Crowd surfing at football matches

Footy fans could be surfing the internet while watching a match at any Football League stadium within the next few years.

The Football League, made up of 72 clubs including Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, has signed a deal with wireless broadband network operator The Cloud.

Under the deal, over the next three seasons every Football League stadium could get wireless broadband access installed. Initially it will be limited to access for the media and club employees, but will eventually be expanded to supporters in club bars, conference rooms and hotels.

According to the Football League, installation has already begun at Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Port Vale and Blackpool.

Chris Eagle, new media manager, at The Football League, added: “We are very excited about the roll-out of Wi-Fi at our club stadia. It is a service that will clearly benefit journalists and photographers and help them work more effectively from anywhere in the stadia.

“Gradually, we will make this service available to supporters and business users as well, who are increasingly interested in gaining internet access in venues.”