Five United Kingdom sports teams based in London and Essex have joined forces create a Women’s Elite Sports Partnership.

West Ham (football), London Lions and Essex Rebels (basketball), London Pulse (netball), and Sunrisers (cricket) are collaborating in an effort to grow women’s sport in the UK.

Engagement, performance, and commercial activity are the three key focus areas for the clubs taking part.

They are aiming to grow the participation levels of women in sport, with the ultimate plan to improve and grow the quality and fanbase of the women’s game.

Improving fan experiences is also high on the agenda, with a focus on developing efficiencies around key ticketing information and enhancing overall match day experiences.

Managing director of West Ham women’s team, Jack Sullivan, said this is an ideal time to partner together.

“Despite 2020 being a really challenging year for sports across the globe, women’s football is gaining huge momentum and we are looking to build on this in 2021, through this fantastic partnership,” Sullivan said.

“The collaboration is a great opportunity for us to help each other grow and in turn, we hope that the fans of each team will support us all on this journey,” he said.

London Pulse’s CEO and director of netball, Sam Bird, said it is an opportunity to grow commercially.

“Our vision for London Pulse is to lead the explosive growth of netball for all in London and the South East – connecting with communities and clubs to play, watch and enjoy our sport at all levels,” Bird said.

“We are committed to finding and developing talented athletes through our performance pathway to the Vitality Netball Superleague and beyond,” he said.