The Football Association has announced that energy firm SSE has become the official sponsor of the Women's FA Cup.

A four-year deal worth seven figures has been agreed with the aim of investing in the women's game.

The partnership also marks the first ever major sponsorship for the competition, which will draw to a close in the final between Chelsea Ladies and Notts County Ladies at Wembley on August 1.

FA board member and chair of the inclusion advisory board Heather Rabbatts said: "The FA is committed to ensuring that women's football gets the status and investment it deserves. The buzz of anticipation around the FIFA Women's World Cup is testimony to the appeal of the game.

"Similarly at grassroots, we as an organisation are committed to ensuring that there are access points for girls and women to enjoy the game across all levels and abilities. This agreement with SSE meets both these ambitions and gives us the opportunity to build on all that we have already achieved. Dreaming of playing at Wembley in The SSE Women's Cup Final can now be a reality for girls too. "

England Women will begin their World Cup campaign in Canada this evening.