Chelsea to donate Women's Super League Prize Money to Charity

Chelsea Women have announced that their prize money for winning the FA Women's Super League will be donated to the charity Refuge.

The charity is in aid of supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse during the current coronavirus pandemic. 

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's team, continues Chelsea’s significant support for the charity that began in April

"It’s a charity that’s close to the hearts and minds of the Women’s team, and is very important to our owner Mr Abramovich and everyone at the club," manager Emma Hayes told the Chelsea website.

"It makes me proud our club is supporting those less fortunate in times of need." 

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 to 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.

‘We are incredibly grateful to Chelsea Women for not only shining a light on domestic abuse, but also supporting us with a significant financial commitment - this is an incredible gesture. Every penny we raise helps Refuge to provide life-saving and life-changing specialist services."

Chelsea were crowned Women's Super League Champions last Friday on a points-per-game basis.