You are going to see a fair bit of them over the coming season!
We are thrilled to support Rochdale’s “Her Game Too” initiative! The Trust is officially partnered with HGT, and our fantastic representatives, Charlotte and Leanne, are leading the effort. Thank you for being part of this important movement!
A new team called the “Advocates” has been appointed to represent HGT in Rochdale. They will be in the home stands and at the Sandy throughout the season. The Advocates focus on inclusiveness and diversity, especially for women who enjoy the game, but anyone is welcome to approach them for more information.
We thought it would be fun to introduce them to our fantastic fan base! So, we came up with some questions that will help show off their unique personalities on these pages. We hope you enjoy getting to know them! So please meet the first four…
Leanne Connolly, Co-Ambassador of HGT.
Where can we find you:
This season, I will primarily be in the main stand. I have always sat in Pearl Street, but I decided it was time for a change..
Who is your favourite Rochdale player?
If I had to pick an all-time favourite, it would be Joey Thompson. He not only saved us from relegation but also gave me my best memory as a Dale fan, and was a fantastic person on and off the pitch.
Right now, I’m excited about Pritchard and Mani based on pre-season performances—they could be significant assets this season. I’m also looking forward to seeing McBride back from injury. Tobi deserves a mention for just being himself. Overall, this feels like the strongest squad we’ve had in years, making it hard to choose just one favourite!
Favourite home game:
Charlton at home when Joey saved the Dale. That day will stick with me forever: the atmosphere, the emotion, the sheer relief when the final whistle blew. It wasn’t just a football match; it felt like the whole town came together in that moment. It reminded me why we put ourselves through the highs and lows of following this club.
Most memorable away day:
The experience was memorable for two very different reasons. The worst moment was during the away game against Salford when Isabelle collapsed after a flare was set off. It was terrifying, but thankfully, she was okay.
On the other hand, the away game at Newport stands out for the train journey home. If you were on that train, you know what I mean! It perfectly captured the essence of following Dale away: long days, unexpected moments, and unforgettable memories.
What made you want to join Her Game Too:
I’ve always struggled with my mental health, and while it can sometimes be challenging, especially during a losing streak, going to football games has become an escape for me. When Charlotte approached me a couple of seasons ago about becoming an advocate, I eagerly accepted the opportunity. I knew it was something I could fully immerse myself in.
This year, we’ve gone through a rebranding, and I’ve stepped up to be Co-Ambassador alongside Charlotte. We’ve welcomed some new advocates, built a strong partnership with the Dale Trust, and are actively working to establish positive relationships with both the club and the players.
Charlotte Cromarty, Co-Ambassador of HGT.
Where can we find you:
Pearl Street is where you can find me on a match day, but I’m hopefully going to be on The Dale Trust desk on some match days and always free for you to come and say hello
Who is your favourite Rochdale player?
Hendo is the best and the ultimate GOAT; no one compares to him! Joe Thompson is a true inspiration and will always have a special place in our hearts.
Growing up, Grant Holt and Paul Connor were my favourites—they made me fall in love with Rochdale! The current squad has excellent players who shine both on and off the pitch. Each player has a unique personality that fans love, especially Toby. My top picks are Tarryn Allarakhia and Ryan East!
Favourite home game:
My favourite home game is torn between three, Charlton Athletic, when Joe Thompson scored to keep us in League One. Also, the FA Cup game against Leeds United, when Hendo chipped the goalkeeper and Scott Hogan scored. That will always be a standout to me.
I also loved the game against Spurs when Steve Davies scored the equaliser in injury time to secure us a replay at Wembley. It was incredible, and the celebrations were wild! it is what football is about! Hugging and celebrating with fans, ending up rows away from the seat you were originally sat in! I love it!
Most memorable away day:
My favourite away game has to be the match against Southampton. It was our first season in League One, and it truly opened my eyes to a different level of football. When I walked into St Mary’s Stadium, I was in awe and simply exclaimed, “Wow!” I had never experienced a stadium quite like it before. I looked at my dad and said, “I already like League One,” because it was such a refreshing change from what I was used to watching at Rochdale! To top it off, we won the match with goals from Gary Jones and Chris O’Grady. It was a fantastic experience!
What made you want to join Her Game Too:
I wanted to join Her Game Too primarily to make a difference in football. While some may disagree and believe the campaign is unnecessary, I firmly believe it is important. During my time at Rochdale, I have been fortunate to feel like a valued part of the club, which has been an incredible experience!
I also want to inspire the next generation, encourage fans to engage with this fantastic football club, and collaborate with the players and everyone at Rochdale to create an inclusive environment that benefits future generations. I love this football club more than anything, and I am eager to promote the campaign further to help grow attendance, support Rochdale Ladies, and showcase the great work we are all doing.
I struggle with my mental health, and the campaign has helped me feel connected to something meaningful. It gives me focus, and my passion for it drives me to strive for better outcomes.
Additionally, I have met some amazing people and created memories that I will cherish forever. The ladies in the campaign are extraordinary. Leanne and Isabelle have been part of this journey with me for the last few years, and they have become two of my closest friends. I am incredibly grateful for the campaign because of my friendship with them!
ISABELLE WHITELEY HGT Advocate
Where can we find you:
The Main Stand.
Who is your favourite Rochdale player?
All-time: Craig Dawson.
Current: lan Henderson (Although Tobi deserves a shout-out, not just for his talent on the pitch, but for being an absolute legend on TikTok too!)
Favourite home game:
Charlton at home when Joey T kept us up. I’ll never forget that day, especially sharing it with my dad and grandad—a truly special moment.
Most memorable away day:
Man United away when Luke Matheson scored the equaliser. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that kind of happiness in my life!
What made you want to join Her Game Too:
I’ve grown up watching Rochdale and have always felt confident and comfortable attending games as a woman. But I know that’s not the experience for every girl.
No one should feel out of place at football. Women supporting their teams should be seen as entirely normal – because it is.
Georgia Cocking, HGT Advocate.
Where can we find you:
Pearl Street.
Who is your favourite Rochdale player?
All time: Joe Thompson.
Current: Harvey Gilmour.
Favourite home game:
I have quite a few home games, which I love for many different reasons. One of my favourites was in the FA Cup against Tottenham Hotspur. We managed to secure the draw at home to force a replay at Wembley Stadium. This was such a memorable day for me as Spurs are a Premier League side, and we battled until the end. Another one of my favourites, which was more recent, was the game against Yeovil Town. The second half performance was terrific and resulted in a 4-0 victory at home. All goals were scored in the second half, showcasing our attacking threat.
Most memorable away day:
My most memorable away day was Manchester United at Old Trafford. It was my first time watching dale away and i remember Luke Matheson smashing home the equaliser. The crowd was immense, and although we lost on penalties, the atmosphere around the stadium was incredible.
What made you want to join Her Game Too:
I joined the women’s section at U15S, and I now play for the women’s team. I’ve always loved watching football, and I’ve always had such a fantastic experience both playing and watching. For some girls and women, this is not the case, and I believe football should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Playing football has given me many opportunities, and I want to use that to help break down barriers and support women and young girls, allowing them to access a community where they feel valued and empowered.
Fiona Murray, HGT Advocate
Where can we find you:
Pearl Street behind the goal.
Who is your favourite Rochdale player?
Current: Has to be Hendo – always gives 110% and never gives up!
All time: Joe Thompson – from knowing him as a pupil at the school I taught at, to seeing him do amazing things on the pitch for the Dale, to giving back to his old school and inspiring a new generation!!
Favourite home game:
When we kept Tottenham to a draw to force a replay at Wembley, being the underdogs and having people not giving us a chance, but then doing what we did was just amazing! What an atmosphere.
Most memorable away day:
Altrincham last season. The respect and love shown for Joe that game from both home and away players and fans was just so incredible and a reflection of what a fantastic man Joe was. To also get the win with such a late goal from Rodney made the day complete!
What made you want to join Her Game Too:
I have been going to Rochdale on my own for quite a few seasons now, and I love it, but I know some women are anxious to do the same. I wanted to help other ladies feel confident and comfortable, so they can enjoy watching football as much as I do.
NIKKIE GARNER. HGT Advocate
Where can we find you:
Sandy Lane
Who is your favourite Rochdale player?
Has to be Hendo.
Favourite home game:
Hendo scored his 130th goal against Salford and became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. There are other home games, but too many to choose from. That game stands out, though.
Most memorable away day:
It has to be Wembley; it was a fluke that Tottenham were using it as their home ground. Old Trafford is also notable because we drew with United at home and lost on penalties away. St. James’ Park was another enjoyable day out. I try to attend as many away games as I can each season.
What made you want to join Her Game Too:
I have been a Rochdale fan since my teenage years and want more women to enjoy football as I have. I now bring my family and just want everyone to be safe.
Two more Advocates will be featured in our next post.
If you want to contact any of the Ambassadors or advocates, their email is
Contact the trust at info@daletrust.co.uk
