Melanie C has been confirmed as the official front-of-shirt sponsor for Sheffield FC Women for the 2026/2027 season. The Spice Girls star, known to millions as Sporty Spice, is putting her nickname to full use by teaming up with the world's first football club.
The 52-year-old singer said it was an "honour" to be the official sponsor of the women's team. She said: "Sheffield holds such a special place in my heart, having been such a big part of my career over the last 30 years — from writing and recording 'Say You'll Be There' with the Spice Girls in the city, to our first stadium show at Don Valley, and my first ever solo gig at the iconic Leadmill."
Football in Her DNA
Melanie added: "Growing up in Liverpool, football is in my DNA, and to see the incredible growth of the women's game, from grassroots to the international stage, is so exciting."
She went on: "To now have the opportunity to be part of that journey at the oldest football club in the world makes me incredibly proud. I'm loving the new kit and will be wearing it with pride. I can't wait to be cheering the team on from the sidelines. Come on, Sheffield!"
Shirt Sales to Support Women's Game
The club recently confirmed that 100 per cent of the money raised from the sale of the Sheffield FC Women's shirt will go directly to supporting the women's team and grassroots girls' football initiatives, helping to create more opportunities for girls to play, develop and fall in love with the game.
New Chairman and Future Plans
Earlier this year, fellow musician Jon McClure, frontman of Sheffield-based band Reverend and the Makers, was announced as chairman of the team. McClure and performing arts firm IAVC Holdings Limited bought a stake in the club, whose men's team play in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
They hope that the club will climb through the non-league system. Both McClure and IAVC aim to return the club, which is currently based in Dronfield, Derbyshire, to the Steel City and have plans for a footballing academy, eSports hub, national football festival, clothing brand, visitor centre and a TV show.
Hitmaker Jon said at the time that growing up in Sheffield, he'd "always" taken an interest in the club and had been "schooled in the idea that we invented football in this city." Jon added: "It's a frustration for many of us that it's not more widely celebrated." The club, founded in 1867, is considered to be the oldest football club in the world. He said: "There's still a lot of people in the city who don't know that. And nationally and globally, people are completely unaware."
He had initially attempted to buy the club in 2018, alongside David Vianchi, his manager and co-founder of Various Artists Management. However, the pair were quoted a "silly" price, leading them to both walk away from the venture.
However, this year they struck a deal to become involved with Sheffield FC and bought a stake in the club, alongside several others. The board now consists of McClure, Bianchi, Andrew Ford, Alexis Krachai, as well as the existing owner, Jeremy Levine, and his son, Jack.
