Reading FC Women have been relegated to the fifth division of the football pyramid, the club announced.
Due to financial constraints, the club will be unable to continue participating in the Women’s Championship starting next season.
According to the club’s statement, they examined all options with the Football Association (FA) but were unable to find a solution to keep the team in the Championship without major owner support. The announcement reads: “Reading Football Club can today confirm that it has reluctantly withdrawn from the Barclays Women’s Championship for the 2024-25 season, with the Women’s First Team moving to Tier 5 of the Women’s Football Pyramid.”
“To continue operating at the Barclays Women’s Championship level, the team requires additional ownership funding injections to establish a competitive roster and achieve the updated obligatory criteria for the 2024-25 season. This would have required a return to a full-time training approach, as well as more investments in buildings and personnel.
“While these criteria are consistent with the exponential expansion of the women’s game, it is commonly acknowledged that a direct financial return on annual expenditure is unlikely for at least five years. Unfortunately, given the Club’s current economic reality, the investment required to attain these levels is just not feasible without major owner funding.
“Club personnel, with the cooperation of The FA, have extensively researched every alternative, including external funding and new investment prospects for Reading FC Women, which would allow the team to keep its Barclays Women’s Championship status – with communication with various parties ongoing. Despite greatest efforts, the difficulties of distinct ownership have prevented Reading FC Women from operating on a separate financial basis.
“The club understands that being demoted to Tier 5 will be a big disappointment for everyone involved with the club. This option, however, allows the club to continue operating a Women’s Football Department.
“All departments within the club have achieved significant cost reductions in recent years. While the Club understands and welcomes the tremendous development in popularity and profitability of women’s football, it does not have the necessary financial guarantees to enhance investment in Reading FC Women.
“Reading has always been regarded as one of the top women’s teams. Despite being one of the only clubs outside of the Premier League, they have competed brilliantly with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United in prior seasons.
“We’re also proud of the role Reading FC Women has played in nurturing and developing the grassroots game, providing role models for young girls aspiring to be professional footballers and a pathway for those future stars to pursue a professional career in football.” Proceeding in a lower division of the FA Women’s pyramid will allow Reading FC Women to potentially regain promotion to the top divisions in the future, while also providing a vital grassroots pathway and opportunity for young women to pursue their football dreams through Reading FC Women.
“The club and FA will continue to liaise with all those affected, and we are dedicated to assisting each person appropriately.
It would also like to thank all of the players, staff, and supporters who performed brilliantly throughout the 2023-24 season, with the first team avoiding relegation despite a difficult season and our U21s squad earning a domestic league and cup double.
“In due course, the club will provide a further update with more information regarding the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.”
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