CAMBRIDGE UNITED DUO BECOME PLAYER ADVOCATES

Cambridge United players Liam Bennett and Glenn McConnell proudly join Her Game Too as Player Advocates, intending to help ensure the local community is a safe and welcoming environment for women and girls to play and watch football.

Their commitment reinforces the club’s strong partnership with the campaign to challenge sexism in sports, which first became official back in 2021.

On his decision to join the campaign, Liam said: “I know as a player that I can have a key voice within the club.

“I feel by me using my voice to express my concerns and help promote Her Game Too, the more I can do to help those around me and the more positive effect that will have on Cambridge United.”

Liam has been inspired by the experiences of his partner and former youth team-mate, Eloise King, to step up as a Player Advocate in support of the campaign to fight against sexism.

“It's something that I've always known that has gone on and I don't feel like it's right.

“It gives me the determination to use my profile as a player to help the cause more positively and help drive change.

“I hope my voice can have an impact on the Cambridge United fans, who will take that positivity into their families and children, and we will see those kids take that into schools.

“The more we can spread the word, the more impact it will have on the local communities, the schools and society going forward, and it’s something we can continue to grow.

“We are going in the right direction; sexism is something that is being highlighted a lot more.

“I want to use the power of my voice by going into schools and football camps and being that face for the club, making memories that will last and helping educate on the issue.”

Fellow Her Game Too Player Advocate Glenn McConnell reflected on the moment that inspired him to support the campaign: “Recently I was doing a player appearance for Cambridge where I was giving a tour around the stadium for some younger people that were in school, and there were a few girls that were a bit younger.

“They were very interested in football, Cambridge United in particular, but when I asked them if they were playing football, they all said no.

“It was quite upsetting to see that although they had a massive interest in football, they weren't pursuing it themselves.

“They said that they felt maybe a bit embarrassed or, they felt like they couldn't do it because of what some people might say.

“Was that right? No. There needs to be some sort of change in mentality.

“I think having Player Advocates means that there's someone for people to look up to, someone that they can aspire to be, whether that be myself or Liam or any of the other Player Advocates.

“I feel like it's just a stepping stone for them to not feel embarrassed, or not feel any sort of way about wanting to become a footballer, so they can pursue their dreams.”

Glenn and Liam will team up with Cambridge United Women’s Manager, Darren Marjoram, and players Alysha Stojko-Down and Lauren Webb to use their platforms to help tackle the stigma surrounding women’s inclusion in sports; both online and at events.

In February, the club dedicated its fixture against Stockport County to Her Game Too to promote inclusivity in sport, inviting a range of grassroots women's and girls' teams to the game at a discounted price.

The players warmed up wearing Her Game Too t-shirts, Cambridge United Emerging Talent Centre's Under-10s played on the pitch during the half-time break, there were fan photo opportunities with the campaign selfie frame and Cambridge United Women centurion Gisela Otten was awarded with a special presentation alongside her team-mates.

Emma Smith has been Cambridge United's Her Game Too Ambassador since 2022 and will work closely with the pair to help promote the campaign at the club and in the local area.

“I’m thrilled that Liam and Glenn have joined my Her Game Too team at the club as Player Advocates.

“To have young professional footballers advocating and supporting the campaign for equality in football is so important.

"Their voices – along with our women’s team's Player and Manager Advocates Lauren, Alysha and Darren – will help elevate the message that football is for all.

“And I thank them for taking this step to support a campaign that is so close to my heart.

"I know they'll do a wonderful job.”

Cambridge United's Her Game Too Ambassador Emma Smith with Darren Marjoram, Anouska Wright, Liam Bennett and Lauren Webb from the club's Her Game Too team.