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Her Game Too have today announced its newest member, welcoming Fiona Brook as its Ambassador for Stevenage Football Club.
From seeing her side almost drop out of the Football League all together, to being the first ever side to win a cup final at the new Wembley Stadium, Fiona has certainly, like most of us, been put through the ringer by her football club.
Her first memory of football takes her back to the London Borough of Enfield, where she lived growing up, and how she developed a love for playing on the pitch, watching the game and a good strong tackle!
“My first memory was being about five or six and wanting to play with the boys in the football area we had where we lived.“
“I grew up in care and whatever the boys liked to play, so did I. So they did eventually let me play and that’s where my love for the game started.“
“My first memory of watching football was going to watch Enfield play when I was about nine or 10. I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the crunching tackles - I love a strong tackle!”
After spending much of her early days watching Tottenham Hotspur, Fiona then upped sticks and moved out to Hertfordshire, where Stevenage Borough became her team.
“I was introduced to Spurs who I supported for many years before moving to Stevenage, having a family and being introduced to Stevenage Borough FC over 30 years ago.“
“I found my place, it's like home. 30-odd years later I still love going.“
“Being introduced to our women's team a few years ago then added a new venture; we fundraise, we support and we feel connected.“
“It's the best feeling watching and being part of Stevenage’s men's and women's communities.”
Stevenage have been on quite the journey, including their historic FA Cup run in 2011/12, which saw them earn a 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at their home ground, the Lamex Stadium, before taking the lead in the replay at White Hart Lane, where they eventually succumbed to a 3-1 defeat.
“The highlights of supporting Stevenage have been watching us get promoted into the Football League in 2009/10, after being denied 10 years previously.“
“Being the first team to win a cup final at the new Wembley was pretty special and promotion from League Two was also one of the best feelings.“
“The worst feeling was seeing our club almost going out of business and our chairman stepping in and stabilising the club.”
Having joined Her Game Too as an Ambassador, Fiona is keen to encourage women to feel safe and included at Stevenage.
“This new Ambassador role is so important to me.“
“I've been one of just a few women at Borough for a lot of years before other women started attending regularly.“
“Feeling welcome has always been so important for me and encouraging women to attend and feel welcome is something I'd like to see happening more.“
“Our club is welcoming and friendly, which is a good start.“
“I want to ensure football is a safe place for everyone and for women especially to feel confident to come and experience the joy I have had the honour of experiencing.“
“Football should be for everyone and everyone is welcome at both the men’s and women’s games at Stevenage.“
“My aim is to encourage women and girls who watch or play for us to feel part of what is so wonderful at our club, and to help identify and support local pubs where women can go and enjoy football and a pint without abuse or fear.“
“I’ll also be working closely with the club to promote Her Game Too through an effective partnership and I am also keen to support the club where required to promote the women's game and to aim for better support and equity for our women's team.”
Fiona is excited about the future of Her Game Too, as the campaign continues to grow.
“I would like Her Game Too to be recognised and respected throughout all of football and to be a point of contact and support to our football clubs whenever needed.“
