STEVENAGE FC DUO BECOME HER GAME TOO PLAYER ADVOCATES

Stevenage FC’s Dan Kemp and Lucy Webster are the latest footballers to pledge their support for the campaign by becoming Her Game Too Player Advocates. 

Their commitment reinforces the club’s stance against sexism and dedication to making football welcoming for all.

Midfielder Dan, who signed for Stevenage from MK Dons last summer, expressed his excitement about the female game’s progress, highlighting how Her Game Too helps to grow women’s football by increasing engagement and making fixtures more widely known. 

“I think it’s massive because it gets women’s football out to the wider community and helps through engagement, which is huge for the women’s game,” he said. 

He believes more clubs should invest in creating women’s teams, as it strengthens the game and provides more opportunities for female players. 

“Encouraging more clubs to actually have a women’s team is important. Not every club has one, but investing in a women’s team encourages the sport to grow,” he added. 

Dan began his career in the youth set-ups at Chelsea and West Ham and he shared the personal impact his mother had on his journey, recognising her sacrifices in supporting his football career. 

“My mum has always been really close to me. She made sacrifices from a young age, driving me up and down the country to play football. She’s been a massive figure in my life.” 

Dan offered words of encouragement to young girls looking to get into football, urging them to follow their passion and not be discouraged by negative voices. 

“Football has always been and always will be a universal sport. If you love something, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”

Lucy captains Stevenage FC Women, who play in the Eastern Regional Women’s Football League.

Stevenage FC Women were created in 2019 as part of a renaming of Stevenage Ladies FC - a side that initially linked with Stevenage FC in 2014 in a move driven by Stevenage FC Foundation’s increased work in female football in the local community.

Lucy spoke about the importance of normalising football for young girls, reflecting on her own experience of being the only girl in a boys' team for ten years. 

“I love the idea of youngsters growing up in a world where football is the norm,” she said.

“When I grew up, I was the only girl in a boys’ team, so I think it’s great for young girls to have people to look up to.”

She sees Her Game Too as a major force in changing perceptions, with matchdays reinforcing respect for women in football. 

“Everyone really knows what Her Game Too is now, which is a massive step forward. 

“On matchdays it’s great to see people respect the fact that women play football.” 

Lucy credited her mother for instilling in her the belief that she could achieve anything.

“My mum was an independent woman who taught me that girls can do whatever they want. 

“She made sure I had the same opportunities as my brother, without restrictions.”

Encouraging young girls to take the leap into football despite any initial nerves, Lucy said: “Just do it. There are going to be nerves and obstacles, but the friendships and opportunities you gain through football are huge.”

Fiona Brook, Stevenage FC’s Her Game Too Ambassador, welcomed the addition of Dan and Lucy as Her Game Too Player Advocates. 

She emphasized that having both a men’s and women’s team representative involved sends a strong message about the club’s commitment to equality. 

“I’m really excited to have two Player Advocates supporting the work being done by myself as Ambassador and by Stevenage Football Club. 

“Her Game Too provides the structure to help educate and promote the message that football is for everyone and to eradicate the sexism and discrimination women face.

“Having both Dan and Lucy involved sends a strong message that Stevenage FC and Stevenage FC Women fully support Her Game Too. 

“They’re prepared to work towards improving opportunities for women in sport and being the voices within their teams to drive this forward.”

Stevenage FC are dedicating their League One fixture against Mansfield Town at the Lamex Stadium on Saturday, 8 March to Her Game Too.