Rochdale fans invited to join Her Game Too as club strengthens anti-sexism drive

Friday, 20 June 2025 19:52

By David Murphy

Rochdale AFC is looking for more supporters to become advocates for its Her Game Too campaign ahead of the 2025–26 football season.

The campaign, launched at Rochdale in October 2021, aims to tackle sexism in football and create a safer, more inclusive environment for female fans. With new structures in place and the appointment of joint ambassadors Charlotte Cromarty and Leanne Connolly, the club is stepping up its efforts to involve the community.

Charlotte and Leanne, both part of the club’s new advisory board, are urging supporters to get involved. Fans interested in becoming advocates can now contact the Her Game Too Rochdale team directly via a dedicated email: hergametoo@daletrust.co.uk

The campaign is backed by the Dale Supporters Trust and continues to raise awareness through match-day programme features, podcasts, and a dedicated fixture each season, most recently during April's match against AFC Fylde at the Crown Oil Arena.

The team has also been proactive in creating visible signage around the stadium with clear guidance on how to report sexist behaviour. Fans can report incidents either to the club directly or via a web-based system.

In addition, Her Game Too Rochdale has collaborated with the club’s Community Trust to run donation drives for sanitary products. These are distributed to local women in need via a drop-off point at the stadium, reinforcing the club’s ongoing support for initiatives like 'On the Baw'.

Ambassador Charlotte Cromarty said: “We want people to be comfortable at games, and initiatives like these can go a long way to helping women feel at ease. We will be very appreciative of any donation, and we thank you for supporting females in football.”

The campaign has received strong backing from current and former players. Goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell, now a former player, made history as Rochdale’s first Her Game Too Player Advocate and praised the initiative for uniting clubs and communities.

Young supporters have also been encouraged to take part. The group recently celebrated local footballer Maliyah by inviting her to a match and featuring her in the programme, showing support for the next generation of fans and players.

The Dale Way podcast, hosted by Cromarty and advocate Isabelle Whiteley, remains a key platform for sharing perspectives from female fans and discussing wider issues in the game.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Bury teacher banned for life after engaging in sexual activity with child

A former teacher at Tottington High School has been permanently banned from the classroom after a professional misconduct panel found he engaged in sexual activity with a pupil.
GMP’s ‘headset heroes’ answer over a million calls in a year as response times reach record highs

Greater Manchester Police’s control room teams are being recognised for their vital role in emergency response as part of International Control Room Week.
Further arrests in Rochdale and Manchester as GMP intensifies crackdown on historic child sex abuse

Specialist investigation team arrests more suspects and secures major convictions as survivors of non-recent exploitation continue to come forward
Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.