A landmark deal has seen a Gloucestershire company become a sponsor to The Lionessess, England's women's football team.

Lucozade Ribena Suntory have agreed a mult-year sponsorship deal with the Football Association to become the official sports drinks and hydration partner to the senior England teams.

But as well as supporting Gareth Southgate's exciting young team, the Coleford-based company have agreed a first official move into women's football by sponsoring the Lionesses.

Phil Neville's emerging side are among the favourites to claim the Fifa Womens' World Cup in France this summer, after claiming the She Believes Cup in North America last month.

The partnership will not only see the England team fuelled by Lucozade Ribena Suntory, but aim to inspire a new generation of women to get into the game through the "Made to Move" mantra.

A number of the Lionesses players will feature on specially-designed Lucozade Sport bottles and star in a major marketing campaign ahead of the tournament.

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Claire Keaveny, head of marketing at Lucozade Sport, said: "We're really proud to be signing a partnership with The FA to extend our support to England women and backing the Lionesses.

"We hope our support not only hydrates the Lionesses ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019, but the investment also plays its part in inspiring a whole generation of people to move."

Steph Houghton, captain of the Lionesses added: "Lucozade Sport has huge footballing heritage so it feels like a big moment to know that the Lionesses will be joining that history.

"Having such as iconic brand supporting women's football is proof of just how popular the sport has become."

Lucozade Sport has a long history in football and has been the official sports drink of the England men's team since 2008.

It has also previously supported England captains Steven Gerrard and Harry Kane and currently has world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua as a brand ambassador.

Lucozade Ribena Suntory employ more than 300 people at their Royal Forest Factory production centre outside Coleford.