Ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day, Brentford has renewed its pledge to support women and girls in football across a range of different initiatives in the coming months.

Brentford’s ongoing focus on equality and inclusion through its club-wide #BeeTogether programme will continue with projects planned to promote women’s football; to work with fans to consider the matchday experience from a female perspective; to encourage allyship; and to get more girls and women playing football.

As part of this, the Bees will use this weekend’s match against Newcastle United to highlight their backing of HerGameToo – an organisation initially set up last year by 12 passionate female football fans who are campaigning to eradicate sexism from football. Pre-match interviews will take place pitchside to highlight their work, with the #HerGameToo message featuring on the big screens and LED boards.

Brentford fan Alison Mullaley has been announced as HerGameToo’s ambassador to help promote the project. She commented on her hopes for the relationship.

“I’m thrilled that Brentford Football Club have committed to pledging their support to HerGameToo as part of their ongoing commitment to being an inclusive club and helping promote football as a game for all," she said. "As Brentford fans, this should really be a proud day for all of us.”

Brentford is also calling on female supporters and male allies to join a new fan focus group to improve the experience at Brentford Community Stadium for women and girls. The feedback from the discussions will help raise awareness of issues and prioritise improvements. The first meeting of the group will take place in March and anyone interested in joining should get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Sally Stephens, Fan and Community Relations Director encouraged fans to get involved. “It felt apt that we kick-off these discussions around International Women’s Day," said Sally. "Our aim is to make our Club and our stadium welcoming to women and girls alike all year round. To do that, we need ideas, support and energy from our fans alongside our own commitment and resources. Our call goes out to men too – with their backing as allies, we can do so much more.”

This follows the Club’s announcement last week encouraging a record crowd to come along to support Brentford FC Women as they face Sport London e Benfica on Sunday 6 March at Bedfont Sports Club. Those attending will have the chance to take a photo with the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final Trophy, meet Club Ambassadors Marcus Gayle and Lisa Grant and take part in a complimentary raffle for a signed shirt. It is free to attend and we are asking those interested in coming along to sign up in advance at brentfordfc.com/fixtures/Register/.

The opportunities to celebrate the very best of women’s football here in Brentford will continue into July when we will be hosting four games for the UEFA Women’s EUROs. Some of Europe’s top sides will be in action with Denmark, Germany and Spain scheduled to play their Group B matches in west London. We will also host a Quarter Final tie, that may involve England if they finish second in Group A.

Stephens outlined the desire for the EUROs to be a catalyst to get more people playing football locally. “We want to build a lasting legacy for local women and girls in sport from the UEFA Women’s EUROs," she added. "Through Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, we have a range of programmes open to women and girls to get involved whatever their footballing experience.”

To show your support for women and girls in football and join the discussion on social please use #BeeTogether and #HerGameToo.

Fans who witness or experience any form of discriminatory behaviour should use the reporting textline on matchdays:

For those wanting to join the women’s fan focus group, please email us at [email protected] by Thursday, 3 March.