Following the announcement of Torquay United AFC’s new link-up with HerGameToo, celebrity Gulls fans Helen Chamberlain and Charlie Baker have both expressed their support regarding the new partnership.
With 1,000 free tickets being made available to young girls and women for our forthcoming home clash against FC Halifax Town on Saturday 27th November, United fanatic and former Soccer AM presenter Helen spoke of her pleasure at seeing both parties uniting to tackle to sexism in football.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Torquay United have linked up with Her Game Too,” began Chamberlain.
“The initiative is such a good idea to promote awareness of sexism that has been rife in football for so many years. It’s ludicrous to still assume that female fans don’t know anything about football, but all male fans automatically do. When I was presenting Soccer AM, I used to get asked all the time if I knew the offside rule, I used to reply with “If you met Des Lynam would you ask him the same question?” I didn’t ever wait for an answer, because of course they wouldn’t, they wouldn’t even think about it.
“Fortunately at Torquay United I’ve never really experienced any blatant sexism from our great fans, we’ve also been lucky in having some fabulous woman right at the heart of the running of the club in Sue Bateson, Debbie Hancox, and Thea Bristow, and also not forgetting all the others behind the scenes at Plainmoor who play a huge part too.
“Joining up with Her Game Too just sends an extra message to all our local women and girls (including away fans) that they will be made to feel more than welcome at Torquay United Football Club – as they should be.”
TalkSport presenter Charlie, an equally committed member of the Yellow Army, was equally enthusiastic.
“There are many reasons I am enormously proud to be a fan of Torquay United. One near the top of the list is our record of inclusivity and acceptance,” said Baker.
“A real thrill was watching Justin Fashanu light up Plainmoor. A superb, exciting footballer who also happened to be the first ‘out’ homosexual male professional player. I am proud of my club. I was also on the Popside for The Gulls v Carlisle in 1994 when the Lino was Wendy Toms. Wendy was becoming the first ever female lines person to officiate in the Football League.
“I am proud of my club. In my view women and girls have always had a strong, presence at Torquay United, and whenever I have been cheering the team on with my wife or sister or niece or daughter they have only ever felt welcome at Plainmoor, which is why I am thrilled that TUAFC have become affiliated with Her Game Too.
“Her Game Too is exactly the type of positive representation that the game we all love needs. As a white, heterosexual man I have never experienced discrimination at a football match. Never been told I can’t do something or I wasn’t welcome or felt under threat because of how I was born. Nobody should.
“Her Game Too is an excellent organisation making everybody feel that way. As a proud feminist and Torquay United fan I welcome them to the best club in the world.”
Up to 4 free tickets for supporters, their family and friends, can be claimed online here by using promotion code ‘#HERGAMETOO’ at the checkout. Alternatively tickets can also be booked by calling 01803 328666 Monday to Friday (10am-4pm).
Please note that the Wollens Terrace is all standing.
Further information about #HerGameToo can be found on their website here.
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