Euro 2017 by Helen Hardy

My first experience of international football came in 2017 when I went to The Netherlands to go to the Euros Final with my sisters. 

I remember flying out in time for the semi final (to watch in a local Amsterdam bar) and England got thrashed. If i'm honest I was like "what's the point in coming all the way out here to NOT watch England" but I was so wrong.

On day 2 of our trip we hadn't realised we were in Amsterdam for pride weekend. What a bonus! We made our way to the festival before grabbing a train out to Enschede for the final. 

There's plenty of fools who say "no one cares about women's football" but this weekend was evidence that PEOPLE CARED! The stadium was completely sold out and the noise was incredible. I went in my England shirt, safe in a crowd of Norway and Netherlands fans, but I got in the spirit of the final and painted a flag on my cheek.

I was also lucky enough to bump into this icon during half time...

Netherlands went on to win the game in a thrilling encounter and a certain Sarina Wiegman lifted her first Euros (of many) that day. 

This was my first taste of international football and I went on to travel to Paris in 2019, Australia in 2023 and Switzerland in 2025. I just can't get enough of Women's International football to be honest. It's such a vibe!

Helen

Founder of Foudys