Daletrust and “Her Game Too” agree on a partnership.
Daletrust and HGT announce their new partnership in Rochdale, centred around football, the Club and the grassroots community.
Daletrust and “Her Game Too” (HGT), subject to final paperwork, are to collaborate to promote the HGT mantra, not only within the Trust’s current portfolio of interests but also to extend into the wider Rochdale grassroots football community. We hope that all our members feel they can support this initiative, which we believe will have a genuinely positive impact on the game and the community as a whole.
For several months, informal discussions have been underway with Rochdale’s HGT ambassador, Charlotte Cromarty, and Advocate, Leanne Connolly
Surprisingly, it all came together at a dinner that was part of the Ogden family’s launch of their ambitious but exciting “For Generations To Come,” where not only did the Trust and HGT agree on a way forward for mutual help and support, but they also devised a plan for the Trust to have a permanent HGT representative on the Trust board.
Many will be aware of the “Her Game Too” name and perhaps cognizant of past events, but due to the pandemic, logistical issues, and the recent sad passing of Joey T, momentum has stalled. Both the Trust and Ambassadors Chromarty and Connolly see this as a reset for future initiatives.
The Trust has formed several Supportive Partnerships, but this one is particularly significant, as this season will see the Trust developing and fostering links with grassroots women’s football, with a focus on the Rochdale AFC junior teams. The ethos of the HGT movement is to remind sports fans, whether they follow football, tennis, cricket, rugby, or other sports, that women enjoy these sports, wish to participate, and most definitely want to show their support without intimidation, fear, or any negative comments.
Seen in the Photo holding the HGT banner are Daletrust Board Member Kieron Babbington with HGT ambassadors Charlotte Cromarty, centre and Leanne Connolly.
Initially, HGT may not be important for some, but for a whole group of other fans, our female supporters, it is most certainly important, and here is why.
Sexism in football continues to be a significant issue. Female football fans still face sexist abuse, which is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. The Trust has been outspoken about this problem for several years, dating back to the launch of “Her Game Too” in 2021. We will maintain our focus on the HGT initiatives and actively campaign for and support them during the 2025/26 season.
You can read more about HGT’s history here, but a concerning fact from a survey conducted since its inception is highlighted below, which pertains to the Trust’s initiative.
A survey of over 400 female football fans (see here) showed that 91.9 per cent of the 371 women surveyed by the campaign have witnessed online sexist abuse towards a woman in football, with 63.1 per cent experiencing it themselves. This cannot be tolerated; the efforts of the Trust and HGT will hopefully help change this perception and raise awareness within the community.
Please take a moment to read more about this subject HERE.
To initially contact Leanne or Charlotte via the trust. info@daletrust.co.uk
