SWINDON Town Ladies general manager Roger Reeves has welcomed the cash injection from new FA Women’s Cup sponsor SSE.

A seven-figure sum will be committed to the women’s game in England, with the funding ring-fenced to create a UK-wide programme of girls-only football activity.

The four-year deal means the final, which takes place at Wembley Stadium for the first time on August 1, will be called the SSE Women’s FA Cup Final.

The partnership between the FA and SSE will help support the continued work of the Football Association to transform the grassroots provision of women’s football.

Reeves was unsure on the impact of the deal on Swindon Town’s finances, but believes any increase in funding is good for the club and the game as a whole, with the profile of both increasing.

“You can never have too much money - there’s always plenty of things that we need coaches, travel expenses, etcetera,” said Reeves.

“With the World Cup being on, it increases the exposure for women’s game and I hope it’s a successful World Cup.

“I think things are picking up for women’s football. We’ve got the Super League now, which has two divisions and six divisions in the Premier League – that’s 72 clubs playing at a good standard.”

FA board member and chair of the inclusion advisory board Heather Rabbatts CBE said: “The FA is committed to ensuring that women’s football gets the status and investment it deserves.

“Similarly at grassroots, we as an organisation are committed to ensuring that there are access points for girls and women to enjoy the game across all levels and abilities. “The buzz of anticipation around the FIFA Women’s World Cup is testimony to the appeal of the game.

“This agreement with SSE meets both these ambitions and gives us the opportunity to build on all that we have already achieved. Dreaming of playing at Wembley in the SSE Women’s FA Cup Final can now be a reality for girls too.”