Advocating for women’s sport, PepsiCo took over the capital of Portugal for one weekend during the UEFA Women’s Champions League final. Arsenal may have gone home with the trophy, but the women's game was the winner as the biggest names around sport came together to pave the way for the future.
The dust has finally settled. North London has recovered from nights of celebration after Arsenal WFC were crowned Champions of Europe. But let’s take it back to that weekend, a few days where PepsiCo helped champion more than just N5, holding the torch for all women’s sport and taking a huge step into the future.
Before the chaos of game day, we gathered at the brand-new Lay’s RePlay pitch in Lisbon to get put through our paces as part of Gatorade’s ‘Moment of Sweat’ initiative which highlights hydration, nutrition and performance for women. Joined by elite athletes including Anita Asante, Tatiana Pinto and Tamires, Gatorade launched an intense session where we got our sweat on, giving us the information from the new research that Gatorade Sports Science institute (GSSI) had found, discussing the importance of correct science on performance. This was all part of the plan to help bust the myths surrounding female sport science in order to empower women with facts, not fiction. A perfect way to kick off a weekend of women's football.
As players were waking up nervous and excited, getting ready for one of the biggest days of their life, Pepsico took us into the heart of the city to champion women through it’s dynamic ‘Game Changers Summit'. The event brought together trailblazing female athletes, industry leaders, and advocates to spotlight the importance of investment, visibility and equity in women’s sport. Through thought-provoking panels, interactive experiences and high energy activities, PepsiCo reinforced its commitment to elevating the women’s game on and off the pitch. Karen Carney, Lioness legend, brought out the established UWCL trophy for all to see, whilst insightful talks from Susie Wolff and PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta highlighted the brand’s desire to take women’s sport to the next level, where it belongs. The event could not be finished without quick cameos from Portuguese International Tatiana Pinto and Brazilian star Tamires, who discussed personal experiences and the importance of growth. The initiative not only celebrated elite talent but also laid down a challenge to the broader sports industry: the future of football is inclusive, bold and unmistakably female.
The energy of the game was rising, so we headed to the UWCL final fan festival where PepsiCo took over with food stalls and drinks, alongside interactive activities including a small-sided pitch where plenty of skills and flair was on display. Barcelona and Arsenal fans gathered alongside mutuals who were there for the love of the game to get involved in the festivities, everyone bringing max energy to the stage. Filing through the Blaurgrana crowds, we enjoyed tasting sessions of exclusive Lay’s dishes, all bespoke to the event, whilst cocktails and mocktails were poured. It was going to be one helluva day for fans.
We all know the result, Europe was painted in North London red as Arsenal pulled off a shock win, beating what we thought was an unbeatable Barça side. Lisbon was officially red for the night. Though looking into the future, Arsenal were not the only winners in the City of Seven Hills as PepsiCo helped take a huge step into the future of the women’s game in the best way possible. We were honoured to have been there for the ride and look forward to see what's in store next as PepsiCo strive for equality.
Look out for more ways PepsiCo are aiding the growth of the women's game...
