SSE Airtricity Sponsorship to add WNL until 2022

It’s finally some good news for Irish Soccer with the news of the renewal of SSE Airtricity’s title sponsorship of the League of Ireland for the next two seasons including the addition of the Women’s National League to their portfolio.

There had been much speculation that the renewable energy provider would join the list of corporate partners who would end their relationship with the under pressure national governing body after their recent public governance issues.

The renewal of this deal will be seen as a very positive first step for new appointees Mark Scanlon, the League of Ireland’s new Director, and Jonathan Hill, the new CEO of the association who are both entering their first league season after being appointed late in 2020 to their respective roles.

It’s a big step forward for the profile of the domestic women’s league also with the same title sponsor as the men’s competition for the first time in the eight season history of the Women’s National League.

This announcement from the FAI recognises the importance of both the women’s and men’s games; and demonstrates SSE Airtricity’s commitment to supporting clubs and communities across the country.

Welcoming this support of the Women’s game and Irish football in general, FAI Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Hill said: “We are delighted that not only will SSE Airtricity continue as title sponsor for the League of Ireland for a 12th season but they have also extended their sponsorship deal to include the Women’s National League. The double sponsorship announcement today is testament to the future direction of our domestic game and a significant boost for our League football infrastructure.

“SSE Airtricity’s commitment to Women’s football will come as no surprise to those who know how quickly our Women’s game is growing and how much growth is still to come, not just at the highest level but at every age group in Ireland. SSE Airtricity’s sponsorship to date set the standard and now they have raised the bar again with this agreement. We look forward to working with everyone at SSE Airtricity ahead of the new season in March and I thank them for their ongoing and significant support for Irish football.”

Klair Neenan, SSE Airtricity Managing Director said: “We’re delighted to renew our sponsorship of the SSE Airtricity League ahead of what will be our 12th season and we’re particularly proud today to be unveiled as title sponsor of the SSE Airtricity Women’s League. SSE Airtricity’s commitment to the Women’s National League is demonstrative of the growing interest in the women’s game in Ireland. Our commitment comes at a crucial time in its development. Football clubs sit at the heart of their communities and by working closely with the FAI we believe this partnership can be a key to increasing participation, development and the wider visibility of the women’s game in Ireland.”