Chelsea Women Donate Wsl Prize Money To Charity Refuge

Chelsea have announced that they will donate the prize money for winning the Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) to UK charity Refuge.

The club – which was announced as the winner of the WSL after the season was curtailed and placings were confirmed on a points-per-game basis – says it will donate the £100,000 prize to the domestic abuse charity, a move it confirms was agreed by Chelsea Football Club and the Chelsea FC Women’s team.

“It’s a charity that’s close to the hearts and minds of the Women’s team, and is very important to our owner Mr Abramovich and everyone at the club,” Chelsea Women’s first team coach Emma Hayes said. “It makes me proud our club is supporting those less fortunate in times of need.

“Up until now our involvement was about supporting the campaign publicly with a call to action but we all wanted to do more than that and if donating our prize money can ease some of the concerns and worries people have then it’s the least we can do.

“It’s an important message. It’s a campaign that’s really dear to us and the best way we can demonstrate our support further is by committing our prize money towards it and helping those in need.”

Chelsea have highlighted reports which indicate that incidents of domestic abuse have increased during the lockdown period, and have also encouraged fans to make their own donations to the charity. The WSL champions have also committed to matching any donation made with a further financial contribution.

Sandra Horley, CBE, Chief Executive of Refuge, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Chelsea Women. Refuge has seen a huge increase in demand to its Helpline and website services during Covid-19 which has shone a light on the thousands of women who need our support across the country right now.

“We are incredibly grateful to Chelsea Women for not only shining a light on domestic abuse, but also supporting us with a significant financial commitment – this is an incredible gesture.”

The club says the donation is a continuation of its ongoing support for the charity, which began in April 2020.