Reading to compete in Southern Region Football League Premier Division after withdrawing from Women’s Championship

Reading Football Club has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Barclays Women’s Championship for the 2024-25 season due to financial constraints, leading them to drop into the fifth tier of women's football. The club cited an inability to meet the ongoing compliance requirements necessary to compete in the higher division. This move leaves the Championship with 11 clubs for the upcoming season and only one relegation place available. In a statement released by the club, Reading acknowledged the growing popularity and commercialization of women's football but expressed their lack of financial guarantees to invest further in Reading FC Women. Despite efforts by a consortium, including prominent England internationals Fran Kirby and Mary Earps, to save the women's sector, a takeover has not materialized. The Women’s Championship board, led by Dawn Airey, expressed deep sadness over the impact on players, staff, and fans, emphasizing the importance of finding a solution to ensure Reading FC Women's continued participation in the football pyramid. Calls for ownership to be transferred to a party committed to maintaining the club's status in the Women’s Championship have emerged, with concerns raised about the integrity of the club and the progress of women's football. The Supporters Trust At Reading (STAR) penned a letter expressing disappointment in the decision and its broader implications, while social media posts lamented the situation and questioned the future of the club. The withdrawal of Reading FC Women underscores the challenges faced by clubs in women's football and highlights the need for sustainable financial support to ensure the growth and success of the sport.