RICHARD O'DONNELL CONTINUES AS HER GAME TOO PLAYER ADVOCATE

By Faye Hackwell

Richard O’Donnell says he is proud to be continuing to support Her Game Too as a Player Advocate at Blackpool FC.

The goalkeeper became the campaign’s first ever Player Advocate at Rochdale FC in September 2022 and, after transferring to Blackpool last summer, has announced he will continue to represent Her Game Too at the League One side.

The 35-year old played for Chesterfield, Walsall, Wigan, Bristol City and Bradford City, before moving to The Seasiders following Rochdale’s relegation to the National League at the end of last season.

He led the way in becoming the first player to step forward and take on an official role with Her Game Too at Rochdale, and players at clubs including Everton, Bradford City, Gillingham, Hartlepool United, Accrington Stanley and Northampton Town have since followed in his footsteps by becoming Player Advocates.

He said: “Having a little girl, a wife, a mum – a lot of important women in my life – I thought it was something that I wanted to do.

“I was the first player to be a Player Advocate and there are quite a few who have followed now, so it’s something I’m proud to do and I’ll try to get involved where I can.”

Blackpool partnered with Her Game Too in June last year, as part of the club’s aim to actively promote females getting involved in playing, coaching and supporting football.

Her Game Too’s Blackpool Ambassador Clare Percival said: “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Rich to the Her Game Too team as a Player Advocate at Blackpool.

“I’m looking forward to working with him, and continuing my work at the club, to further promote inclusion in football, including planning events and initiatives helping women and girls to feel welcome and included at the club.”