Page 6 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.12 2021-22

New title sponsor for SWPL

Park’s Motor Group have been confirmed as the sponsor of the Scottish Women’s Premier League
(SWPL) for the 2021-22 season as part of an exciting new commercial agreement for the league.
The deal ensures the continuation of a headline sponsor for the top women’s league in Scotland.
Scottish Women’s Football’s (SWF) Chief Executive Officer, Aileen Campbell, said: “This is
a positive development for the girls’ and women’s game. Since my arrival as CEO, I know how
important commercial income is to ensure we continue to grow the game and this deal is another
step forward.
“This deal is a further sign that the game here in Scotland is deserving of recognition and
investment. This will be the fifth continuous season that the SWPL has had a title sponsor. I want
to thank all those involved in our game for helping make that possible and for continuing to help
us grow and develop the sport we all love.”
Park’s Motor Group’s Marketing Director, Graeme Park, said: “We are delighted to be
supporting the women’s game at this exciting time. Park’s has a rich history within the men’s
game, with our coaches being used by many teams across the years as well as providing
sponsorship and support to many clubs. We’re excited to be extending our involvement in Scottish
football and helping to further grow the national game.”
SWF Chair, Vivienne MacLaren, added: “This is a historic moment for SWF, the SWPL, and
the entire game. To have a brand such as Park’s Motor Group show their support to girls’ and
women’s football in Scotland is a sign of the work that has been done and the progress we plan to
make.
“The COVID pandemic was difficult for everyone and I’m sure many had concerns about
the momentum of the game. However, today’s deal showcases that the Scottish game is more
attractive to commercial sponsors and partners than ever before.”
(scotwomensfootball.com)
Female-only coaching courses thriving
The Irish FA Foundation’s female-only coaching courses are proving to be extremely popular
across Northern Ireland. This year has seen the biggest uptake to date for courses where only
women and girls take part. Five female-only National Coaching Certificate (formerly Level 1)
courses have been staged so far – and that’s a new record.
In the early part of 2021 three courses were run under strict Covid protocols, which meant
there had to be a blended approach to their delivery.
There were virtual settings for the theory elements of the courses, with practical sessions
taking place a few months later, followed by further practical sessions in August held at the
National Football Stadium at Windsor Park over a three-day period.
More recently NCC courses for women and girls were delivered at Crewe United’s ground
in Glenavy, Co Antrim, in September (24 participants) and the Bawnacre Centre in Irvinestown,
Co Fermanagh, in October (18 participants).
Irish FA Foundation Girls Participation Officer Clare Carson explained: “Given the growth
of the women’s game in Northern Ireland we know that more people getting involved in a coaching
capacity is vital for female clubs.
“In delivering five female-only National Coaching Certificate courses over the past 10
months, alongside our Education Officers and Regional Grassroots Development Officers, we have
shown we are keen to provide opportunities for females to go in to coaching roles and to support
the development of female clubs.”
Stephen Erskine, Irish FA Foundation Regional Grassroots Development Officer in the
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area, said: “It’s fantastic to see the uptake and interest in
these courses, especially in our area.
“It was the first female-only course to be delivered in Fermanagh and Omagh and it
attracted a lot of interest. It not only highlighted the ongoing development of female football
within our area but also the need to provide courses for females.”
Issue no. 12 - 18 November 2021 womenssoccerscene@mail.com