In the first of a new weekly roundup, SMS’ special advisor for women’s sport, Sue Anstiss MBE, explores the developments that are making her excited in the unstoppable rise of women’s sport.
1. THE HUNDRED PUT WOMEN FIRST
Great to see the ECB announce that the very first match of The Hundred this summer (the new 100 ball format) will be a women’s match. The ECB hope to sell-out The Oval for the competition’s opening night on July 21.
2. FEMALE INVESTORS
Hot on the heels of Serena Williams & Naomi Osaka investing in US football teams, Chelsea Clinton & Jenna Bush Hager are investing in the NWSL team Washington Spirit.
3. NETBALL BACK ON OUR SCREENS
Congratulations to everyone behind the superb coverage of the Vitality Netball Super League being broadcast on Sky Sports (and free on YouTube).
4. WORLD CUP 2023
Congratulations to Jane Fernandez & Jane Patterson appointed new COOs for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 in Australia & New Zealand.
5. CELEBRATING JILL SCOTT
Great to see Jill Scott achieve 150 caps for England, when the Lionesses beat Northern Ireland 6:0 under interim boss Hege Riise.
6. NEW FORMAT SIX NATIONS
The rescheduled 2021 Women’s Six Nations Championships will run from April 3 in a new condensed format, with a final on April 24. Great way to celebrate my birthday.
