Fridays has today announced that it will be joining forces with Southampton Women’s Football Club, becoming the club’s first ever Official partner and back of shirt sponsor for the 2021/2022 season.
The collaboration will also include match day experiences, player appearances and official merchandise.
The news comes ahead of Saints’ first pre-season friendly this evening against Southampton Women reserves at Snows Stadium. After being granted promotion to the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier at the end of the 2020/21, the team will kick off their season at home against MK Dons on Sunday 15th August.
Fridays recent investment into the women’s game through principal partnership of Hashtag United Women’s Football Club and sleeve sponsorship of WSL team Birmingham City Women’s Football Club is part of the group’s commitment to positively campaign and raise awareness of women in sport as well as growth of the women’s game.
Dan Staples, Chief Marketing Officer at Fridays, said, “This is a perfect partnership for Fridays in so many ways. A match up of the iconic red and white stripes, the popularity of our two restaurants in the city and above all, the huge ambition Southampton FC Women have following their recent promotion.
'We are very excited to see Fridays on the back of the team shirts and we can’t wait to work closely with everyone at Southampton FC to help raise the profile of the women’s game.”
Sarah Batters, Director of Marketing & Partnerships at Southampton Football Club, added, “We are delighted to be partnering with Fridays in what is a very exciting time for Southampton FC Women, as they continue their journey towards the highest levels of women’s football.
'Fridays is already a popular destination in Southampton and today’s announcement affirms the restaurant chain’s commitment to the city to help drive the profile of women’s football. We’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership that celebrates that Fridays feeling, seven days a week.”