By Mark Baber
June 9- With women’s football reaching new heights of popularity, the timing of Monday’s announcement that the FA Women’s Cup, described by the FA as “the most popular cup competition in female football,” will be sponsored by energy firm SSE was immaculate.
The women’s tournament has gone the way of the men’s in agreeing a title sponsorship for the first time with the FA hailing “a landmark moment in the history of women’s football with the first ever major sponsorship of the Women’s FA Cup competition.”
Heather Rabbatts, FA Board member & Chair of the Inclusion Advisory Board, commented on the new deal saying, “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, commented: “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.”
The tournament which will now be named “The SSE Women’s FA Cup” has seen 259 teams entering the 2014-15 edition and this season’s final between Chelsea Ladies and Notts County Ladies on August 1st will take place at Wembley Stadium for the first time.