READING FOOTBALL CLUB has confirmed that the senior women’s team will be switching to a part-time basis after they were relegated from the Women’s Super League.
After eight years in the top flight, the Royals suffered the drop after finishing bottom of the WSL with 11 points from their 22 game campaign.
A statement released by the club explained that club owner Mr Dai Yongge has been personally funding the women’s team since he took over at the club in 2018.
The statement reads: “Owner Mr Dai Yongge has been personally funding the Reading FC Women’s side since he took charge of the club in 2018 – investing approximately £6m across that five-year period to keep the team operating at the very highest level.
“Following defeat at home to Chelsea in our final league game of the campaign, Kelly Chambers’ side were relegated from the Women’s Super League last month, dropping into the second tier of the women’s game for the first time since 2015.
“We recognise that the women’s game is making huge progress. However, despite seeing a considerable spike in interest following the success of England’s women in the Euros last summer, an increased average gate for Reading FC Women and a boost in sponsorship and broadcast revenue earned
as a result, our owner still needed to provide just under £1m to finance Reading FC Women in 2022-23. In addition, relegation to the WSL Championship will result in a significant drop in broadcast fees and central funding from the FA.”
The club has claimed that they are seeking ways to a more sustainable model for the women’s side.
CEO Dayong Pang added: “Difficult but necessary financial decisions are being made across the business following the club’s relegation to League One last season and, after discussions with the FA, the decision to operate Reading FC Women on a part-time basis represents the most viable solution at the present time.
“We would like to acknowledge all of the hard work and unquestionable dedication to Reading Football Club of Kelly Chambers and her coaching staff, the players and all the staff.
“The club will now be working extremely hard to build a team to proudly represent our town in the WSL Championship in the 2023-24 campaign.
“Our owner, Mr Dai Yongge, has his full focus concentrated on our club’s rebuild. He is fully committed to consolidating our efforts into a sensible and sustainable reset, designed to bring success back to RG2.”
