The Hub For Women’s Football In South Yorkshire

Barnsley FC Women announce shock transformation in latest chairman statement
Lewis Railton

Barnsley FC Women have announced that they have pulled out of the FA Women’s National League ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season.

Barnsley FC Women

In a recent club statement issued by Barnsley FC chairman Neerav Parekh, the club announced some changes to their women’s set-up amid financial challenges.

This notably includes dropping down from the FA Women’s National League, where Barnsley finished in a valiant 8th out of 12, securing survival whilst Doncaster Rovers Belles slipped into the bottom two.

The lengthy club statement released read: ‘Whilst as a Club we applaud the efforts of The FA to provide financial backing to the WSL and the Women’s Championship, that funding does not trickle down sufficiently to the Women’s National League and the financial restraints put upon the Club this summer has driven us to make this difficult decision.’

It also read: ‘Despite our Men’s Academy teams being able to play competitive League fixtures on both our Showcase and 4G pitches, under EFL and Premier League regulations, we have been informed by the FA that these facilities do not meet the criteria for the fourth tier of the Women’s game and therefore the full operation would need to be moved either onto Oakwell Stadium or a local grassroots club, both are financially and logistically not possible with resources available.’

Despite the withdrawal from the 4th tier of women’s football, Barnsley FC ensured to show their support for the team.

“Whilst we are unable to continue operating with a team at this level, we do remain committed to our investment into the Women’s and Girl’s game, and therefore we will continue to support the Barnsley FC Community Trust who will invest into the grassroots game for women and girls in our local area.”

Since the transformation of the club in 2020, it was their first season in the National League, having risen through the leagues, notably winning the North East Regional Women’s Premier in the 2023/24 campaign.

SYWF have approached the club for any further comments.

The repercussions of this decision could be seismic in regard to the landscape of the National League. The divisions for the 2025/26 season have not been announced yet, which could give a glimmer of hope for Doncaster Rovers Belles, whose relegation may potentially be rescinded in order to fill up spaces in the 4th tier.

We have also approached the Belles for a comment on the situation.