BT has announced that more than 1000 pubs across the nation have signed up to their BT Red Lioness pledge.

Launched in November of last year, the pledge aims to inspire pubs, bars, clubs and hotels across the country by opening their doors to women's football; screening matches live from the FA WSL to England Lionesses, in the hopes of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for women's football fans.

Just today, Stonegate Pub Company announced that it is committing 150 of its pub to the pledge, following last night's screening of Japan v England in the SheBelieves Cup, joined by Arsenal and England legend Rachel Yankee.

Sports Marketing Manager of Stonegate, Stephen Cooper, said: "Sport is our true passion and we’re committed to providing the ultimate venues for fans to watch their favourite games.

"We’ve also pledged to drive our own support for women’s sport in pubs, by inviting our managers to commit to the Red Lioness pledge in partnership with BT.

"This means that each of our pubs will be going the extra mile to get behind the Women’s Super League and England Women’s Team – it’s fantastic to see so many partners join the cause. We can’t wait to get behind the Lionesses."

Commercial Customers Director at BT Sport, Bruce Cuthbert, is urging even more pubs to join the pledge.

"Women’s football is a great opportunity for pubs and clubs to appeal to as wide an audience as possible," he said.

Independent pub The Sibthorpe Arms has experienced first-hand the positive impact open your doors to women's football can have.

"The Red Lioness is a really positive initiative, it shows that football is not just about the men and that the women are doing great things too.

"We show the games and have developed a solid fan base for it.”

BT themselves have shown their continued commitment to showing women's football live. In fact, this season will see them stream at least 30 games from the Lionesses to the WSL and domestic cups.

Anyone wanting to commit to the pledge is urged to visit btsportprint.co.uk/redlioness.

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