Reading’s women’s team is facing uncertainty about their future participation in the Women’s Championship due to financial concerns. Discussions are ongoing at Reading about potentially dropping down to a lower tier of the women’s pyramid to reduce costs while a takeover of the club remains unresolved. The Football Association is working with Reading’s women’s team to find a solution to the financial challenges they are facing.
Parents, players, and staff of Reading’s girls’ academy have been alerted that women’s age-group teams may not be able to operate next season. The club is waiting anxiously for news on a potential takeover, leaving many in limbo regarding their futures. Reading had the option to extend contracts for several first-team players, but they decided not to exercise those options due to a spending freeze. It is believed that only a few senior women’s players are currently under contract for the upcoming season.
The potential closure of the youth teams at Reading could leave young players without a team for next season, as many other academies have already completed their trials or have full squads. Despite the current challenges, Reading has a strong history in women’s football, achieving fourth place in the top flight in 2018 and finishing fifth in consecutive years in 2019 and 2020. The team also reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2019 and has helped develop talented players like England forward Fran Kirby.
Reading was recently competing in the Women’s Super League but moved to part-time status after being relegated in 2023. They finished 10th in the Women’s Championship last season, narrowly avoiding relegation. The club’s owner, Dai Yongge, is working towards completing a sale as soon as possible to address the financial issues the team is facing.
As the uncertainty looms over Reading’s women’s team, fans and supporters are hopeful that a solution will be found to ensure the team’s continued participation in the Women’s Championship. The potential impact on the players, staff, and young talents within the club highlights the importance of securing the team’s future in women’s football. Despite the challenges, the resilience and history of Reading in women’s football demonstrate the potential for a positive outcome in the midst of financial difficulties.