Three new clubs added to the Singapore Women's Premier League, with the league securing a landmark sponsorship with Deloitte
(From L-R): Albirex Niigata (S) captain Tina Afrida Nasmi, Hougang United player Michelle Lim, Still Aerion captain Stephanie Gigette Dominguez, Tiong Bahru FC vice-captain Raudhah Kamis, Lion City Sailors captain Ernie Sulastri and Balestier Khalsa captain Mastura Jeilani at the Deloitte Women’s Premier League sponsorship ceremony, 4 May 2022.
PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
Singapore, 4 May 2022 – Deloitte Singapore (Deloitte) and Football Association of Singapore (FAS) today announced the resumption of Singapore’s top women’s football competition and unveiled professional services firm Deloitte as its new title sponsor.
The sponsorship marks the first time that Singapore’s top-flight women’s football league will have a title sponsor since its launch in August 2000.
To be known as the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL), the league will return on 28 May 2022 after a two-year pandemic-enforced absence and will feature seven clubs in its 21st season: Albirex Niigata (S), Balestier Khalsa, Hougang United, Lion City Sailors, Tanjong Pagar United, Tiong Bahru and Still Aerion.
Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth with the six WPL footballers. PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
There is also a slice of history for Albirex, Balestier and Hougang, who have followed in the footsteps of their AIA Singapore Premier League counterparts Lion City Sailors and Tanjong Pagar United in incorporating a women’s senior team within their set-up.
Furthermore, with help from the FIFA Covid-19 Relief Plan and the Unleash the Roar! project, all seven clubs will each receive a subsidy and a dedicated training facility respectively.
FAS President Mr Lim Kia Tong said: “The women’s football fraternity has waited patiently for the return of the league, and we are grateful for their continued support.
The FAS has taken the opportunity during this time to evolve the league with an increased number of clubs, a more competitive format and structured support provided for the teams to elevate the standard of football for our local female players.”
Mr Philip Yuen, Chairman, Deloitte Singapore and Mr Lim Kia Tong, FAS President. PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
Deloitte’s three-year sponsorship, with an option for two additional years, will add a more than S$300,000 boost towards elevating the professionalism of the game - a historic feat for the women’s football scene.
Deloitte currently employs several women’s national football players through the Deloitte Ignite athlete career opportunity program, which has seen over 130 athletes work or have worked in Deloitte since 2014.
(From L-R): Hougang United player Michelle Lim, Albirex Niigata (S) captain Tina Afrida Nasmi, Still Aerion captain Stephanie Gigette Dominguez, Lion City Sailors captain Ernie Sulastri, Tiong Bahru FC vice-captain Raudhah Kamis, and Balestier Khalsa captain Mastura Jeilani at the Deloitte Women’s Premier League sponsorship ceremony, 4 May 2022.
PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
As part of this sponsorship, and in line with FAS’ strategic intent in assisting players transition to corporate careers, Deloitte and FAS are in discussions to extend the Deloitte Ignite program for both men and women football players to open the doors to more work opportunities during and after their football careers.
FAS President Mr Lim added: “We are pleased to have Deloitte on board as the new title sponsor of the WPL. Deloitte has shown commitment in improving the landscape of local sport and we are delighted to have them support women’s football. We believe that this sponsorship will not only elevate but evolve women’s football and increase interest in the sport from the grassroots to the elite level.”
Mr Philip Yuen, Chairman, Deloitte Singapore and Mr Lim Kia Tong, FAS President. PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
Clubs will also undergo a licensing programme, as announced at the Women’s Football Conference 2022, to fulfil five pillars of sporting, infrastructure, legal, administration and personnel, and finance to provide stability and structure for staff and players. Clubs will go through a two-year education phase before the system is enforced in 2024.