Our supporters:
SisterShips
Unwelcome Women...
That's how football can make you feel
Women’s football has always been political (small p).
100 years ago, the very act of playing football challenged the social norms, so much so that the then FA banned the women’s game in 1921 (until 1971).
100 years ago, women’s matches raised funds for good causes, be that returning soldiers, women’s organisations or striking miners’ families, the act that was probably the last straw for the authorities.
So we see our #EqualityFC campaign for gender equality in football in that long tradition: Using football as an engine for social change. We are now joining up with like-minded organisations that support women in society.
Lewes FC is offering a place to come together (with discounted match tickets for member groups) and using our network of social media and contacts to promote the fantastic work that SisterShips members do. SisterShips also get £10 off the price of an annual Ownership share in Lewes FC.
A women’s football match is a great place to meet up, network and just relax and have some fun.
Want to know more? Drop Willa a line at Willa@lewesfc.com
Members
Co-Women
"We’re proud to support Lewes FC as pioneers for change, recognising the ongoing need to strive for equality and playing their part by bringing equal pay and benefits to the world of sport. Co-Women, similarly to Lewes FC, believe that equality can be reached without diluting who we are as women or censoring ourselves to fit in. We bring joy to the networking arena for Sussex women in business and we can’t wait to work more closely with Lewes FC in our endeavours to celebrate all women."
Brighton Women's Centre
"BWC is delighted to support Lewes FC in their SisterShip initiative. BWC’s mission is to empower women through reducing gender inequality. Our mission sits perfectly with Lewes FC, the only women’s team in the world to be paid the same as the men. We are thrilled to be working together to make gender equality a reality for women in Sussex."
Rise
"RISE is proud to support Lewes FC and their pioneering Equality FC campaign. As a women’s sector organisation whose principals are rooted in feminism, it is encouraging to see one of our local clubs leading the way in equality standards. We hope to see other football clubs worldwide following suit!"
The Girls Network
"The Girls' Network aims to connect teenage girls with positive female role models. We're so grateful to partner with the wonderful women at Lewes FC, who inspire our girls every day!"
Filia
"FiLiA recognises the stance Lewes FC has taken in respect of the inequalities that exist within the sport, in particular equal pay, literally flying in the face of over 100 years of inequalities - being the first ever club to pay the same rate to both men’s and women’s teams. It sends a clear message that equal pay is not only long overdue and something to aim for, but is possible now. FiLiA looks forward to supporting the club in its future endeavours in addressing inequity within the sport in its broadest context."
Lewes Women In Business
“As a not-for-profit community organisation ourselves, LWB is proud to support Lewes FC. We believe equality in sport is spearheading greater equality across the board, with direct benefits for all women running their own business.”
Oasis Project
"Oasis Project works throughout East Sussex to give help and hope to women, children and families affected by drug and alcohol problems. We feel a natural kinship with Lewes FC and the Equality FC campaign and are delighted to be aboard the Sistership! May the journey be plain sailing with a nice bit of tail-wind!"
The Old Market - Reigning Women Season
"Reigning Women is delighted to be part of the SisterShip! We’re in awe of the work that Lewes FC is doing to challenge inequality in football, and are proud to be partnering up with them for The Old Market's Reigning Women season. Here’s to many more years of partnership and support!"
Survivors Network
“Our core values at Survivors’ Network include Empowerment, Feminism and Commitment to Equality. The amazing work done by Lewes FC to lead the way in celebrating, uplifting and encouraging women fits these values perfectly, and we are proud to work alongside them to continue the fight for equality.”
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
"ESFRS works in partnership with local organisations who strengthen the choices for females in our community, by working together to drive an inclusive culture & promote gender equality."
University Of Sussex - Active Us
“Active US and Sussexsport are constantly impressed and inspired by the amazing work that Lewes FC has achieved, and continue to achieve, to address inequality in sport. Across the University of Sussex, our US Girls Can campaign empowers women to get active as we strive to reduce the gender gap in sports participation. We are proud to be part of the SisterShip and look to Lewes FC as a campaigning club who lead the way and provide a model of equality to aspire to.”
Sussex Police
"Sussex Police is inspired by the work of Lewes FC and is keen to support its Equality FC campaign, promoting gender equality not only in the local community, but worldwide."
Breast Cancer UK
"Breast Cancer UK raises awareness of the preventable risk factors for breast cancer. We campaign for national policy change to support prevention, and fund scientific research to help improve our understanding of how to stop the disease. We’re excited to join the SisterShip which will help us share our prevention message with more women, empowering them to reduce their risk."
Soroptimist International
"Soroptimist International is a global women's voluntary organisation. Our projects aim to Educate, Empower and Enable women and girls so that they can reach their full potential. The East Grinstead Soroptimist Club stands with Lewes FC to fight inequality both on and off the pitch."
Sisterhood
"We know from experience of working with young girls just how important it is to make sure we provide spaces for girls to thrive, to have their voice heard and equal opportunities. We firmly believe that the road to equality is paved by deeds not words, so we’re extremely proud to partner with Lewes FC who are paving the way forward for equality with their deeds."
Women's Sport Collective
"The Women’s Sport Collective is an inclusive, collaborative network for women working in the sports sector with an ambition to see a gender equal sports industry. We want to ensure that every woman in sport has the chance to flourish and fulfil her potential. Working with Lewes FC is the perfect fit."
Women In Sport
"Women in Sport support everything Lewes FC stand for. We too will continue to campaign for change at both the elite and grassroots, and ensure all women and girls have the opportunity to take part in sport and are inspired to do so."
She Rebel Radio
"Hailed for “counter status quo ideas” & “whole dose of feminine perspective”, She Rebel Radio® the podcast supports women to break unconventional rules and endorses Equality FC in deciding women are worth more and together we can (and will) level the playing field in both business and football."
Gateway Women's Centre
"Gateway Women’s Centre (Off the Fence Trust - Hove) is delighted to support Lewes FC's Sisterships and the #EqualityFC campaign. We champion the achievements of women, challenge gender inequality and support women to overcome difficulties – and so it’s great to stand together with Lewes FC to empower and encourage women in Sussex."
The Women Over Fifty Film Festival
"Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF) is proud to come onboard as a SisterShip member. WOFFF fights ageism and sexism in the film industry and whole-heartedly supports Lewes FC’s fight for gender equality in football."
Nixi Body
“We were so impressed with the amazing work that Lewes FC are doing for women and equality, that we needed to be a part of it! We created NIXI Body to give women the confidence to live their lives without fear of leaks - Let’s work together to give women the confidence to do whatever they want in life!”
The Fawcett Society
"The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading membership charity focused on gender equality and women’s rights. Our research highlights the stark gender inequality in the sporting sector - only 19% of sport CEOs and 15% of sport governing body chairs are women. Change is needed in the sport sector and we are delighted to support." Lewes FC and their work on gender equality in sport
Active Sussex
"Our goal at Active Sussex is to address inequality and empower everyone to be active in a way that works for them. As a likeminded not-for-profit charity, we are delighted to support Lewes FC with their gender equality mission. We applaud them for inspiring more women and girls to not only participate, but become leaders in sport and physical activity."
Intheflow
"Intheflow is on a mission to tackle period poverty, raise awareness around the environmental impacts of traditional period products and fund activism towards gender equality. Since learning about Lewes FC’s efforts towards gender equality, we felt drawn to the sisterships collective - and are proud to join a community of businesses with a core mission to be an influence of positive change. Buy-one-give-one #weareintheflow"
Lewes FC and WFC Volunteers
"We are a dedicated group of volunteers with multiple skills and experience who help the Club both on match days and behind the scenes. From general maintenance, to meeting and greeting our spectators at the Dripping Pan we aim to boost opportunities for social interaction, to forge group identity and give a sense of belonging to everyone."
Glitch
Glitch is committed to making the online space safer for all by ending online abuse – with a priority focus on Black women. We know female footballers experience significant abuse online, and we’re delighted to join the Lewes FC Sisterships as part of our work to change this.
The City Girl Network
The City Girl Network is a mission-driven organisation supporting, connecting and empowering thousands of women living all over the UK. We whole-heartedly support and champion Lewes FCs gender equality mission, as fans of the game and advocates for sport to be accessible to all. It’s an honour to be part of the Sistership.
The Juno Project
We support girls and young women facing challenge to reach their fullest potential, working in a strengths-based way, to nurture self-worth and empower young women to discover their gifts. We are delighted to support Lewes FC, whose campaign for equality in sport inspires us, and will help to create new possibilities for girls and women everywhere.