Scottish women’s soccer powers forward with another new partnership

The authorities in Scottish women’s soccer remain very focused on growing the game further as they join forces to announce another huge partnership deal.

Scottish Womens Football (SWF) and the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) have linked up with energy company ScottishPower in a significant new partnership. In an obvious nod of recognition to the sponsor, the new deal is described as being dedicated to energizing women’s soccer at every age and stage.

It comes just after the end of a SWPL season which provided plenty of adrenaline, passion and energy as it hurtled towards a dramatic conclusion and title race. This season also saw record attendance at matches, new TV coverage and a rapid rise in interest in women’s soccer in Scotland. We’ve also just seen two First Point League Cup finals following another exciting partnership this year between SWF and Firstpoint USA providing development opportunities for players at US universities.

This new partnership is powerful in more ways than just the sponsor’s business. It comes at the right time to help continue the great momentum gained so far this year into next season. Its structure and aims are such that it will be focussed across the women’s game overall, covering the top professional league players through to younger girls, with an added focus for those playing in more remote communities.

In addition to working closely with SWF and SWPL to drive initiatives to support and develop players’ current and future, ScottishPower will also sponsor the Scottish Youth Challenge Cups across all three age levels and the Scottish Women’s Highlands and Islands League.

Scottish women’s soccer is delighted by the deal

Naturally, all three partners were very excited by the news. Vivienne MacLaren, Chair of SWF shared her views on Twitter describing this as a landmark partnership.

Fiona McIntyre, Managing Director of the SWPL was also delighted.

"“We are delighted with the fantastic commitment ScottishPower has shown to the SWPL, and our clubs and players, through this significant investment into the women’s game overall. This Principal Partnership is a triumph of collaboration connecting all parts of the girls’ and women’s game, and we are excited to work together to push boundaries and take the SWPL and women’s football in Scotland to new levels over the coming years”"

Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower emphasised the key points about the reach this deal would have across Scotland for women’s soccer players at all levels and of all ages.

"“As a business, we’re committed to promoting equality at all levels and I’m delighted that we’re supporting girls and women in our communities the length and breadth of the country to access and benefit from sport.”“We want to energise women’s football for both current and future generations and build a community of players that inspire even more people to play and enjoy the game.”"

It’s fantastic to see continued support for women’s soccer everywhere, but particularly in Scotland. Soccer authorities and officials are often criticized for decisions and approaches taken, but there seems to be a fresh breath of air in Scotland for women.  Both the SWF and SWPL are directly focused on their clubs, players, supporters and on growing the game for now and the future. Some might think they could teach the men’s authorities a thing or two!

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