SHAAP extend partnership with Scottish Women’s Football to support girls’ youth game

Partnership of Royal Colleges and alcohol experts, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), have renewed their partnership with Scottish Women’s Football for the 2022/23 season.

The renewal will see the new National Academy Programme renamed the SHAAP National Academy Programme – the elite competitive league with top clubs designed to nurture the best talent in the country.

Since 2019, Scottish Women’s Football have been proud to partner with SHAAP, supporting their mission of raising awareness of the impact of alcohol-related harm on the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland through an evidence-based approach.

The partnership, which has been renewed as part of Women and Girls in Sport Week, reinforces Scottish Women’s Football’s commitment to promote a healthy and active lifestyle amongst its clubs, players, coaches and volunteers.

Scottish Women’s Football chair Vivienne MacLaren said: “Scottish Women’s Football takes the health and welfare of our players extremely seriously, and I’m proud of our stance when it comes to avoiding sponsorship from alcohol or gambling brands.

“The National Academy Programme exists to provide the best opportunities for the most talented players, and I believe they should be supported to be healthy and well and make the best decisions as they rise to the top. This partnership allows us to highlight that.”

Scottish Women’s Football Wellbeing and Protection Manager, Ann Jane Malloy said: “The National Academy Programme is tremendously exciting thing for a young person to be involved in and clubs are asked to support players and their performance on the pitch as well as look after their wellbeing needs off it.  These girls are the next generation of talent, and such a partnership allows us to promote positive messages around their health and wellbeing.”

Scottish Women’s Football Operations Manager, Kirsty Fowler said: “The NAP seeks to develop the potential of players in our youth performance leagues and aims to support the wider network of coaches and staff.  This partnership will also help us to engage and develop coaches to help them support the players and encourage and promote healthy lifestyle choices.”

Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, SHAAP Chair said: “SHAAP are very proud to be sponsors of the National Academy Programme. Sport should be associated with and inspire good health and team spirit, and should not be used as a marketing tool for harmful products. SHAAP are pleased to support Scottish Women’s Football, given their stance on rejecting alcohol sponsorship.

“We are calling on the Scottish Government to implement a total ban on alcohol sponsorship of sport, in order to protect the health of the Scottish nation, and we are delighted to be working with Scottish Women’s Football on this.”

Find out more about SHAAP at www.shaap.org.uk.

The National Academy Programme was launched in July to replace the Performance league.