Manchester City have become the first Women’s Super League team ever to secure an official stadium naming rights deal, with the formerly known Academy ground nowcalled the Joie Stadium.
Unveiling their new stadium partnership with baby gear brand Joie on Thursday, 14 September, Man City‘s Academy Stadium was given its new moniker, making them not only the first purpose-built women’s stadium in the league but the only club to boast an official naming partner.
The new multi-year agreement is an extension of Joie’s current partnership with City’s women’s team which began back in March when the brand was first named as the Club’s Official Family Partner.
Now set to bear their name around their home ground for the foreseeable, the expanded commercial collaboration has arrived just in time for the new WSL season.
Credit: Supplied
The deal comes after City Football Group pledged to “introduce and improve family-friendly services and building on the club’s commitment to delivering the best possible matchday experience for fans of all ages across all stadium facilities.”
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Lionesses Chloe Kelly, Steph Houghton, Demi Stokes and various other City stars were in attendance, with the first-team trio helping cut the giant ribbon to celebrate the newly renamed Joie Stadium on a rainy morning in Manchester.
Opened in 2014 as part of the club’s continued investment into East Manchester and further development of the wider Etihad Campus, the 7,000-capacity stadium is also home to many Elite Development Squad and youth team matches.
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Manchester City Women’s Managing Director, Gavin Makel, said of the unveiling: “It is a further reflection of the importance, growth and commercial appeal of Manchester City Women and the wider women’s game and we are excited to work together with Joie to maximise opportunities for families at our matches.”
As for the company renowned across Europe for the brand of prams, children’s car seats, highchairs and more, Joie’s senior MD David Welsh added: “We believe that football offers an unforgettable experience for families and by partnering with Manchester City Women…We aim to make it truly accessible for all – whether that’s families with babies or parents of older children who will love playing in the Fan Zone.
“We’re incredibly proud of the steps we are making to help provide an all-inclusive experience and are committed to further developing our offer and ensuring that the Joie Stadium is one of the most family-friendly in the Women’s Super League.”
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The Joie logo will be rolled out across stadium assets and during various City Women’s fixtures, with the brand also promising to offer exclusive prizes and experiences to fans alongside creating bespoke content with members of the first team this year.
The 2023/24 WSL season gets underway on Sunday, 1 October with Man City, who came fourth in last year’s tightly-run campaign, playing West Ham away at 1pm. You can the full list of fixtures HERE.
Paul Scholes blasts Ruben Amorim for ‘bull****’ response to Kobbie Mainoo question
Danny Jones
Club legend Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for what he dubbed a “bull****” reaction to a question from a journalist regarding Kobbie Mainoo on Thursday.
The Portuguese coach saw his Premier League win rate clock in at just under 44% (the lowest of any Man United manager for, let’s just say, some time) after the 1-1 home draw against West Ham.
Conceding a late goal against the Irons, who are currently sat in the relegation zone, the Red Devils ultimately dropped another two points against a side that they should be beating, both based on present form and if they have any hopes of competing for the top spots.
Unsurprisingly, Amorim was pressed on why he didn’t make a more offensive substitution to try and claw back the victory, to which he then asked what looked to be a somewhat loaded question and gave this reaction after the response:
The laughter, in particular, hasn’t gone down well with everyone, especially the Class of ’92 graduate and retired midfielder.
Jumping on social media after the quotes from the Amorim press conference were out, Scholes posted on his Instagram story: Bull****. This kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”
He went on to add: “Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now – enough is enough.”
First off, Reds – do you agree?
It isn’t the first time Scholes has levelled criticism at Amorim, his tactics, management and overall coaching style, having said this of their previous appointment at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes on Ruben Amorim's tactics against 10-man Everton which frustrated him 😬 pic.twitter.com/AgsESuH83h
Safe to say he isn’t his biggest supporter at the moment.
Fellow former teammate and England international turned pundit, Gary Neville, was also left not just confused but frustrated by the performance, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview that he noted the camera picking up “real dejection” on the faces of the fans after the full-time whistle.
With an away trip against Wolves, a home match against Bournemouth, as well as travelling to face high-flying European place competitors, Aston Villa, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the results will pan out.
You can see the highlights from Man United vs West Ham down below.
How many points do you see them picking up over the next four fixtures?
BBC releases first look of new drama series based on inspirational journey of England men’s football team
Emily Sergeant
First look images of a new BBC drama series based on award-winning play Dear England have been released.
The four-part series based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play of the same name tells the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team journey to renewed success, and it’s set to air on BBC One and iPlayer next year.
Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews.
The stage play premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for ‘Best New Play’, and enjoying a sell-out run in 2023 before it returned to the National Theatre earlier this year and then embarked on a national tour.
The first look images of new BBC series Dear England have been released / Credit: BBC
With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.
The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?
Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate in the new series.
Joseph Fiennes will star as former manager Gareth Southgate / Credit: BBC
The first look pictures see Fiennes in his role for the first time in scenes depicting England’s triumphant Euro 2024 Semi-Final celebrations, where the men’s team reached their first final of a major tournament on foreign soil.
Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland the former assistant manager, whilst Will Antenbring stars as Harry Kane, joined by an ensemble cast of upcoming actors as the rest of the team.
Among the squad cast is Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd, who are all reprising their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli.
Danny Jones -
14th September 2023 
