Reading FC Women have dropped down to the fifth tier of the football pyramid, the club has confirmed.
The club is not able to continue playing in the Women’s Championship from next season due to financial reasons.
A statement from the club says that they explored every option with the Football Association (FA), but were unable to find a solution to keep the team in the Championship without significant owner funding.
The statement reads: “Reading Football Club can today confirm it has reluctantly withdrawn from the Barclays Women’s Championship for the 2024-25 season, with the Women’s First Team now moving to Tier 5 of the Women’s Football Pyramid.
“To continue to operate at Barclays Women’s Championship level, the club requires further ownership cash injection to build a squad capable of competing and to meet the revised mandatory criteria ahead of the 2024-25 season. This would have included returning to a full-time training model as well as further investments in facilities and personnel.
“Whilst these requirements are in-line with the exponential growth of the women’s game – it is widely accepted that a direct financial return on annual investment is not expected for at least five years. Unfortunately, given the current economic realities of the Club, the outlay required to reach these levels are just not possible without significant owner funding.
“Club personnel, with support from The FA, have exhaustively explored every option, including external funding and new investment opportunities for Reading FC Women, which would allow the team to maintain their Barclays Women’s Championship status – with dialogue with various parties taking place. Despite best efforts, the complexities around separate ownership have meant operating Reading FC Women under a separate funding model has not been possible.
“The club understand the demotion to Tier 5 will come as a huge disappointment for all connected with the club. This solution, however, does provide the club with the opportunity to continue to operate a Women’s Football department.
“All departments within the club have seen costs cut considerably in recent years. Whilst the Club recognises and encourages the huge rise in popularity and commercialisation of the Women’s game, it unfortunately does not have guarantees of the required finances to increase investment in to Reading FC Women.
“Reading has been amongst the elite of the Women’s game for many years. Competing admirably alongside the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United in previous seasons despite being one of the only clubs outside of the Premier League.
“Furthermore, we’re proud of the role Reading FC Women has played in nurturing and developing the grassroots game, providing role models for young girls aspiring to become professional footballers and a pathway for those future stars to make a professional career within football. Proceeding in a lower division of the FA Women’s pyramid will allow Reading FC Women to possibly gain promotions back to the top divisions in the future – whilst also maintaining a vital grassroots pathway and opportunity for young women to continue their football aspirations through Reading FC Women.
“The club and FA will continue to liaise with all individuals affected and are committed to supporting each person appropriately. It would also like to thank all players, staff, and supporters who performed admirably during the 2023-24 season – with the first team surviving relegation despite a season of challenges, and our U21s team winning 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.”
