In a landmark move for women’s sports in Scotland, Barclays has officially become the title sponsor for the Scottish Women’s Championship and League One, ushering in a new era of investment and support for the game.
This partnership marks a significant milestone, as Barclays is the first-ever title sponsor for these leagues, which serve as a vital link between grassroots football and the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL).
The sponsorship will provide unprecedented financial backing over the next three years, enhancing the visibility and aspirations of female athletes across Scotland.
The Championship and League One represent a critical pathway for regional teams, with the top performers gaining promotion to the higher tiers of women’s football.
Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Barclays' pivotal role in advancing women’s football in England.
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"Barclays have played such a pivotal role in the growth of the women’s game south of the border, so it is an exciting moment to welcome their backing for SWF’s ongoing development of the pyramid structure in Scotland," she said.
“The Championship and League One became national leagues to keep up with the astonishing growth in women’s football in Scotland, to help improve the standard of grassroots football and provide a route for clubs to realise their aspirations to play in the Premier Leagues.
“As a first-ever title sponsor, the support of Barclays will further raise the aspirations and visibility of the women who play in these leagues, with a knock-on benefit for all of women’s football in Scotland.”
Tom Corbett, Head of Sponsorship at Barclays, noted the bank's long-standing commitment to football, stating, “Barclays has a well-established and purposeful relationship with football spanning over two decades.
"From the 23-year long relationship with the Premier League to the biggest investment into women’s sport ever by a brand back in 2019 when we became the first title sponsor of what is now the Barclays Women’s Super League.
“This partnership is another great step forward in strengthening our support of the football pyramid across the UK, and we are excited to work alongside Scottish Women’s Football to help the growth of the women’s game in Scotland.”
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Koral Anderson, Head of Transformation for Barclays UK and Scotland Site Lead said: “As one of Scotland’s largest financial services companies, I am proud that Barclays are extending our football sponsorship into Scotland.
"Based from our flagship campus in Glasgow, we are committed to supporting thriving local communities through access to sport and are excited to play our part in growing gender diversity in the game.”
To celebrate the new partnership and preview the upcoming season, representatives from Scottish Women’s Football and Barclays gathered with players from the 23 teams competing in the leagues at the new Barclays campus on the banks of the Clyde.
Here are the fixtures for the opening weekend:
Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship
Dryburgh Athletic v Westdyke
East Fife v Stirling University
Stenhousemuir v Falkirk
Forfar Farmington v Renfrew Ladies
Glasgow Girls & Women v Morton
Hutchison Vale v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Barclays Scottish Women’s League One:
Armadale Thistle v St Mirren
Bonnyrigg Rose v Queen of the South
Dundee West v Kilwinning FA
Dunipace v Inverurie Locos Works
Edinburgh Caledonia v Giffnock Soccer Centre
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