Over the next few weeks, we will be finding out more about our fabulous OAFC Her Game Too team.
Next up is Sammy. We hope you enjoy reading about how she got into footy and became a Latics fan!
Name: Sammy Dixon
What got you into football?
It goes back to the early 90s and where, not just my love but what some would call an obsession, with the beautiful game started.
I always liked sport but remember being at junior school where there were only eight of us in a class so we played football in PE. We went to a school football tournament and played against others in a mixed team of boys and girls.
My Dad was then asked by the manager of a local team if I wanted to play in the first girls team he was starting up and that's where my love for the game started.
Sammy in her playing days for Hebden Bridge Saints
I played for Hebden Bridge Saints from U8 all the way to being a teenager and my weekends were filled with home and away fixtures with the support of my mum and dad.
I played in the girl's team at high school which led to being a ball girl at Halifax Town and Huddersfield.
I grew up watching Liverpool and Glasgow Rangers thanks to family influences and I came to Boundary Park with a few of my mates who were Latics fans. I loved it. The atmosphere was so much better than Halifax, Huddersfield and Anfield and I was hooked.
That's how I became a blue.
Sammy Keeping warm at Boundary Park
Furthest you have travelled to watch a game?
The furthest I have travelled was to Portsmouth on the official coach when we won 2-1. I wasn't looking forward to the long journey however after the win it was fantastic. We even got to see the Rochdale team at the services on the way back. We sang Oldham songs at them. They laughed it off with us and then chanted Rochdale on their way back to the coach.
Favourite memory as a fan?
I have a couple. Leeds away when Reuben Hazell scored - the first of many epic away games. The nosie was deafening and I knew some Leeds fans who said they stood up and applauded because that goal was so amazing!
The other has to be Fulham away. The fans were amazing. I met loads of new friends and the celebrations went on for ages.
Worst memory as a fan?
When I convinced my dad to come with me to the rearranged Chesterfield match away when we were so close to Wembley. The excitement of almost being at Wembley against a team who we were expected to beat and then losing after hyping it up so dad would come was gutting. My dad didn't come again.
Favourite previous player and why?
Lee Croft. I just thought he was a consistently good player. Some of the balls he used to play for the perfect pass were so impressive. I did get to meet him once and he is a lovely guy
Favourite current player and why?
Harry Vaughan. He's a young player who always tries his best. I can’t really ask for more.
Other hobbies and interests?
I also follow Glasgow Rangers. I spend a lot of time with my family on days out and making memories. Most people would say I am obsessed with sport. Football is my main passion but I will watch any sport.
I volunteered at the Womens Euros and it was fantastic to meet so many people who also love the game. The experience was made even better when we won the whole tournament.
Sammy volunteering at the Womens Euros this year
What do you love about being involved in Her Game Too?
I love that we are making football accessible for all. Meeting other women who love football and understand what it's like to have comments said to them and that we all want to change this is empowering.
Being part of a team who all want the same makes it even more special and I can not wait to meet more fans with the same positive attitude.
Sammy with the rest of The Latics Her Game Too team
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