Sse Backs Women’s FA Cup

The Football Association has announced British energy firm SSE as the first title sponsor of the Women’s FA Cup in a four-year deal.

The agreement marks the first time the women’s football tournament has had a major sponsor and means the cup will be known as the SSE Women’s FA Cup, starting with this year’s final.

The seven-figure deal includes a commitment from SSE to invest in the women’s game, with certain funding ring-fenced to create a country-wide programme of girls-only football around FA Women’s Cup events.

The final is set to take place at Wembley Stadium on 1st August, a day before the FA Community Shield. The final will be contested between Notts County Ladies and Chelsea Ladies.

Heather Rabbatts, FA board member & chair of the inclusion advisory board said: “The FA is committed to ensuring that women’s football gets the status and investment it deserves – the buzz of anticipation around the FIFA Women’s World Cup is testimony to the appeal of the game.

“Similarly at grassroots, we as an organisation are committed to ensuring that there are access points for girls and women to enjoy the game across all levels and abilities. This agreement with SSE meets both these ambitions and gives us the opportunity to build on all that we have already achieved. Dreaming of playing at Wembley in the SSE Women’s cup final can now be a reality for girls too. “

Alan Young, SSE managing director of corporate affairs, added: “We’re entering this partnership with one simple ambition – to make a difference to the future of women’s football and sport.

“SSE’s investment will help drive the women’s game forward and together with The FA we will help continue to grow the sport, giving thousands more girls regular access to the beautiful game.”