NATIONWIDE, the current sponsor of the England football team, is also backing the future of women's football.

The Swindon-based building society has renewed its overall sponsorship of the Football Association in a four-year deal believed to be worth £30 million.

It is also the latest organisation to join the new FA Partners commercial programme and will be the exclusive sponsor of women's football, Europe's fastest growing sport.

As well as continuing its association with the England team as joint sponsor, the new deal also includes joint sponsorship of the FA Cup.

FA chief executive Adam Crozier said: "The FA is delighted to announce the continuation of Nationwide as an FA partner and is thrilled to welcome such a credible sponsor to women's football.

"This is the single biggest investment in women's football, which reflects the growing status and excitement surrounding the women's game in this country.

"Nationwide has a proven track record in the men's game, as title sponsors of The Football League, Football Conference and, of course, through its sponsorship of the England teams."

Nationwide will have title sponsorship of the three flagship women's leagues, under the banner of The FA Nationwide Women's Premier League. It will also enjoy title sponsorship of The FA Premier League Cup and sponsorship of The FA Women's Community Shield.

Nationwide chief executive Philip Williamson said: "We've enjoyed an excellent relationship with the Football Association as the England team sponsor over the past four years. We are now looking forward to three World Cups (men's 2002 and 2006, women's 2003 and two European Championships men's 2004, women's 2005).

"We are delighted to be renewing our partnership and we are particularly excited about our increased involvement as a sponsor of The FA Cup and of women's football.

"We have now been involved in football sponsorship for six years and this latest deal will give Nationwide an entirely balanced portfolio of football interests, connecting Nationwide to the very top of the men's and women's game, as well as playing a leading role in supporting the development of football at grass roots."