Online petition set up as uncertainty remains over Reading Women

An online petition has been set up to try and protect the Reading Women's teams as uncertainty continues to linger over its future.

Facing relegation out of the Championship or even potential extinction unless funds can be shown, it has proved a scary and uncertain period for everyone connected with the club.

Set up on Change.org, almost 500 individuals have signed the petition in under 24 hours.

"The future of Reading Women FC, one of the top-level women's football teams in the country, along with its prestigious girls academy, is under significant threat," the petition says.

"As the club faces imminent change in ownership, the team and academy are at risk of closure. This potential abolition could impact not only the talented first team but the promising young women and girls in the academy.

"Reading Women have been integral in developing countless talented players including lionesses Fran Kirby and Mary Earps.

"Averting the permanent dissolution of Reading Women FC and its girls academy is not just about preserving a sports team; it's a matter of supporting these athletes, standing up for our women and for the future of talent development within the sport. Sign this petition to make your voice heard."

The Reading Chronicle has been inundated with messages from friends and family of those connected to the women's side.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I know she, and a lot of others, have had offers and had leaving parties at their grassroots club to go to Reading and now we’re left with ‘is there going to be a team?’ A lot of girls didn’t trial anywhere else because they wanted to play for their local team.

"I offered her Oxford, but she just wants to play for Reading. We’re all Reading fans and that was our dream. She’s scored so many goals for them and now she doesn’t know what’s going to happen. The coaching staff don’t know either."

Another added: "It’s been a really testing time. My daughter is in Year 10. It isn’t GCSE year but she’s trying to focus on her football and her studies, but it is totally destabilising. For those who are doing their GCSEs, they’ve had to cope with all the uncertainty during an exam year.

"We want the best for our children and dealing with this much uncertainty has been really tough. I think the girls have been really resilient and determined, hoping that the owner acts in good faith. The last five months have been horrendous."