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Barnsley fold women's team amid financial pressure

Oakwell Stadium in BarnsleyGetty Images

Barnsley launched a professional women's side in 2023

Barnsley have folded their women's team after less than two years as a professional outfit because of financial pressures.

An open letter to fans from chairman Neerav Parekh explained the board were "devastated to have reached this tough decision" after the Football Association (FA) ruled the club's playing facilities were not up to the standard required for the women's fourth tier.

But the Reds' majority owner insisted immediate action was required to avoid a financial drag on the rest of the club which could ultimately put the men's and academy operations at risk.

Barnsley have been informed by the FA that, despite men's academy teams playing competitive league fixtures on the Showcase and 4G pitches adjacent to Oakwell, those facilities were not up to the standard required for the women's team.

The board maintained moving the women's team into the main stadium or to another venue was neither financially nor logistically viable.

It added it was with "great sadness" that the decision had been taken to withdraw from FA Women's National League ahead of the 2025-26 season.

"Whilst as a club we applaud the efforts of the FA to provide financial backing to the WSL and the Women's Championship, that funding does not trickle down sufficiently to the Women's National League and the financial restraints put upon the club this summer has driven us to make this difficult decision," said the statement.

"It may have been possible to obtain temporary dispensation from the FA, however this would only delay the inevitable decision around the additional costs of playing at a different venue.

"Whilst this was not an easy or unanimous decision at board level, and we are devastated to have made this tough decision, it remains important that Barnsley FC continues to be a viable business.

"Incurring further significant losses would be irresponsible and reckless, impacting on both the club and community and putting the entire men's and academy operation at risk."

Barnsley's board added they remained committed to the women's game and would continue to invest resources into grassroots football for women and girls in the local area.

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