A change within football and 'society itself' lies ahead after the Lionesses were crowned European champs on Sunday, according to AFC Oldham.
The legacy of the Lionesses' Euro 2022 win is expected to stretch far and wide across the country with numerous grassroots clubs outlining an invigorated drive into women's football.
The historical moment has inspired AFC Oldham which announced new official sponsors for its Women's First Team on Monday (August 1) after the spectacular game.
AFC Oldham chairman, Dale Harris, said: “What the Lionesses have managed to achieve is nothing short of incredible.
“Not only have they won the Euro’s but they are the catalyst for change within football.
“This achievement will go down in history for more than the win on the field, I firmly believe it has the potential to create a significant positive impact within the women’s game and society itself.”
The club already has two 'fantastic' women's teams, headed by Andy Steel, but has announced a new partnership agreement with MID Communications for its First Women's Team.
Danny Simpson, CEO of Mid Communications, said the Middleton-based company will be "more than a sponsor" and will work alongside AFC Oldham to "build awareness and opportunities for women and girls to play football locally".
🗞 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
— AFC Oldham 🦉 (@AFCOldham) August 1, 2022
AFC Oldham sign long term deal with local business @MIDCommsUK to further develop our Women & Girls section.⚽️
The deal includes front of shirt sponsor for our Womens 1st Team! 🙌🏻
Read More: https://t.co/BfaJgydYu4#TeamAFCO 🔶 @DannyMIDSimpson pic.twitter.com/YmNpln7HoI
Mr Simpson said the company is looking forward to seeing how the women's teams develop.
"I am sure they will take great inspiration from the recent success of the Lionesses and personally I believe there is no better time to support the women's game", he added.
AFC Oldham is now ramping up its vision for women's football with Mr Harris at the helm.
Mr Harris, who is a director at not-for-profit sports organisation, Dream Big Sports, was voted unanimously at the club’s meeting in July to take the reigns as chairman and has been working hard ever since to propel the club forward.
Mr Harris said: “We acknowledge an area for development for us is a junior pathway for girls, which is why I made creating a new long-term partnership with MID Communications my priority when appointed as Chairman, with the aim of providing solid foundations for us to build off.
Really pleased to be able to announce this long term deal with @MIDCommsUK to develop the women & girls offer at @AFCOldham!
— Dale Harris (@daleharris2203) August 1, 2022
No better time to announce it with @Lionesses success last night. 🏆 🏴
Big thanks to @DannyMIDSimpson for supporting our journey! 🔶⚽️#TeamAFCO🦉 https://t.co/FGiRfFf9JH pic.twitter.com/Hpc5mYnDvW
“Our vision isn’t just to get more women and girls playing football, but to get more females into coaching and volunteering at the club.
“We want every woman and girl in Oldham to know they are welcome at AFC Oldham and who knows, the next Chloe Kelly or Ella Toone may come from our grassroots club.”
The recently appointed chairman said the team is "proud" of its women's teams and believes "we have the right foundations in place at adult level to challenge at the top end of the league table."
He added: “First Team Captain, Lauren Steel-Smith, recently joined the committee as a player liaison officer and I am excited to be working alongside her with her innovative ideas to help grow the women’s game at our club."
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