Arnold Clark sponsors new international women’s football tournament

By Tom Sharpe

20 December 2021

Arnold Clark has secured title sponsorship of a new international women’s football tournament set to feature four of the world's top 10 teams.

Current Olympic champions Canada will join England, Germany and Spain to compete in the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup in February next year, with more than half of tickets priced at £10 or under to ensure maximum accessibility for fans.

The tournament will take place across three matchdays and a total of six matches held at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, Norwich City’s Carrow Road and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux and screened live on ITV.

England will kick-off their tournament against Canada, in Middlesbrough, on February 17.

England striker and 2021 Ballon d’Or nominee, Fran Kirby, said: “As a team, you want to test yourself against the best in the world and win trophies. That’s our clear goal for the tournament.”

“We’re buzzing to take on three of the world’s best sides at home. Canada are reigning Olympic Champions, Spain have some outstanding players in their squad, and obviously it doesn’t get much bigger an occasion than England v Germany.

“It’s a special opportunity to play world-class opposition in front of our supporters, so we’ll be determined to be firing on all cylinders.”

Commenting on the significance of Arnold Clark’s sponsorship of the new tournament in a year that will also see England play host to the Women’s UEFA Euros football tournament, group chief executive and managing director, Eddie Hawthorne, said: “We’re delighted to launch the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup, and it’s been a real pleasure to work with Pitch International on this project.

“It’s a bold and exciting event and we believe that this will become a highlight of the sporting calendar for years to come.

“Football is something that brings the whole community together. We’re delighted to give fans the opportunity to see these great international players and inspire future stars live in their hometowns for a great price.”