Closure fears for Reading women's and girls' teams

Reading Under-21s won the National Football Youth League South Premier Division last season

A petition has been launched as concerns grow that Reading Football Club could close its former Women's Super League team and its girls' academy.

In recent years, Reading have developed talents including England internationals Mary Earps and Fran Kirby.

However, recent reports have suggested Reading's women may be forced to withdraw from the second-tier Championship because of financial reasons and a lack of players.

The club, whose men's side play in League One, are awaiting a takeover and said in a statement issued on 5 June that owner Dai Yongge wished to complete a sale at the "earliest opportunity".

There have been fears expressed for the immediate future of the women's team and the academy, and parents of the club's young players have started a campaign to keep both safe from closure.

"We are trying to obtain as much support as possible to prevent this happening and to publicly generate as much noise, support and awareness... to prevent this outcome," a mother of one of Reading's under-21 players, who did not wish to be named, told BBC Sport.

She said the club have warned players and parents that there is "no guarantee" that Reading will operate a women's team or academy in 2024-25.

"The girls, who have dreamt of being part of the future of women’s football, are now in immediate danger of being left in the wilderness, weeks before the next season starts," she said.

"Just like the boys in football academies, these girls have made the same sacrifices to the dream - dedicating their lives to football since they were as young as seven, juggling school and intense training sessions, missed being with family and friends, made life-changing decisions for their future in football. Many players travel over two hours each way, four times a week to get to training."

The Guardian has reported that there are just two senior female players contracted at Reading.

Last season, Reading's under-21s beat the senior team of third-tier Milton Keynes Dons to win the Berks & Bucks Cup.

However, the youth players may now face being left in limbo, as the Football Association requires that girls sign academy contracts in February, restricting them from contacting other clubs.

The deadline for Reading confirming their participation in FA leagues for 2024-25 is 1 July, but parents spoken to by BBC Sport say this might be too late for players to find other clubs who are likely to have completed trials for the season ahead.

Reading FC said they had no comment to make about the future of the girls' academy when contacted by BBC Sport.

Reading's history in women's football

Reading were promoted to the WSL in 2015 and spent eight seasons in the top flight. They finished as high as fourth in the elite tier.

However, following relegation in May 2023, the club reverted to part-time status to save money, with numerous players and long-serving manager Kelly Chambers leaving the club.

Reading's women finished 10th in the Championship last season, one place and six points above the relegation zone.

The men's team finished 17th in League One, avoiding relegation despite having six points deducted for financial problems.

The potential threat to Reading comes after Thornaby FC, who had voted to drop their women's teams, reinstated them following fierce criticism.