Manchester Swinton Lionesses are delighted to welcome Fitting In Whilst Standing Out as a new club sponsor ahead of the 2027 season, joining the growing group of businesses backing the continued development of the Lionesses and women’s rugby league.
As part of the new partnership, the Fitting In Whilst Standing Out logo will feature on the sleeve of the Lionesses’ new training kit, which will be worn by the playing squad and coaching staff throughout the 2027 season.
The company will also feature on the back of the team’s 2027 warm-up shirt alongside the Lionesses’ other club partners, giving the brand a visible presence with the team throughout the season.
Fitting In Whilst Standing Out was founded by Angela Smith, who has a longstanding personal connection with rugby league and Swinton.
The organisation helps people with disabilities get into work and stay in work through workplace adjustments, coaching and understanding, with a focus on creating environments where people feel supported and able to thrive.
Speaking about becoming a Lionesses sponsor, Angela Smith, Founder of Fitting In Whilst Standing Out, said:
“Being late diagnosed autistic and ADHD, I’ve spent a lot of my life feeling on the outside of things. When I played rugby league in my twenties, it gave me something I didn’t realise I was missing — friendship I would have struggled to make, a sense of team and family, and the fitness and distraction that kept me going through some difficult years.
“Supporting the Lionesses through Fitting In™ feels like coming full circle. My family has backed Swinton for years, and now I get to stand behind the women’s team at a time when the women’s game is finally growing in visibility and respect.
“Fitting In™ exists to help people with disabilities get into work and stay in work through adjustments, coaching and understanding. With menopause now recognised for funded workplace support, it felt the perfect moment to invest in a women’s team whose resilience, strength and community spirit mirror everything we stand for.
“I’m proud to support the Lionesses and excited to be part of their journey — both on the field and in the wider movement for women’s rugby league.”
Jason Harborow, Chairman of Manchester Swinton Lionesses, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Angela and Fitting In Whilst Standing Out to the Lionesses as we continue building towards 2027.
“There is a real connection behind this partnership. Angela understands first-hand what rugby league can give people beyond what happens on the pitch — friendship, belonging, confidence and a community around you.
“For us, partnerships are about much more than putting a logo on a shirt. We want to work with people and organisations who share our values and genuinely want to be part of what we are building.
“The work Angela and Fitting In Whilst Standing Out are doing around inclusion, employment and supporting people to thrive really resonates with us. We’re incredibly grateful for their backing and proud to have them joining the Lionesses family for 2027.”
The new partnership is another positive step in the Lionesses’ preparations for 2027 as the club continues to strengthen its commercial foundations and build long-term relationships with businesses and organisations that believe in the future of women’s rugby league.
Manchester Swinton Lionesses would like to thank Angela Smith and Fitting In Whilst Standing Out for their support and look forward to working together throughout the 2027 season.
Join the Lionesses for 2027
With preparations for next season already underway, Manchester Swinton Lionesses are welcoming conversations with businesses and organisations interested in joining the club as a partner for 2027.
A range of partnership and sponsorship opportunities are available, offering businesses the chance to support the continued growth of the Lionesses and become part of the journey both on and off the field.
If you want to come on board with the Lionesses for 2027, get in touch with us now to discuss the opportunities available.
