THE NEW partnership, which will run for three years through to July 2023, will see the world’s best women’s cup competition rebranded and referred to as the Vitality Women’s FA Cup. The relationship officially kicks-off from the start of the quarter finals of the 2019-20 competition, which take place on September 26 – 27.

A peak audience of 2.2m watched Manchester City beat West Ham in last year’s final of the competition, with over 43,000 in attendance at Wembley Stadium.

The announcement reflects Vitality’s continued commitment to women’s sport and to addressing the significant difference that exists in physical activity levels between men and women.

Visibility

Working together with The FA, Vitality will help drive visibility of women’s football and inspire many more girls and women to take up football or other sports and to keep and stay active, in line with its core purpose – to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives.

The Women’s FA Cup is the largest cup competition for female footballers in England, with 376 teams entering this season. The 2020-21 Final is due to be played at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 22 2021.

Kelly Simmons, The FA’s director of the women’s professional game, welcomed the news of the new partnership.

Brand

“I’m delighted that a recognised brand such as Vitality has signed up to partner with us and sponsor such a prestigious competition as the Women’s FA Cup,” she said.

“We recognise that during a very difficult time for everyone, this is a big commitment that Vitality has made in becoming primary sponsor of the Women’s FA Cup, and I’m really looking forward to working with them as we look to grow the competition.

“This partnership not only highlights the affection that so many have for the Women’s FA Cup, but it also demonstrates the growing interest in the women’s game, which is something I know Vitality is keen to develop alongside us.”