Wiltshire County FA Women’s Cup Semi-Final Action
This weekend’s semi-final action in the Wiltshire County FA Women’s Cup has seen Wootton Bassett Town Ladies win away to Swindon Spitfires FC Women and a defeat for FC Chippenham Youth Ladies against Swindon Town Women FC.
Mark Young, Football Development Manager at Wiltshire FA said “Our Women’s Cup attracts the highest placed women’s teams in Wiltshire, and we have seen some quality football throughout the competition as the teams have fought for their places in the next round. We are looking forward to the final battle between Wootton Bassett Town Ladies and Swindon Town Women FC later this season.”
Wiltshire County FA Women’s and Girls’ Cups are sponsored by Corsham Print Ltd a local print, design and website company that has been supporting grassroots football in Wiltshire for the past 40 years.
Mark continues, “We are looking forward to working with Corsham Print, it is great to have a sponsor for our rapidly growing Women’s and Girls cup competitions.”
Driven by The FA, County FA’s, Clubs, Leagues and the education sector, women’s and girls’ football has progressed dramatically over the past couple of years with the development of more girls’ football opportunities, talent pathways and high quality, competitive environments in the women’s game.
Martin Clist, Business Development Manager at Corsham Print said “We have supported grassroots football in Wiltshire for many years and we are keen to extend our support to the Women’s and Girls’ game. Last summer the Women’s World Cup had a huge impact on the public’s perception of women’s football, the Lionesses inspired the nation, they have created a legacy which can be built on.
“We want to support the growth of grassroots football and female participation in Wiltshire, so more girls and women have the opportunity to be a part of the game."
The FA have stated since the Women’s World Cup 2019 in France there are over 850,000 more committed female participants. The FA Gameplan for Growth is on track to double the number of players and fans in the women’s game by 2020. Participation already had an increase of 13% in Season 17/18 and is on track to double from 6000 affiliated teams in Season 16/17 to 12,000 by the end of 2020.
The plan is also on track to double the fan base by increasing attendances and viewing, the Women’s World Cup saw television figures reaching record levels for women’s games on terrestrial television and with the Lionesses currently being ranked second in the world women’s football in England is showing consistent success on a world stage.
Mark comments, “We have seen the female game grow in popularity to be the top participation game for women and girls and we want to continue to support this growth and challenge the way things presently are in football.
As a County FA we are striving to ensure women and girls are welcomed and valued in every area of the sport, so we truly reflect our aim to offer a game for all.”
Wiltshire FA is a not-for-profit organisation which re-invests all funds back into grassroots football. The sponsorship from Corsham Print Ltd will contribute to the development of more opportunities for people to get involved in football and Wiltshire FA’s impact in the County.
Manager of FC Chippenham Youth Ladies, Chloè Monk said “We have had a good cup run this season, I couldn’t be prouder of the ladies’ work ethic and attitudes. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the outcome we wanted against Swindon Town Women in the semi-finals despite the effort of the team however it was nice to see them enjoying their football again and coming off at the end with smiles on their faces knowing they had done well!
We wish both teams the best of luck for the finals.”
The final of the Wiltshire County FA Women’s Cup, Wootton Bassett Town Ladies v Swindon Town Women FC will be held in March 2020.
