Jill Scott appointed as chief women’s football advisor as AIG buys stake in Greater Manchester team
Jill Scott has joined Salford City Lionesses as women’s football advisor(Image: Salford City Lionesses via City AM)
Insurance giant AIG has become the first Fortune 500 company to acquire a stake in an English women’s football club with its investment in Salford City Lionesses.
The move represents a further deepening of the existing partnership between AIG and Salford City, the club co-owned by former Manchester United legends Gary Neville and David Beckham.
AIG took a stake in Salford City last year and swiftly became its largest shareholder. The firm also holds front-of-shirt, training kit and stadium sponsorship rights at the club.
In a separate announcement, England star-turned-media pundit Jill Scott has been appointed as Salford’s chief women’s football advisor.
“We are incredibly grateful to AIG for their commitment to Salford City and this amazing investment in the Lionesses,” said Neville, as reported by City AM.
“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.”
AIG president Eric Andersen said: “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.”
The partnership with the insurer – a sponsor of Manchester United during Neville and Beckham’s playing days at the club – will also see Salford City don a change strip in “AIG blue”.
Neither the financial terms of the agreement nor the extent of AIG’s shareholding in Salford City Lionesses have been made public.
Scott’s appointment comes despite her playing career with Manchester City and deepens her ties to Neville, alongside whom she appears on the Stick To Football YouTube show.
Salford City Lionesses have yet to replicate the men’s side’s rise into the professional game and presently compete in the fifth tier of English women’s football.
“I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this new role, helping to drive the Lionesses forward and achieve our powerful ambitions,” said Scott.
“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.”
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