We can today announce a new landmark investment into the Vitality Women’s FA Cup that will see the competition’s prize fund receive a significant uplift to £3m per year.
The new agreement will be introduced from the start of the 2022-23 season and will see funds spread across each round of the competition, resulting in greater investment across both the women’s professional and grassroots game.
Our Board signed off on the new proposals at a meeting last Thursday, highlighting our commitment in continuing the impressive growth of the women’s football across every level of the game.
The Vitality Women’s FA Cup has grown in stature, with 417 teams entering the competition this season, while interest has significantly increased over the last decade, which resulted in the Final being permanently moved to Wembley Stadium connected by EE in 2015.
And this new financial commitment looks to recognise and acknowledge that increased profile and commercial interest in the competition.
Now that the uplift in prize fund for the Vitality Women’s FA Cup has been agreed, work will begin on how that money is divided and allocated, with the aim being for all clubs that enter the competition to benefit.
One commitment we will be making, is that a disproportionate amount of this new fund will be invested into the early rounds of the competition. This will ensure those clubs further down the pyramid entering those rounds, really feel the benefit of the prize money earned.
Sue Campbell, director of women’s football, said: "I’m delighted to be able to make this announcement of increased funding for the Vitality Women’s FA Cup because it’s going to benefit so many clubs across the women’s football pyramid.
"The FA Cup, whether men’s or women’s, is the biggest and best domestic cup competition in the world, and this increased investment highlights that we want clubs competing in it to be rewarded, while also highlighting our ongoing commitment to the women’s game.
"Women’s football continues to be in a growth phase and we are always looking to make improvements and investment to drive it forward and break new boundaries. This is certainly one of the most pleasing during my time with the organisation, because I know it means so much to so many."
More details will be announced in due course on the structure of the new funding and how it will be distributed across the different stages of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup next season.
Meanwhile, this season’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup is at the quarter-final stage, with the Final to be played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 15 May and tickets are on sale now.
