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Dominique Thorley is the newest addition to the Her Game Too Ambassador team.
From watching Lincoln City aged 10 to sharing her love for the game with her daughter, Dominique has a huge passion for Lincoln City and football as a sport.
Dominique says she is excited to get started in her role as an ambassador as she believes “everyone deserves a voice”.
She said: “I am quite a determined person and enjoy a challenge. With my daughter joining my side last year, her love and enjoyment for football has made me more determined. I believe that everyone has the right to enjoy football no matter what their age, sex or religion. I want football to be enjoyed by anyone, whether that is when their team’s playing at home or away, and I feel individuality and diversity are powerful tools.”
Dominique’s love for football, and Lincoln City in particular, stems from her time at Lincoln University. She and a group of friends used to head to home matches, and she quickly became “addicted” to the game.
“I started travelling to away games and made friends with a really good group of fellow fans, and, before I knew it, I was going to every home and away game. Those friends are still my friends today, and we still all have that one thing in common.”
During the 2022/23 season, Dominique became seriously ill and could only attend one game the whole season, which happened to be Lincoln City’s final match.
“When I returned for the final game, I felt so much love and support - not only from staff members of the club but also the fans - which made my return a much more enjoyable experience. If I can repay that to just one fan, I would be happy.”
Creating a supportive, enjoyable and comforting environment at games is important to Dominique.
“Unfortunately, discrimination is still very much within the game; I suppose being a female football fan everyone has come across it,” she said. “I am quite thick-skinned now, but those words can still be hurtful. At home games I feel safe, but only because I know quite a few people.”
Away games are a key area where Dominique wants to make fans feel more welcomed and comfortable.
“Away from home can be quite daunting, especially if you are wanting to travel on your own. I have visited places which have been quite hostile, and I’ve not felt safe.”
“With myself joining Her Game Too as an ambassador, I would like to make away game travel a lot more welcoming for everyone. With this fantastic group at Her Game Too, I believe this can be done and I look forward to meeting everyone on my travels this season - which I expect there will be a lot of!”
