HER GAME TOO PARTNER WITH SWFCWSG AND SUPPORT THEIR NEW #KEEPINGSCORE CAMPAIGN

By Limara Salt

To honour International Women’s Day on Friday March 8th, Her Game Too have become an official partner of the SWFC Women’s Supporters Group (SWFCWSG), who are launching a new campaign designed to celebrate fans and supporters’ efforts to cultivate safety, respect, and equality within football. 

The #KeepingSCORE initiative was made in direct response to recent surveys from Stop Hate UK and Her Game Too which revealed that 82% of women in football reporting instances of discrimination in the workplace, and a staggering 91.9% bear witness to sexist abuse online directed towards women in football. As part of its induction, the SWFCWSG has orchestrated a series of activities aimed at promoting inclusivity and support within the football community at Sheffield Wednesday and the wider football landscape.

SWFCWSG’s celebrations will culminate on March 8th at Hillsborough, as Wednesday take on Leeds United. Supported by Kick It Out’s Fans for Diversity campaign and Her Game Too, the WSG’s #KeepingSCORE message will be displayed across the stadium and on the Owl’s pre-match warm up shirts. On the night, fans can pick up free WSG badges from reception and the Megastore and can also enjoy an all-female half time challenge.

In the build-up to International Women’s Day, SWFCWSG organised a week-long campaign that celebrates the women around Wednesday and highlights issues they’re dedicated to tackling: 

• ‘Women At Wednesday’

A series of interviews acknowledging and honouring the invaluable contributions of female players, staff, family, and fans. 

In conversation with SWFC Ladies’ striker Amy Broomhead, Chloe Bannan, Beth Palmer, SWFCWSG members Hollie and Lauren, and young ‘Wednesdayite’ Mollie, the series highlights community and optimism among people tied to the club in different ways, with repeated emphasis on the unique bond between Owls. 

You can check this out on the SWFCWSG social media channels and in the matchday programme on March 8th.

• The launch of the SWFCWSG Away Day Network

A community for facilitating safer and more enjoyable away days. The Away Day Network will arrange away day meetups, share key information, and do more to improve the away day experience for all fans.

• Report focused on insights on the experiences of football fans

Putting women and nonbinary individuals at the forefront, this report will detail experiences related to sexism and misogyny in the sport. Findings will support Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts at Sheffield Wednesday FC and the SWFC Women's Supporters Group, and will encourage work over the wider EFL network. 

• Commit to the Women and Girls’ Night Time Charter 

SWFCWSG are working with Sheffield Wednesday to become the first club outside of London and the Premier League to support and protect women and girls who work, visit or socialise in the city’s night time economy.

International Women’s Day serves as an annual tribute to the achievements of women and girls worldwide, while also serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.