In this special feature you can hear from nine of the many fantastic women that make our club the brilliant place that it is. The interviews were conducted by Her Game Too HUFC ahead of the first dedicated #HerGameToo match on 11th March 2023. HUST are proud to reprint the replies here in support of HGT and to amplify their message. Enjoy!
—————
Hannah Anderson
What is your role at the club / during matches?
I work full-time at HUFC as Business and Commercial Support.
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
I’ve worked at Pools for 6 months now. I started in September 2022.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Both the build-up to match day and match days themselves. We work hard throughout the weeks to make sure each match day runs as smoothly as possible and it is brilliant to see all of the work, from Hospitality, Ticketing, to the Club Shop all come to fruition when the turnstiles open and fans make their way into the ground. It’s also amazing to see the ground bouncing on a match day and seeing how much this club means to the fans. To be part of this club is incredible.
What issues have you had to face during your job?
A mix of social media and sexist comments.
Social media, especially if we have lost a game can be quite difficult to look at, so I personally have taken a step back from it.
I have been asked things like what the ‘real’ reason I am working for the football club is and if I really do ‘know the offside rule.’ I am working in football for the love of the game and my job!
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
I think it’s brilliant. Everyone should have the opportunity to do what they love without being criticised or mocked for it.
Women and girls should be able to play, watch and voice their opinion on football without being the victims of abuse.
—————
Katie Armstrong
What is your role at the club / during matches?
Bar manager / licensee
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
I’ve worked at the club since August 2021
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job has to be the fans! I love being there for the highs and lows, feeling like we are a little family.
What issues have you had to face during your job?
I have had to face a lot of abuse from customers, as well as getting in the middle of fights, including with people who didn’t think I should be in the position I am today.
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
I fully support the Her Game Too campaign, I think that women and girls having equal involvement is amazing! Football has always been a sport mainly associated with men but this is now changing and for the better!
—————
Julie Brazell
What is your role at the club / during matches?
Bar Supervisor / Drain person
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
I’ve worked at the club a year and a half.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job has to be all of it! I love working with the team that we have (staff here, not just the players!)
What issues have you had to face during your job?
There is a lot! Unhappy customers, pumps playing up when they feel like it, some days it can be stressful but that just comes with working so many bars.
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
I think Her Game Too is a good thing to have for some people!
Working at the club and being surrounded by both female fans and workers it’s hard to believe people are out there against women playing football.
—————
Mandy Eaton
What is your role at the club / during matches?
Stand supervisor or response depending where I am positioned on the day.
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
I’ve worked at the club for three years.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is working with good friends and having good relationships with others and chats with the public.
What issues have you had to face during your job?
I have been physically threatened numerous times. It can be hard when fans blame stewards and security when they are just doing their jobs as requested.
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
I find it shocking people do not think women should be there, it’s not just a sport for males!
—————
Michelle Goldsbrough
What is your role at the club / during matches?
Response security during the game and door supervisor at Bar 1908 post match.
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
I’ve worked at the club around a year and a half.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is meeting new people, seeing their passion for the game and more so their dedication to HUFC.
What issues have you had to face during your job?
I have encountered aggression towards myself and our staff who are trying their best to ensure a safe game. I have been subjected to verbal abuse and been spat at during the course of my duties.
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
Her Game Too is a fantastic approach to modern day equalities and allowing women in football the same opportunity to be involved in the game. People of any identity should feel safe and welcome at the game. It’s everyone’s game too!
—————
Sarah Rowntree
What is your role at the club / during matches?
Retail and Ticket Manager / Supporter Liaison Officer / Disability Liaison Officer
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
On and off for 20 years (three stints at the club). Started on the turnstiles when I was at college and progressed from there into a full time role in October 2003. Had 13 years at the club in my first role, then had a period with HUCSF before returning again in April 2022.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part is selecting merchandise for the club shop and seeing the fans responses, and being involved in initiatives which encourage younger fans such as those on grassroots days.
What issues have you had to face during your job?
Personally, my biggest issue is social media. We understand the frustrations, especially when results aren’t going our way, and when we (the staff) are doing our best it’s hard to take the negative comments directed at us.
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
#HerGameToo is a brilliant initiative! It’s so important for girls to feel safe, welcome and included at football (speaking as a mum, football fan and employee.) Unfortunately there is still a lot of negativity towards women in football but this is a huge step towards eradicating it.
—————
Dawn Stuart
What is your role at the club / during matches?
Ticketing and retail, also secretary for Hartlepool United Women FC.
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
I’ve worked at the club for 7 years.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is interacting with fans.
What issues have you had to face during your job?
Being customer facing you do sometimes tend to have the fans frustrations taken out on you (verbally) – especially if the team aren’t doing well.
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
AMAZING CAMPAIGN!!
It’s helping promote the women’s game and put a spotlight on all fantastic women who work in football, be it with the men’s or women’s clubs. We appreciate the support HGT is giving to our grassroots girls teams locally too.
—————
Beth Sutheran
What is your role at the club / during matches?
Bar supervisor
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
I’ve worked at the club a year.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I love working with the girls that I do, we always have fun as it is such a good work atmosphere!
What issues have you had to face during your job?
Unfortunately, I have had to encounter abuse from fans.
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
I think it’s a great campaign to get everyone involved in football within the community.
—————
Claire Williamson
What is your role at the club / during matches?
Bar Staff
How long have you worked at the club or on match days?
I’ve worked at the club for two seasons.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I love the social aspect and have made some great friends along the way, which is a nice bonus.
What issues have you had to face during your job?
An issue I have faced is made to feel like I am only a ‘barmaid!’
What is your opinion on the Her Game Too campaign?
I think Her Game Too is great to make people more aware of equality within sport, especially with the upcoming generation.