New kid on the block

Isaac looking every inch the part in the WBA home kit.

Proud Baggies member Isaac Smith joined PBFC in November, after years of being in the supporters group. Since then, he has become an integral part of the squad, playing in our most recent tournaments and league fixtures. PB founder Piero Zizzi caught up with Isaac to see how he’s liking life involved in all things Proud Baggies so far…

“I am really grateful for the opportunity to share how great it is to be a member of Proud Baggies” said Isaac. “This group has fast become a second family; friends with whom I have enjoyed socialising and playing football, friends with whom I am bonded by more than belief.”

Isaac previously lived on the south coast, but as a queer person and missing his beloved Albion he joined Proud Baggies and the group chats to stay up-to-date with the club and in touch with likeminded fans. This connection gave him solace and comfort in navigating life’s ups and downs, to the point that Isaac actually made an in-person appearance a few years back as a Christmas treat.

“One Christmas holiday a couple of years ago I had the pleasure of meeting some of the group at a matchday. I was invited to sit with them, we took a group picture, and I was starting to understand that I’d found my people.”

Fast forward to Summer 2025 and Isaac relocated to Birmingham, bagging a season ticket at The Shrine. Keen to make up for lost time, both men’s and women’s games were on the agenda, as well as Proud Baggies events. And, after a couple of months getting his bearings, he joined Proud Baggies FC.

“I didn’t know many people in Birmingham, let alone any Baggies that are “Proud”, thus these sessions were so welcoming that - and I know this sounds a bit strange - I felt entitled and encouraged to be myself in a way I hadn’t before. I could see that everyone was having fun!”

Isaac spoke positively about the squad’s ethos of catering to all-abilities and being truly inclusive; supporting newcomers as they overcome their anxieties or desire for perfectionism. As fitness and confidence improved, so too did his enjoyment of these sessions with his new friends.

Having settled in, Isaac has been a part of PBFC’s most recent matchdays, taking part in the February ‘Football v Homophobia’ tournament in Nottingham, as well as playing against both Village Manchester 5 and Birmingham Blaze in our GFSN Development League fixtures.

“My favourite part of all of this so far has probably been these experiences, I can’t begin to explain how giddy I feel at the thought of carpooling to a tournament or friendly with people I trust and care for, and then get to demonstrate that same trust and care to my teammates on the pitch or cheering from the sidelines. These are things I actively want to and choose to do because I love this group and I am honoured to have the opportunity to contribute in any way I can.

“In my first football session with Proud Baggies, I saw the camaraderie and the love and now I get to share it too, often twice a week! How grateful I am for this structure, and for the opportunities we’ve had to do other things sometimes too - the social evenings have been monumental, we often meet up before and after games and, of course, the existence of that group chat means a friend is always at the other end of the phone.

Asked to sum up his feelings, Isaac concluded: “I cannot recommend this group enough to anyone who thinks it might be for them. It’s been absolutely life-changing for me. Boing Boing”