With the Women’s FA Cup games running alongside the Men’s over the weekend, Actonians LFC Club Chairwoman Linda Fox used the opportunity to bring attention to the “huge gap” between the Men’s and Women’s prize money.
“Even with the prize money increase this season, the gap is still huge! I really hope this continues to narrow and that the smaller independent clubs like ours can really benefit from that”, Actonians LFC Club chairwoman Linda Fox told Park Life Sport.
Actonians LFC progressed to the Women’s FA Cup Third Round receiving a sum of £2,000 however, their male counterparts will receive eight times more than that with £67,000 for achieving the same feat.
Regardless of the prize money, a good cup run for any lower league side can significantly boost coffers as well as raise the profile of clubs who are often overlooked at the bottom of the footballing pyramid.
“The FA Cup has huge benefits for smaller clubs, increased exposure is one, and the excitement of potentially getting a big name draw but prize money is still the biggest one and for teams like us, incredibly important.
“The prize money is crucial to help keep clubs afloat and pays for things like pitch fees, kit and coach hire”, Fox added.
Despite, Newcastle Ladies demonstrating the rising interest for women’s football on the weekend showcasing a Women’s FA Cup record attendance, the argument still continues that the women’s game isn’t worth equal prize money because the men’s game attracts and bring in more revenue.
If this wasn’t enough, the Lionesses triumphant victory in the Women’s Euros this year showed the increasing worth of the women’s game with record-breaking attendances and viewing figures.
Although, the FA came to an agreement to increase the Women’s FA Cup prize money this season following extensive fan campaigning – there is still a staggering drop compared to the men’s competition.
This year more than ever the women’s game has proven they deserve greater investment and as calls for equal pay grow louder, it is only a matter of time until their voices are heard.
