Coaches resign at women’s football team

A picture of a group of women footballers in blue and yellow kit huddled on a pitch.Image source, GT Photography
Image caption,

Players had questioned whether the men's team would receive different treatment

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All of the coaches at a women’s football team have resigned - weeks after players accused the club of failing to provide them with the “basic necessities” to compete.

A resignation statement was posted on social media on Thursday by manager of Solihull Moors Women Tom Blaymires.

The statement made no reference to the earlier row, but the coaches said they were “more determined than ever to drive positive change for every girl and woman who currently plays or will do in the future”.

The BBC has approached Solihull Moors Foundation, which runs the club, for comment.

Row over 'neglect'

Blaymires wrote on X: “Unfortunately myself and the rest of the staff at Solihull Moors Women’s first team have made the decision to step away from our roles with immediate effect.

“Although we are all very grateful to the foundation for the opportunities and experiences gained, we feel it is time for us all to move on. To all the players that we have worked with over the last three years, thank you.”

He added: “I am more determined than ever to drive positive change for every girl and woman who currently plays or will do in the future, so they have the right environment and opportunities to succeed and enjoy the game that we all love.”

Last month, players called out the club for “neglect” and “lack of respect”.

In a statement, they said the club was not providing transport for away matches, or pitches for midweek fixtures.

They accused the club of providing “ill-fitting kits” and trying to charge them for access to the men’s pitch.

They said: “We cannot help but ask, would the men’s team ever be placed in this position?”

At the time, Solihull Moors Foundation Chairman Edward Parker said the leadership had actively been seeking a resolution and the social media post was “disappointing”.

He said limited resource, time and funding often meant it was hard to provide the “perfect conditions”.

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