In a shocking move, Thornaby FC, a North East football club, has voted to remove its entire female section. The decision, led by committee members and spearheaded by Trevor Wing, leaves over 100 girls without a club. The affected age groups include Under 7, Under 8, Under 10, Under 11, and Under 15, as well as the women’s team.
The club had faced adversity last year when an arson attack in June 2023 caused significant damage to its stadium, Teessdale Park. The main stand, shop, office block, and community room were all burnt to the ground. Despite receiving support from local businesses like Oakes Energy, Smith Brothers Stores, and Wolseley Group, the road to recovery has been challenging.
Thornaby FC’s decision has sparked outrage within the football community. Coaches, volunteers, players, supporters, and sponsors who dedicated themselves to the club over the last three years expressed their disappointment. The removal of the female section not only affects the players but also undermines the club’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
An emergency committee meeting was held to discuss the club’s future, taking into account events from the past 12 months. Despite the challenges, some members advocated for retaining female football. However, the prevailing sentiment was to continue without the women’s teams due to staffing constraints and financial concerns.
Britcab Ltd., a family-owned business that previously supported Thornaby FC during its rebuilding phase, expressed strong disapproval of the decision. Rich, the company’s director, announced that they would request the removal of their logo from the men’s team shirts. As a father of young girls with a passion for the game, Rich emphasised his disgust at the backward step taken by the club.
The controversy surrounding Thornaby FC’s decision highlights broader issues within football—gender equality, community values, and the role of local clubs. As the fallout continues, the fate of female footballers in Thornaby remains uncertain. Supporters hope that other clubs will step up to provide opportunities for these talented players to continue developing their love for the game.
