The National Lottery has pledged its support to Great Britain women’s football at this year’s rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The partnership and investment, overseen by the FA which is coordinating the GB team this summer, will involve a range of content opportunities. National Lottery players will also benefit from tickets to events and unique opportunities with the GB women’s football team.
The National Lottery will also arrange a home international match immediately prior to the team’s departure to Japan, giving fans a chance to see players in action ahead of the Olympics.
Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston, explained: “The National Lottery and our elite sporting success go hand in hand – both are part of a great British success story that is both admired and envied around the world. I’m delighted that the National Lottery is providing further support to give the GB Women’s Football team a strong opportunity for medal success in Tokyo this summer.”
The National Lottery has a strong background in women’s football at a grassroots level, having made a £1 million contribution to the participation legacy of the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2022.
The Camelot-owned National Lottery has also played a role in supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes since the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
“We would like to thank National Lottery players for their support for our Olympics campaign,” the FA’s Director of Women’s Football, Sue Campbell, commented.
“The funding provided will make a huge difference to our preparations for the tournament. In sport, where even marginal gains can have a significant impact on a team’s chances of success, the National Lottery support really could make all the difference. We are very grateful for the generosity of everyone whose contributions have made this possible.”
The National Lottery confirmed that money for the initiatives is provided by a National Lottery fund. It is not being funded by money allocated for National Lottery Good Causes or by Camelot.
Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, added: “Every day, the National Lottery and its players make a huge difference to communities across the UK – and have been doing so since 1994.
“This inventive partnership demonstrates how, by working together, we can have a real impact on a sport and boost the chances of gold in Tokyo. With the four nations coming together to form one team, this is something all National Lottery players can be proud to support and cheer on in the summer.”
