SWF: SHAAP National Academy Programme

In March 2019 SHAAP was delighted to form a sponsorship agreement with Scottish Women's Football (SWF) for the National Performance League and the NPL Cup for 2019 and 2020, which is the elite level for girls’ football in Scotland. It is the first Scottish football body to be sponsored by an organisation which promotes actions to reduce and prevent alcohol harm. SWF does not accept sponsorship from gambling or alcohol organisations and SHAAP is proud to be associated with an organisation that actively works to promote sport and healthy living choices for young women and girls. Read the joint press release issued by SWF and SHAAP on 7th March at Hampden Park.

Eric Carlin and young women footballers celebrate the partnership between SHAAP (Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems) and Scottish Women's Football to sponsor the SHAAP National Performance League Under 19s and Under 15s.

In November 2021, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) and Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) announced a further season of partnership as SHAAP confirmed sponsorship of the SWF National Performance League for season 21/22. With SHAAP’s support, the league enables youth players to aim towards senior and elite performance.

There are currently no legislative restrictions on alcohol sports sponsorship in the UK and alcohol marketing is self-regulated by the alcohol industry. Research has shown that children exposed to alcohol advertising are more likely to start drinking at a younger age, and drink more heavily in later life. There is also evidence to suggest that people in recovery from alcohol dependence find the easy availability and regular marketing of alcohol a risk to their recovery. The current approach to self-regulation does not do enough to protect children and young people and other vulnerable people from the influence of the alcohol industry.

In October 2022, SHAAP renewed their partnership with Scottish Women’s Football for the 2022/23 season. The renewal will see the new National Academy Programme renamed the SHAAP National Academy Programme – the elite competitive league with top clubs designed to nurture the best talent in the country.

The partnership, which has been renewed as part of Women and Girls in Sport Week, reinforces Scottish Women’s Football’s commitment to promote a healthy and active lifestyle amongst its clubs, players, coaches and volunteers.