Solihull Moors Women accuse club of neglect

Players questioned whether the men's team would receive the same treatment

Players for Solihull Moors Women have called out the club for "neglect", "lack of respect" and failing to provide them with the "basic necessities" required to compete.

A statement released on behalf of the players claimed the club was not providing transportation for away matches or securing pitches to play midweek fixtures.

Player Alex Liddiard posted the statement on X accusing the club of providing "ill-fitting kits", and trying to charge them £2,600 to allow access to the men's pitch.

Providing the perfect conditions was hard due to limited resources, said Solihull Moors Foundation chair Edward Parker, but they try to achieve as much as they can.

The players said the statement was released after "countless" emails and meetings with the club about players' concerns.

Solihull Moors Women, who compete in Midlands Division One of the Women’s National League, said they were saddened and "frustrated" by the treatment.

The team said they were handed a "significant" fine after forfeiting a cup match against West Bromwich Albion Women because the club failed to secure a pitch. It also saw them removed from the league cup and league plate competitions.

The statement said players were concerned they would be forced to forfeit again after being informed the club had once more failed to secure a pitch in the upcoming league fixture against Worcester City Women in two months.

It would result in potential points deduction and another fine.

Players said they were asked to pay £2,600 for access to the men's pitch

The statement said: "We cannot help but ask, would the men's team ever be placed in this position?"

Players also claimed there was a "lack of visibility" that the club had a women's team, reinforcing feelings of being "overlooked and undervalued."

It said: "We deserve respect, support, and the opportunity to play the game we love under fair conditions.

"We stand together not just for ourselves, but for future generations of Solihull Moors Women players and the continued advancement of the women's game.

"Women's football has made great strides but our experiences show there is still much work to be done."

Team manager Tom Blaymires posted a statement on behalf of the team's coaching staff, supporting players.

It said: "We believe equality, respect, inclusivity and acceptance should be the minimum standard that any organisation should strive to achieve.

"It's 2024 and we were still hitting the same barriers the women's game did over 20 years ago. We stand together on and off the pitch."

Solihull Moors Foundation Chairman, Edward Parker, clarified that the team was part of the foundation and not the national league club as suggested in the players' statement.

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

Mr Parker called the social media post "disappointing", adding that leadership had been actively seeking a resolution.

He said: "The allegations made on social media clearly do not align with the ethos of the foundation and we take those issues seriously and will address them.

"We have subsequently been in direct contact with the players and invited them in to talk to us to try and find genuine solutions.

"We will continue to support the expectations of all of our female players and our commitment to girls and women’s football at all levels."