COVID-19 left a lasting impact on the sporting world, and female football clubs in South Yorkshire were no exception. Unprecedented challenges, uncertainty about future sustainability of football clubs, where women’s football in South Yorkshire was no exception. 

The 2019/20 season saw significant disruptions after the first Lockdown was announced by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, with leagues such as the Sheffield and Hallamshire and FA Women’s Championship ground to a halt. Sheffield United women, for instance, were second in the Championship when the pandemic curtailed the season, and similarly, Rotherham United Women, who suffered a heavy defeat to Blackburn Rovers Ladies, underscoring the difficulties clubs were facing during this period. 

Financially, as for much of the country, COVID put a major strain on women’s football clubs in the region, with many clubs on tight budgets, relying on matchday revenue, sponsorship and volunteer support. With games cancelled and community events suspended, local income streams dried up. 

Prolonged delays also impacted player development, where fixtures were suspended and training sessions cancelled under government guidelines. Young players missed crucial weeks and months of development, coaching and match day experience. 

Clubs struggled to keep players engaged through virtual sessions, with limited access to facilities and equipment, which disproportionately affected teams with fewer resources. 

However, the COVID pandemic was not all negative for the women’s game. Rather, the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros competition, held in England, acted as a catalyst for change and inclusivity. 

Statistics from the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA reveal a 30 percent increase in female players registrations in the sport, with over 1,000 new registrations recorded in 2021. Initiatives introduced by the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA, such as the Weetabix Wildcats programme, have provided opportunities for girls to engage with football at the grassroots level. 

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Clubs across the region have benefited from these programmes, and others introduced by the FA over the past few seasons. Clubs like Barnsley Women, Kiveton Park F.C Women and Rotherham United Women have seen increased levels of female participation at a grassroots level. 

Barnsley Women, an independent club, have the Emerging Talent Centre (ETC) pathway which has also been instrumental in retaining and developing young female football players. 

Kiveton Park F.C Women also gained promotion to Division One and secured victory in their first Women’s FA Cup match. 

Despite improvements and developments, challenges in women’s football still remain, yet, there are support networks in place, such as Rainbow Owls and Sheffield United Community Foundation women’s mental health sessions, in a bit to drive discrimination and adversity out of the game. Such programs, and other initiatives based in South Yorkshire, are crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all participants. 

The COVID-19 pandemic posted significant challenges for women’s football, affecting participation and affecting league structures. Yet, local clubs’ resilience in the face of ultimate adversity, and the legacy of major tournaments and events held in the region, has meant that women’s football in South Yorkshire holds a promising future. 

Continued efforts to support and develop the sport in the region at all levels will ensure that women’s football in South Yorkshire continues to thrive.

If you want to hear more about the impact of COVID on clubs, Barnsley WFC CEO, Stephen Maddock discussed the issue at length on the SYWF Podcast.