The FA has launched a new Sister Club programme ahead of the new FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL) season. This programme will replace Arsenal Ladies Club Associate programme which has been operating successfully over the past two seasons.
More than £100,000 has been invested by the FA into the programme, which aims to drive girl’s participation at grassroots level and attendances at FA WSL matches.
Following successful bids, 11 clubs will take part this season – Arsenal Ladies, Birmingham City, Bristol City, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Everton, Notts County, Oxford United, Reading, Sheffield FC, Sunderland and Yeovil.
The Sister Club programme will see girls’ clubs around the country, to become associated with their local FA WSL club. As part of the programme, Sister Clubs will gain access to match tickets, player appearances, coaching sessions, camps and player escort places. The Arsenal Ladies programme offers three levels of association Red, Silver and Platinum.
The 2016 FA WSL season kicks off on Wednesday, March 23 with FA WSL 2 title winners Reading travelling to two-time winners Arsenal for their opener. Last season’s runners-up Manchester City will host Notts County, while Liverpool will face Birmingham City. The following day last season’s FA WSL 1 champions Chelsea will face newly-promoted Doncaster Rovers Belles.
FA head of women’s leagues and competitions, Katie Brazier said: “This programme is a really innovative way to continue building on the league’s success and enable clubs to further grow their fanbases.
“We know that the success of the league in terms of both attendance and quality is driven by strong grassroots support and this programme will allow clubs to build this even further.
“We look forward to welcoming all the Sister Clubs and their players at FA WSL games throughout the season.”
Grassroots clubs who are interested in becoming a Sister Club can find out more information and contact details for programme officers at www.fawsl.com.
Full FA WSL match and ticket information can be found at www.fawsl.com.
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