Players from Solihull Moors' women's team have publicly shared a statement detailing 'neglect, broken promises, and lack of respect' from their parent club, along with conditions 'that no team, at any level, should be expected to endure.' The team, which competes in Midlands Division One of the Women's National League, claims the club is failing to secure pitches for midweek fixtures and not providing transportation for away matches.
Posted on X by squad member Alex Liddiard, the statement reads: 'Despite numerous emails and meetings with the club, our voices have been ignored, leaving us no option but to address the situation publicly.' Issues mentioned include 'ill-fitting kits' and 'a lack of basic equipment.' Last month, the team was due to play West Brom in the FAWNL Cup, but Albion reported: 'The hosts have now withdrawn from the competition.' In their statement, Solihull Moors players say: 'We were forced to forfeit due to the club's failure to secure a pitch. This not only resulted in a significant fine but also saw us removed from both the League Cup and the League Plate competitions.'
The players also highlight potential future issues, stating: 'With two months' notice of our upcoming league fixture against Worcester City Women, we find ourselves in the same position. Once again, the club has informed us that there is currently no pitch available. If we are forced to forfeit again, we face a potential points deduction and another fine – consequences beyond our control.'
The statement also points out the lack of visibility for the women's team, noting that at neither the club's Armco Arena nor Studley training facility is there 'any indication to visitors that [the club] has a women's team,' adding to 'the feeling of being overlooked and undervalued.' 'We deserve better … we deserve respect, support, and the opportunity to play the game we love under fair conditions,' the statement continues. 'Women's football has made great strides, but our experiences show there is still much work to be done.'
'This lack of visibility further reinforces the feeling of being overlooked and undervalued. As players, we dedicate ourselves to this club week after week. In return, we ask only for the basic necessities required to play football, especially to compete at tier 4. It's time we speak out against the neglect, broken promises and the lack of respect we have faced from our own club. We deserve better.'
Solihull Moors' men's team is in the National League and in May lost the playoff final for a place in League Two to Bromley. The statement provides further insight into issues affecting the women's game beyond the top leagues. Last month, Partick's Courtney Stewart had to endure a three-hour wait for an ambulance after sustaining a head injury during a game against Rangers, with her head coach, Brian Graham, stating: 'I just don't think we get that in the men's game … obviously it comes down to finance.'
In June, North Yorkshire non-league club Thornaby sparked anger by withdrawing support for their six women's teams, potentially leaving over 100 women and girls without a club. Following the backlash, to which Lionesses forward Beth Mead added her voice, the club then backtracked. The following month, Wakefield AFC dropped their women's team.
A Solihull Moors club spokesperson said: 'The club is currently reviewing the statement and will make a comment tomorrow.'
