Latest news with #FAWNL
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Barnsley fold women's team amid financial pressure
Barnsley have folded their women's team after less than two years as a professional outfit because of financial open letter to fans from chairman Neerav Parekh explained the board were "devastated to have reached this tough decision" after the FA ruled the club's playing facilities were not up to the standard required for the women's fourth the Reds' majority owner insisted immediate action was required to avoid a financial drag on the rest of the club which could ultimately put the mens' and academy operations at have been informed by the FA that, despite mens' academy teams playing competitive league fixtures on the Showcase and 4G pitches adjacent to Oakwell, those facilities were not up to the standard required for the women's team. The board maintained moving the women's team into the main stadium or to another venue was neither financially nor logistically added it was with "great sadness" that the decision had been taken to withdraw from FA Women's National League ahead of the 2025-26 season."Whilst as a club we applaud the efforts of the FA to provide financial backing to the WSL and the Women's Championship, that funding does not trickle down sufficiently to the Women's National League and the financial restraints put upon the club this summer has driven us to make this difficult decision," said the statement, external."It may have been possible to obtain temporary dispensation from the FA, however this would only delay the inevitable decision around the additional costs of playing at a different venue. "Whilst this was not an easy or unanimous decision at board level, and we are devastated to have made this tough decision, it remains important that Barnsley FC continues to be a viable business."Incurring further significant losses would be irresponsible and reckless, impacting on both the club and community and putting the entire men's and academy operation at risk."Barnsley's board added they remained committed to the women's game and would continue to invest resources into grassroots football for women and girls in the local area.
New York Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Wolves pledge to apply for women's tier-two status in future after backlash
Wolverhampton Wanderers have pledged to apply for tier-two status for their women's team every year going forwards after being criticised by players for refusing to do so this season. Wolves issued a statement on their ambitions for the women's side on Monday after holding a meeting with the Wolves Women hierarchy last week. Advertisement The statement promised support for the women's team and, crucially, an explicit promise to apply for second-tier status 'on an annual basis' in future. Women's players were critical earlier this month after taking their battle with Nottingham Forest for promotion to the Championship down to the final day of the season, only to be told afterwards that Wolves chairman Jeff Shi had chosen not to sign the application documents for Championship status. Those documents, which require commitments to new roles and infrastructure which would incur an estimated cost of about £1.5million ($2m), needed to be submitted in February. It meant that winning the FA Women's National League North — they eventually finished second behind Forest — would not have resulted in promotion. In Monday's statement, Shi said: 'Wolves Women remains a vital part of our football family, and we are committed to building a sustainable, competitive future for the team. 'We know the women's set-up requires strengthening, and we've already begun addressing that. Our plan includes building a stronger foundation across key areas such as commercial, financial, marketing and sporting operations, to ensure Wolves Women has the infrastructure needed to thrive. 'Moving forward, we will apply for the tier-two licence on an annual basis in line with our sporting achievements, and ensure that every on-pitch achievement is supported by the right procedures and documentation. 'We believe Wolves Women can continue to progress — and that belief will be backed by improved structure, support, communication and leadership. That's what we are committing to putting in place.' However, Shi and Wolves owners Fosun have made clear that they do not plan to fund a move to full-time status for Wolves Women, preferring instead to use the team as a vehicle for participation for local women and girls. It means the latest statement is unlikely to fully placate the supporters of the women's side who want to see it move towards full-time football. Advertisement The statement did promise regular meetings between the club hierarchy and senior figures at Wolves Women 'to maintain transparency, provide updates and work together on the future direction of the programme'. It also promised an independent board specifically for Wolves Women and a full-time commercial officer specifically for the women's team.
The Guardian
25-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Chelsea and City trade blows and a new era of seven-a-side – Women's Football Weekly
On this week's Guardian Women's Football Weekly: the panel revisit the double header between Manchester City and Chelsea as the two teams went toe-to-toe twice in four days. Vivianne Miedema starred in a Champions League win for City before Chelsea struck back in the WSL. With the two sides preparing to meet again in midweek, the panel assess the balance of power. It was a mixed week for Arsenal after their Champions League loss to Real Madrid on a poor pitch and a dominant win over Liverpool at the Emirates. Meanwhile, the WSL relegation battle heats up with Leicester edging Brighton and Everton crusing past Palace. Plus, the panel asks Chris Paouros why Tottenham can't score goals after Spurs faltered away at West Ham. That's not all. There's the record-breaking Tyne-Wear derby in the Championship, Bournemouth's title glory in the FAWNL, and the intriguing launch of a new global World Sevens competition. Is it another money-making scheme, or is it good for the women's game? Plus, there's Natalia Arroyo's honesty, Manchester United's statement win, and Chris sings a song all about Suzy Wrack – on today's Guardian Women's Football Weekly. Join the Fantasy League this season on Code GUARDIANWFW. Sign up for our weekly women's football newsletter – all you need to do is search 'Moving the Goalposts sign up' or follow this link. Support the Guardian here.
