Chelsea Women’s prize money donated to Refuge

Chelsea Women’s prize money donated to Refuge – ‘the best way to demonstrate support’ says Emma Hayes

As part of their ongoing campaign with Refuge, Chelsea will be making a further contribution to supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse during the current coronavirus pandemic. The prize money for winning the 2019/20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League is being donated to the charity.

It was announced on Monday that Chelsea had secured the WSL title, based on a points-per-game basis. Emma Hayes and her squad were unbeaten throughout the season and had defeated title rivals in head-to-head games.

The prize for winning the Super League is £100,000 and the donation to Refuge, which was agreed by Chelsea Football Club and the Chelsea FC Women management team, continues Chelsea’s significant support for the charity that began in April.

Reports indicate the current Coivid-19 crisis has led to an increase in domestic abuse incidents due to the periods of isolation and lockdown. UK charity Refuge, the country’s largest single provider of domestic abuse services provides specialist, confidential support to women experiencing domestic abuse. Chelsea Women are proud to have been have at the forefront of promoting the club’s support for Refuge.

‘It’s a charity that’s close to the hearts and minds of the Women’s team,’ Hayes confirms.

‘Up until now our involvement was about supporting the campaign publicly with a call to action but we all wanted to do more than that and if donating our prize money can ease some of the concerns and worries people have then it’s the least we can do.’

‘It’s an important message. It’s a campaign that’s really dear to us and the best way we can demonstrate our support further is by committing our prize money towards it and helping those in need.’

Sandra Horley, CBE, Chief Executive of Refuge said:

‘We are incredibly grateful to Chelsea women. Refuge has seen a huge increase in demand for its Helpline and website services during Covid -19 which has shone a light on the thousands of women who need our support across the country right now.

Chelsea Women have not only helped Refuge raise awareness of domestic abuse, they have also supported us with a significant financial commitment – this is a fantastic gesture.’

‘Every penny we raise helps Refuge to provide life-saving and life-changing specialist services. The Covid-19 crisis has placed a huge financial strain on domestic abuse services and the generous support of Chelsea women will help Refuge to ensure that no woman or child is turned away from safety.’

Spokespeople available on request. Please contact the press office on 0207 395 7731 or email press@refuge.org.uk.