Energy company SSE has agreed a deal with the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Women’s Football governing bodies to become the first major sponsor of women’s football in the country.
The agreement names SSE as an official partner of Scotland’s women’s national team. SSE will also take on naming rights to club tournament the Scottish Women’s Cup.
Terms of the agreement were not released, although Scottish newspaper The Herald said SSE would be making a “six-figure” commitment over a four-year term.
The partnership will commence ahead of this year’s Scottish Women’s Cup final on November 6. For the first time, the winner of the cup will receive prize money. The total prize money available will be extended to the earlier rounds of next year’s competition.
"We would like to thank SSE for its investment, which will significantly help us to realise our aim of ensuring every girl or woman who wants to play football has the opportunity," Viv McLaren, joint chair of the SWF, said.
The partnership is the first sponsorship deal agreed jointly by the SFA and the SWF.
On Friday, Scotland qualified for the Uefa Women’s Euro 2017 national team event. The tournament, which will take place in the Netherlands, will mark the country’s first-ever appearance at a major women’s championship.