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Women in Football's lead partner Barclays has made a key pledge to kick off WIF's brand new #GetOnside campaign – at the same time as celebrating 20 years' involvement in football.

As part of #GetOnside Barclays has vowed to provide a career development day to support the progress of women in the football industry.

Meanwhile, the kick-off of the 2021-22 season marks two decades since Barclays first linked up with the men's Premier League in England, initially as title sponsor and latterly as official banking partner.

Over that period the competition has become established as the most watched sports league in the world. Barclays-supported programmes such as LifeSkills and Spaces for Sport have made a difference to the everyday lives of fans and communities.

Along with its support for WIF and the Premier League Barclays recently became the first title sponsor of the FA Women's Super League (FAWSL) and is driving a major initiative to give girls in England equal access to football in schools in the next three years.

Tom Corbett, Head of Sponsorship and Media at Barclays, said: "Over the past 20 years Barclays has supported the women's and men's games in many ways, on and off the pitch. So we're thrilled to be backing the #GetOnside campaign as it launches today."

 

Positive impact

The FAWSL sponsorship deal has helped to establish the first fully professional women's league in Europe, with world-class players joining English clubs, watched by record-breaking audiences.

And the event pledged for #GetOnside promises to provide a wealth of support for women building careers off the pitch.

Tom added: "Alongside our ongoing support for Women in Football, Barclays will be making a #GetOnside pledge of our own. Early next year we'll launch a career development day for women working in football, providing insight, inspiration and development opportunities to help overcome the barriers they face in their professional lives.

"We look forward to seeing the pledges come in from other organisations as the campaign moves forward – and their tangible positive impact for women playing and working in football."

Women in Football's CEO Jane Purdon added: "All of us at WIF are grateful for the support of Barclays and extend our congratulations on 20 years of involvement in the game and investment in its communities.

"Barclays' commitment to football has enabled many positive changes and we look forward to many more."

Find out more about #GetOnside and how to make a pledge

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