Reading FC Women have made a major change to the clubs status following relegation from the FA Women’s Super League in 2023.
The Royals went down on the last day of the season following defeat to Chelsea at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, a defeat that also crowned the West London side as FA WSL champions.
Reading, who have at least 10 players out of contract this summer including star duo Emma Harries and Deanne Rose, will start the new season as a part-time outfit when the FA Women’s Championship kicks off later this year.
A statement confirming the change released on the Reading FC website said: “Reading Football Club can today confirm that Reading FC Women will switch to operating on a part-time basis ahead of the 2023/24 season.”
The statement, which said the club’s owner Mr Dai Yongge had invested approximately £6 million in the team over five years, continued: “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.
“We remain exceptionally proud of everything Reading FC Women have achieved to date.”
Hitting out
The move comes as Harries and recently departed defender Faye Bryson have hit out at the clubs hierarchy over a lack of support for the women’s team.
Writing on Instagram, Bryson said: “Not the way I would have liked to have parted ways with the club being relegated from the WSL. But I hope the club decides to do the right thing and invest more into the women’s game. Growth is only possible with the right support and resources. Players and staff deserve better.”
