A new funding competition for women’s and girls’ football teams across the Highlands and Islands has been launched with support of ScottishPower.

The leading renewable energy company is the new title sponsor for SWF’s Highlands and Islands league, which kicks off on Sunday, but the competition is open to all grassroots women’s and girls’ clubs across the region.

Four prizes of £1,000 are up for grabs to help clubs tackle key challenges and provide more opportunities for women and girls to play football. Example challenges could include transport to fixtures, new kits, training equipment, upgrades to facilities or coaching expenses.

The competition is the latest initiative in the landmark three-year partnership deal which is dedicated to energising women’s football at every age and stage across the country. ScottishPower will work closely with SWF in supporting the women’s game for both this and future generations by driving equality and diversity all the way from grassroots to elite.

Players from Buckie Ladies, Caithness, Clachnacuddin, Nairn St Ninian, Ross County, Ross and Cromarty and Sutherland attended a photocall in Inverness to launch the competition ahead of International Women’s Day and were joined by Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell and Julie Keough, brand director at principal partner ScottishPower.

Commenting, Aileen Campbell said: “Our Highlands and Islands league is about to kick off its first season with a title sponsor, giving football in the Highlands additional investment and visibility, and it can only grow from here.

“That’s why it’s fantastic to announce even further support from ScottishPower ahead of International Women’s Day. This funding competition recognises the additional challenges that face clubs across the Highlands and Islands, and will support clubs where it is needed most. Good luck to all senior and youth teams who apply.”

Julie Keough, ScottishPower said: “A key aim of our landmark partnership with SWF, and the SWPL, is to energise and empower the women’s game right across the country. That means supporting the creation of opportunities for as many women and girls as possible to play football whether they’re in Boroughmuir or Buckie. We’re incredibly proud to be the first title sponsor of the Highlands & Islands League and are excited to see the competition kick off.

“It is also important to recognise the challenges that clubs out with the central belt can face, particularly when it comes to access to funding, equipment and facilities, and that’s another area where we want to help. The competition prize fund we’re launching in Inverness today will hopefully help to address some of those challenges and support the fantastic growth of the game we’re already seeing across the Highlands & Islands and are excited to be a part of.”

Applications for the fund can be made via the Scottish Women’s Football website.