Five Women’s Sport Teams Collaborate On New Partnership

A group of London and Essex based sports clubs have announced their collaboration as part of a new Women’s Elite Sport Partnership.

The five clubs, comprising Barclays FA Women’s Super League side West Ham United, Vitality Superleague team London Pulse, cricket side Sunrisers (along with partners Essex Cricket and Middlesex Cricket), and Women’s Basketball League sides Essex Rebels and London Lions, will aim to create new opportunities for clubs to work together in a bid to sustain the development of women’s sport in the UK.

The group say they have formed the partnership following in-depth analysis of the challenges facing women in sport, They aim to progress elite women’s sport ‘in a sustainable fashion’, working together around ‘engagement, performance and commercial activity’.

“Despite 2020 being a really challenging year for sports across the globe, women’s football is gaining huge momentum and we are looking to build on this in 2021, through this fantastic partnership,” said Jack Sullivan, Managing Director, West Ham United.

“The collaboration is a great opportunity for us to help each other grow and in turn, we hope that the fans of each team will support us all on this journey. Over time, we hope to welcome even more elite teams across England, giving everyone the same unique opportunity to work collaboratively together.

“The club and I are really excited about this partnership and look forward to growing women’s sport further, as we look towards the future.”

Sam Bird, CEO and Director of Netball, London Pulse, added: “Our vision for London Pulse is to lead the explosive growth of netball for all in London and the South East – connecting with communities and clubs to play, watch and enjoy our sport at all levels.

“We are committed to finding and developing talented athletes through our performance pathway to the Vitality Netball Superleague and beyond.

“This collaboration with fellow elite women’s teams is an exciting step to share best practice, support each other and aid visibility of female sporting icons in our region.”