Our match tonight against Stoke City is our designated #HerGameToo fixture, as we celebrate the impact of females in football.
To highlight that impact, here at Oakwell we caught up with four prominent female employees here at Barnsley FC to get their thoughts on the #HerGameToo initiative, and working in football generally.
Our Lead Physiotherapist is Vikki Stevens. Having been here at Oakwell in some capacity for the last 10 years, she has worked her way from intern to head of the first team in her department, showing that gender is irrelevant at Barnsley FC.
As Social Inclusion Officer for Reds in the Community, the charity arm of Barnsley FC, Lynn Goodman has also worked here for the last decade, helping connect the local community to their club, and she tells us of her experiences at Oakwell.
Our Academy Secretary, Abbie Stenton is one of our youngest employees at the club but feels she's been supported all the way within her role and speaks about the opportunities available for young women at Oakwell.
As one of our longest-serving and much-loved members of the front office team, Beth Sefton has worked in a variety of roles whilst at Barnsley FC and feels that being female is of no relevance whatsoever in an environment that is fully inclusive.
With International Women’s Day coinciding with the Sky Bet Championship fixture against the Potters, the Reds will show solidarity with the campaign, which strives to be a catalyst for positive change, whilst highlighting the sexist abuse that continues to take place in football.
The campaign was launched in May 2021 to widespread support on social media, with the Reds quick to partner up with the non-profit organisation.
Tonight, Pukka Pies have kindly donated their match sponsorship to the cause, whilst the junior sides from Barnsley FC Ladies will take to the pitch as mascots and flagbearers. We’ll have a unique version of our matchday programme, Grove Street, featuring interviews with Lead First Team Physiotherapist, Vikki Stevens, Academy Secretary, Abbie Stenton and Barnsley FC Ladies Goalkeeper, Megan Clement.
Andrew Clark, Marketing, Commercial and Business Director at Barnsley FC, said: “We’re delighted to host a Her Game Too fixture on International Women’s Day as we take on Stoke City here at Oakwell. It’s a great campaign and one that both the Club and Reds in the Community fully support.
“The campaign has really taken off, with over 100 clubs now involved. We fully support everything that the campaign stands for and we will look to continue to improve the experience for all supporters who watch the Reds both home and away.”
Barnsley FC are committed to tackling discrimination of all kinds at Oakwell. If ever you see or hear discrimination of any kind at or during a Barnsley FC fixture, text us in confidence – 60777, start your message with “HATE”.
For more information on #HerGameToo, visit their website.
