FA Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking and NWDA Chief Executive Steven Broomhead put pen to paper on a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) at the semi final of the UEFA European Women’s Championship at the Warrington Wolves stadium.

The MoU is in recognition of the two organisations’ shared vision to improve the contribution of football to the economic development and regeneration of England’s Northwest.

The FA and the NWDA already have an established relationship, and have worked together to successfully bring the UEFA European Women’s Championship to England’s Northwest. This is an opportunity to now build on these established links and look at developing the business of football and the contribution it makes to the sport industry in the region.

Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said:

"This agreement with the FA is recognition of the importance the NWDA places on the development of football in the Northwest. The sport is not only making a huge impact on the region’s communities as a leisure activity, but it is also driving forward the regional economy in terms of its regeneration and tourism potential.

"England’s Northwest has long been a European heartland of football and this partnership will reinforce the region’s strong position. And what better time to do this than during a high profile international football tournament, which will further strengthen the region’s reputation as a leading destination for major sporting events."

Trevor Brooking, FA Director of Football Development, said:

"The FA is delighted to be forming a pioneering working relationship with the Northwest Regional Development Agency. The Northwest has always had a strong and successful football culture. Indeed, in partnership with the NWDA, the region is currently hosting the UEFA Women’s European Championships and of course, the Northwest is home to the reigning Champions of Europe.

Equally, football’s role in the community, as a force for good in all kind of ways, must be further developed and I look forward to closer ties with the NWDA in driving all these opportunities forward."