All Up For The New Cup

Last updated : 03 August 2022 By ed_Scottish Fitba
C:WindowsTempphpB5DC.tmpAhead of the 150th anniversary of the national game, and the 50th anniversary of the first-ever official Scotland Women’s National Team match, against England, the SFA announced it will launch an ambitious new national women’s cup competition this season, with both semi-finals and the final taking place in 2023 at Scotland’s National Stadium, Hampden Park. Discussions will move at pace with participating clubs, broadcast partners and sponsors to provide a compelling national cup competition commensurate with the new-look Scottish Women’s Premier League competitions as we enter a new, professional era for our domestic game.

The governing body launched its bespoke women’s football strategy, Accelerate Our Game, in 2021, with the vision to harness the power of women’s football, by changing perceptions, and empowering people to inspire the nation, transform lives and build an inclusive, respected and successful game. Already, Hampden Park has become the new home of the SWNT, the domestic league has been revolutionised in a collaborative process involving the Scottish FA, SPFL and Scottish Women’s Football, whilst the football development team have rolled-out the UEFA Playmakers participation programme in partnership with Disney.

Ian Maxwell, SFA Chief Executive: "This has been a momentous week for women’s football across Europe due to the record-breaking success of the UEFA Women’s EUROS. My congratulations go to the Lionesses and the friends and colleagues at the English FA for the historic achievement. The power of football has no border, and we will be inspired by the achievements of the Lionesses, just as many girls and women in Scotland will have been inspired by the players on show throughout the tournament. I know this will also refocus the efforts of Pedro Martinez-Losa and his players to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup. The creation of a new national cup competition is another significant step forward for women’s football in Scotland and we look forward to working with clubs, broadcast and commercial partners to create something special 50 years on from the first-ever SWNT match and as we look forward to celebrating 150 years of our national game. I would like to thank SWF for their drive in helping to raise the standards of girls’ and women’s football and look forward to working collaboratively with SWF and the SWPL with the common aim of enabling every girl and woman in Scotland to access our national game and realise their dreams within it."

Fiona McIntyre, SWPL Managing Director and outgoing SFA Head of Girls’ and Women’s Football, said: "This announcement is another significant milestone on an exciting journey for women’s football at elite level in Scotland. Tomorrow, we will formally launch the new SWPL, complete with new brand identity and vision, ahead of the weekend’s kick-off. At a time when Scottish football prepares to celebrate its rich history, both in the men’s and women’s games, it is appropriate that we commit collectively to bold new competitions that reflect the progress and ambitions for women’s football. Having witnessed England’s success in the UEFA Women’s EURO final, and worked closely with European football’s governing body to implement their learnings and best practice across my remit at the SFA and now SWPL, I believe today’s announcement is another monumental moment for women’s football in Scotland."

Vivienne MacLaren, Chair of Scottish Women’s Football, said: "We all want the same thing – the progression of women’s football in Scotland. There have been some really positive steps taken across the game and it’s important we capitalise on the collective enthusiasm and momentum. We are proud to have played our part and will continue to do so, in partnership with the SFA, SWPL and anyone who has the best interests of the sport we all love at heart."

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