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

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
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