Barnsley FC Women are nowhere to be seen in the FA’s pyramid reveal for 2025/26 after the shocking news that they would be withdrawing from the National League for next year.
FA rules state that any club withdrawing from a division, must enter two divisions below, meaning Barnsley FC Women were eligible to enter at the sixth tier, alongside clubs like Sheffield Wednesday and Kiveton Park.
This comes despite the earlier statement from the club that stated the club remained committed to their investment in the women’s game.
It read: “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.”
The reason for the clubs withdrawal from the National League was put down to FA requirements for facilities at tier four level.
The statement continued: “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.
“It may have been possible to obtain temporary dispensation from The FA, however this would only delay the inevitable decision around the additional costs of playing at a different venue.”
The club’s decision not to enter at the sixth tier has opened the door up for Millmoor Juniors and Rossington Main to participate in tier six from next year.
It remains to be seen whether or not the club will enter below tier six, as the announcement by the FA pyramid only revealed the tiers 1-6.
SYWF have approached Barnsley FC for comment.
While Barnsley may not be staying in their league, Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers Belles have both been given reprieves from the FA.
- Read More – Sheffield United retain WSL2 Status
- Read More – Doncaster Rovers Belles handed lifeline by FA with pyramid reveal
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