Salford City Welcomes Jill Scott As Chief Women’s Football Advisor

Salford City Football Club has welcomed Jill Scott MBE as its new Chief Women’s Football Advisor.

The club has also announced that American International Group, Inc. (AIG), has reached an agreement in principle to become the largest minority equity investor in the Salford City Lionesses and long-term commercial partner.

England legend Jill Scott joins the club as Chief Women’s Football Advisor, where she will play a key role in shaping the technical programme for the Lionesses and Academy teams while supporting the development of players and coaching staff across the club.

Jill’s personal experience of transitioning from grassroots football to the professional game will be harnessed to inspire the next generation of women, girls and boys in Salford and Greater Manchester.

AIG’s investment in the Lionesses would make it the first Fortune 500 company to take an ownership stake in a UK women’s football club, marking a major step forward in the long-term vision and growth potential of Salford City Lionesses.

Together, AIG and the club seek to reimagine the possibilities for women’s football, create pathways for women and girls across local communities, and develop a roadmap for success, on and off the pitch.

AIG’s investment in the women’s team aims to facilitate the development of a bespoke programme and environment for women athletes, with a commitment to shared facilities across the club and more games for the Lionesses at AIG Stadium.

Salford City Football Club has also announced AIG’s expanded brand visibility across the club including the official front-of-shirt, stadium naming rights, training kit and Financial Services partner designation, underlining its long-term strategic commitment to Salford City.

In recognition of the strategic relationship between the club and AIG, the Men’s Team, the Lionesses and the Academy will debut a new kit this season in “AIG blue”.

Jill Scott, Chief Women’s Football Advisor, Salford City Lionesses, said: “I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this new role, helping to drive the Lionesses forward and achieve our powerful ambitions.

“With the backing and knowledge of AIG, and a team of passionate, talented people at Salford, I have no doubt that the years ahead will be some of our most memorable yet!”

Eric Andersen, President & Chief Executive ​Officer, ​AIG, ​added: “At ​AIG, we ​are proud to ​expand our commitment ​to Salford City ​ahead of this exciting next stage of growth. 

“​Our interest in supporting the Lionesses reflects AIG’s long-term commitment to advancing opportunities for women in business, sport and society, building on our investment in The AIG Women’s Open, which has elevated women’s professional golf.

“We’re excited to support the creation of professional opportunities and career pathways for the Salford City Lionesses, on and off the pitch.”

Gary Neville, Co-Owner at Salford City FC, said: “We are incredibly grateful to AIG for their commitment to Salford City and this amazing investment in the Lionesses. We’re fortunate to have the backing of a world-class brand, which will be right behind our Women’s and Men’s teams in their next chapter.”

Images: Salford City FC