Forest Green Rovers Discontinues Women's Team for Upcoming Season

In a surprising move, Forest Green Rovers has declared that they will not field a women's team in the upcoming 2026-27 season. This decision comes alongside the termination of their partnership with Hartpury University, which had been integral to the development of young female footballers. The club emphasized that this step is aimed at optimizing their financial resources to focus on enhancing the men's team, which has faced challenges in recent seasons. Last season, the women's team finished a commendable second in the South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division, narrowly missing out on promotion by just a single point. The club's management acknowledged the team's efforts and the potential it displayed, but stated that the current financial climate necessitated difficult choices. "We are committed to returning to the EFL as swiftly as possible, and this means reallocating resources to strengthen our core operations," a club representative explained. The partnership with Hartpury University, which has been a pivotal element in nurturing young talent, will also come to an end. This collaboration was aimed at providing elite training for girls aged nine to sixteen, and while it has been fruitful, the club believes that focusing solely on the men's side is essential for their immediate goals. The decision has raised questions about the future of women's football at the club, but officials have reassured supporters that this is not a permanent farewell. "We hope to reinstate a women's team when the conditions are right for a sustainable and successful program," the spokesperson added. The club's commitment to women's football remains intact, and they express a desire to return to the women's game in the future, reflecting a hopeful outlook despite the current setback.