibility, notably becoming the first brand in three decades to sponsor a kit through their work with Bristol City. Beyond the pitch, they're enhancing fan experiences with exclusive rewards and promotions. For a player of Losada's calibre—a UEFA Women's Champions League winner—having a global brand's backing is not lost on her.
"It's a massive brand, especially in this area. I think it's huge for us that this time they've picked us," she said. "Probably not many people would have imagined they were going to come to Bristol City."
