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By Faye Hackwell
Women and girls will get the opportunity to experience their first football match thanks to a new partnership between Her Game Too and EA Sports.
The partnership will also enable EA Sports FC 25 players to choose a unique Her Game Too kit for their teams to wear within the game - reflecting EA Sports’ commitment to championing females in football.
Through the First Time Fans initiative, groups of women and girls who have yet to experience live football in person will be able to attend designated matches together in the Premier League, English Football League and Women’s Super League, with EA Sports sponsoring the tickets and Her Game Too Ambassadors hosting the attendees.
The first event takes place at Brentford’s GTech Community Stadium on Saturday, when the Bees host Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Her Game Too’s Brentford Ambassador Ali Mullaley, who will host the event, said: “I’m really excited to be introducing eight brand new female fans to the rollercoaster ride that is being a Bees fan!
“All of them have never really had the opportunity to attend a Premier League game before, despite playing football themselves or having other family members who go regularly.
“Let’s hope Bournemouth don’t spoil the party!”
Jenny Schofield, Social Impact Lead at EA SPORTS FC, said: "As long-standing champions of the women's game, we are thrilled to partner with Her Game Too and their First Time Fans programme to provide the opportunity and access for female fans to be introduced to live football for the first time, and to feel confident and safe to attend Premier League, EFL and WSL football games.
“Through our valued football partners in the UK, we have access to match tickets and we want to ensure that we are maximising their usage by offering tickets to fans who may not feel comfortable or welcome to attend football games otherwise.
“EA SPORTS FC is committed to being changemakers for the future of women’s football, both on the virtual and real pitch.
“We similarly recognise the importance of growing the women’s game off the field and we hope that through this partnership we can make a real impact on the future of football fandom."
Her Game Too Cymru experienced success when co-hosting a similar initiative to First Time Fans last year, when a group of South Asian women attended their first match - Wales vs Armenia.
Plans are underway for the initiative to be taken around clubs throughout the football pyramid as the season progresses, with Her Game Too Ambassadors in place as volunteers at the majority of the 92 Premier League and EFL clubs.
Caz May, CEO of Her Game Too, said: “A direct collaboration with a company the size of EA Sports is a huge opportunity for Her Game Too for many reasons.
“We have so many plans that we have been limited on, but the support of EA Sports means we are now able to fulfil our objectives and give more women the opportunity to experience their first game in a safe environment.
“Our joint First Time Fans programme at Brentford is going to be the first of many - we are excited to roll this out across the UK.
“We would like to say a big thank you to EA Sports for their support, and for further enhancing the messaging of Her Game Too and gender equality within the exciting new in-game kit launch.”
Gamers playing EA Sports FC 25 will soon be able to access a special Her Game Too playing kit, which has the campaign’s logo displayed prominently and features vibrant colours celebrating commitment to an inclusive environment.
Caz added: “Join us in wearing the Her Game Too kit and stand for equality and the beauty of diversity in EA Sports FC25.”
Further details of First Time Fans events will be shared with local audiences as they are planned.
