Each squad member will sponsor his equivalent in the Ladies' team - from his own wages. This means that Teddy Sheringham will sponsor his number ten counterpart Gill Blackmore, Neil Sullivan will sponsor fellow goalkeeper Claire Bloomfield, Robbie Keane will sponsor women's number 22 Keishe Heaven, and so the list goes on, with players of each gender matched up throughout the entire squad.

The contribution will assist Spurs Ladies with training, coaching, matchday and travel costs, and also help the club work towards its goal of achieving FA girls Centre of Excellence status from the start of season 2003-4.

Commenting on the announcement, Spurs men's captain Teddy Sheringham said: "We are happy to help out the Ladies team where we can. The lads were keen on getting involved and we hope the contribution can make a difference."

Spurs Ladies captain Jackie Fearon said: "The interest shown by the men's team has made the girls much more enthusiastic and we are already seeing tangible benefits such as team-branded tracksuits and sweatshirts. Having publicity shots taken with Teddy Sheringham at White Hart Lane created a real buzz of excitement too. Tottenham Hotspur FC is a big name - this contribution from the men's team backs up the name with the finance and will undoubtedly encourage more players to sign up."

Peter Skinner, the Ladies team manager, added: "It is the recognition of the men's team that is most important to our girls, boosting morale and giving us a direction for the future. The girls now believe that as the game progresses, things will get even better for them. Of course, the financial support is welcomed by everyone in the team too, as players can now enjoy the prospect of participating in a game they love without the sometimes prohibitive burden of expenses hanging over their heads."

Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC has steadily progressed in size and stature and looks set to continue its development thanks to this and other recent sponsorship deals. Last month the club received £5,000 investment from Damage Control PLC with the support of their Managing Director and Spurs Centenary Club member, Mr Paul Benson.

This was matched with a further £5,000 funding from the government Sportsmatch scheme for the club's work in developing women's and girl's football in the Haringey and Enfield areas. The money will be used to provide:

120 Hours of outdoor Astroturf training facilities

80 Hours of coaching mentoring

Five FA Coaching Courses

Kit & Equipment

Sponsorship of Haringey Primary School Girls Football Tournament

Two days of 'girls only' football training days with the Spurs Football in the Community Scheme

Promotional material

Glenn Weaver commented on the Damage Control PLC investment: "This is a major sponsorship for the Ladies section and will secure our development plans for the coming year. Our aim is to play National Division football and this sponsorship deal will allow us to improve our existing training facilities and continue the development of coaching staff."

Originally formed in 1985 as Broxbourne Ladies by the late Spurs Membership Secretary Sue Sharples and Kay Lovelock, the club became first became Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC in 1992. Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC now provides five teams - U11, U13, U15, Reserve and First Team squads.

Visit www.spursladies.co.uk for more information