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On International Women’s Day 2024, Women in Football – the leading organisation driving gender equality in the game – announces the EFL as its newest corporate member.

As part of the new three-year partnership, the EFL will establish two new education programmes for female staff across both the league and its clubs, one focusing on development and the second on leadership.  

The programmes – supported and delivered by tutors within the Women in Football network – will provide expert support, guidance and develop a network of women working across the EFL. The aim is that the programmes will support female staff while creating an inclusive environment to challenge the under-representation of women within the football industry. 

Women in Football is a network of more than 9,000 professionals working in and around the football industry who support and champion their peers and aim to celebrate women’s achievements, challenge discrimination, and share professional expertise. 

While the EFL’s corporate membership of Women in Football is a historic first in establishing a formal partnership, the two organisations have enjoyed a productive working relationship in recent years. 

Women in Football has been a key equality stakeholder since the launch of the EFL’s Together Strategy in 2022, with WIF board member Lungi Macebo sitting on the EFL’s Together Advisory Panel. 

 

Role models

EFL Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion David McArdle said: “This is an exciting step for the league’s equality journey, and we are delighted to establish the partnership with Women in Football, delivering upon our commitment to provide everyone with opportunities to succeed. 

“On International Women’s Day, it is important that football celebrates women doing great things across our game and we hope this partnership will allow the league and our clubs to establish yet more role models for seasons to come. Equality is at the top of our agenda, today and every day.” 

Women in Football CEO Yvonne Harrison said: "As the oldest professional football league in the world, the EFL is a deeply respected and influential organisation. Becoming a corporate member of Women in Football shows that the EFL is also fully committed to progress on gender equality and a fairer future for the game. 

"We couldn't be happier to welcome the EFL to WIF's stable of prestigious corporate members, and we're excited to be working with them on these two development programmes for female employees, which we know will represent a huge step forward towards equality." 

The EFL’s corporate membership with Women in Football will commence immediately as the first year of the partnership term, with the programmes set to begin in September this year. 

Women in Football’s Corporate Membership programme offers organisations a bespoke package of practical support to become fully gender-inclusive employers. Other members include Sky Sports, the Premier League, Brentford FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Manchester City FC (through City Football Group).

More about the Corporate Membership programme

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