Barclays, a leading global financial services provider, has announced a significant three-year partnership to become the title sponsor of the Scottish Women’s Championship and League One.
This landmark deal has marked the first time these leagues have secured a title sponsor, underscoring the rapid growth and increasing prominence of women’s football in Scotland.
The partnership signifies a substantial investment in developing women’s football at a crucial level. By aligning itself with the Scottish Women’s Championship and League One, Barclays aims to elevate the profile of these competitions, inspire the next generation of female footballers, and contribute to the overall growth of the women’s game in Scotland.
Scottish Women’s Football CEO, Aileen Campbell expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “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.
“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, added, “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.”
Koral Anderson, Head of Transformation for Barclays UK and Scotland Site Lead, shared, “As one of Scotland’s largest financial services companies, I am proud that Barclays are extending our football sponsorship into Scotland. Based on 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.”
The sponsorship is expected to have a far-reaching impact on women’s football in Scotland, providing increased resources, visibility, and opportunities for players and clubs. Barclays will play a pivotal role in supporting the development of grassroots talent and creating a pathway for players to progress to the top tier of the women’s game.
Barclays is a British multinational bank headquartered in London. With a history spanning over 325 years, the bank offers a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions worldwide. Barclays operates in over 40 countries and is a global leader in the financial services industry. Barclays’ existing sponsorship of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Championship in England, demonstrates the financial institution’s commitment to women’s football across the United Kingdom.
The Scottish Women’s Championship and League One form the third and fourth tiers of women’s football in Scotland. These leagues play a crucial role in developing women’s football talent and providing a pathway for clubs to progress to the higher divisions.