Somerset CCC Partner with #HerGameToo
Somerset County Cricket Club are delighted to be able to announce a new partnership with #HerGameToo.
#HerGameToo is a fan-led, voluntary organisation which works to ensure that women and girls are welcomed and respected equally within sport.
Discrimination towards women and girls in sport is not acceptable at any level, and the two organisations will be working together to support, encourage and inspire women within the game.
In recent years, there has been progress in the number of girl’s and women’s cricket teams, but we know that barriers still remain. In order to break down these barriers Somerset County Cricket Club will be working alongside #HerGameToo to champion female participation across the region and particularly at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
The partnership will also see #HerGameToo have a presence at the Club’s Royal London Cup match against Durham on August 10th. Members and supporters will also be urged to report any incidents of sexism via the Official Club channels.
Regarding the partnership, Somerset CEO, Gordon Hollins said: “Cricket, and indeed all sport, should be something that is enjoyed by everyone. There should be no barriers when it comes to people participating or spectating. We are determined to make sure that the Cooper Associates County Ground is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
“Discrimination in all its forms is something that will not be tolerated at Somerset County Cricket Club, and we are delighted to be working with #HerGameToo in order to ensure that any sexism or sexist abuse is reported and eliminated from our venues.
“Somerset County Cricket Club is the spiritual home of women’s cricket, and we will be doing everything that we can, alongside the Somerset Cricket Foundation, to ensure that we are championing the women’s game at all levels.”
Lucy Ford, Co-Founder of #HerGameToo and #HerGameToo Cricket Lead Team said: “We are delighted to be partnered up with Somerset CCC, the spiritual home of Women’s Cricket. We look forward to working together alongside our ambassador Abi Slade to ensure that all women and girls attending Somerset CCC games feel welcomed and safe.”
Mark Watson, #HerGameToo Cricket Lead Team added: “Through our work with Somerset CCC we aim to promote inclusivity and eradicate sexism in the game of cricket whilst championing local grassroots girls and women’s teams. An official partnership is just step one of what we are sure will be a long, successful relationship between ourselves and Somerset and we can’t wait to get started!”
Somerset Club Captain, Tom Abell has also given his backing to the initiative. “I think it’s great that the Club are working with #HerGameToo,” he explained. “There’s no place for sexism in the game and cricket should be a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether they’re on the field or in the stands. I would encourage anyone to report any incidents of sexism via the Official Club website.”
Somerset and Western Storm Captain, Sophie Luff added: “It’s a fantastic initiative and it’s so important in ensuring that cricket is a game for everyone. We want everyone to feel welcome at the Cooper Associates County Ground, and as women’s captain I’m delighted that Somerset are partnering with #HerGameToo.”
Somerset Member, Abi Slade has been named as an Ambassador for #HerGameToo, and she will have a prominent role to play within the partnership. “To be named as the first #HerGameToo ambassador for Somerset means a great deal to me,” she said. “As a young girl, I was driven out of the game as I felt like it was a world that wasn’t built for me, but supporting Somerset helped me fall back in love with cricket. As a woman, I hope to ensure that every girl feels welcome within the sport.”
Earlier this year #HerGameToo partnered with Western Storm and Gloucestershire CCC, and Somerset are delighted to be able to add our name to the list of organisations actively promoting the Women’s game at all levels.
#HerGameToo was first launched in May 2021 and has since partnered with dozens of professional football clubs including Everton, Leeds United and Bristol Rovers.
