Barnsley FC is delighted to announce that it will launch its first ever professional women’s team.
The team, which currently exists as part of Barnsley’s Reds in the Community programme and plays in the sixth tier of women’s football as Barnsley’s Ladies, will be rebranded as Barnsley FC as they start next season in the fifth tier following promotion in a title-winning 22/23 campaign.
The historic decision to professionalise and bring the community women’s team in-house at the Club was made following an in-depth review of women’s football in the borough as part of Barnsley FC’s vision to positively impact and support the local area.
The professionalisation of the women’s team will see Barnsley FC invest in a number of areas, including but not limited to; increased match-day support, the ability to play at Oakwell, access to sport science, training and physio teams, increased marketing and promotion and much more. The Club is confident that these investments will help the women’s team improve and begin their journey upwards within the women’s football pyramid.
“We are proud to be bringing a women’s team into Barnsley FC” said Barnsley FC Chief Executive Officer, Khaled El-Ahmad. “We have discussed this internally for more than thirteen months and it is the right time for a historic club such as Barnsley FC to have a women’s team. We will provide the team with the resources it needs to grow, and we are confident this investment will not only help the team but women’s football in the borough.”
“We’d like to express our gratitude towards all the tireless volunteers who have helped the Barnsley Ladies team play football on their journey so far. Their foundation and energy has been an integral part to Barnsley FC making this decision. We’re extremely fortunate to be working with such a well-run organisation and so excited to continue the great work that’s been established with the junior teams as we want to continue to find the best local talent in the area.”
Barnsley FC will also work closely with Reds in the Community and Barnsley Ladies to improve the player pathway and overall technical development along with a commitment to further promote women’s football in the local community. The Club will work with local schools and clubs to encourage more girls and women to get involved in football.
“When we reconstituted the board just over a year ago, creating a women’s football programme was one of the most important agenda items for the next 12 months - and with one year now under our belt we are excited to announce it. We want to be a leading club in the promotion of women’s football,” said Barnsley F.C Director, Julie -Anne Quay.
“We believe that football is for everyone, and we are committed to providing opportunities for girls and women to play the game at all levels and play a central role at the club both on and off the pitch.”
More information about the newly formed women’s team, Barnsley FC, will be released by the Club over the coming weeks including details about the team, trials and the pre-season schedule ahead of the 23/24 campaign.
