Women’s team ‘neglect’ allegations taken seriously, says Solihull Moors Foundation

The Solihull Moors Foundation has said allegations of “neglect, broken promises and lack of respect”, made in a statement by the Solihull Moors women’s team, “do not align with the ethos of the Foundation” and will be addressed.

“The allegations made on social media clearly do not align with the ethos of the Foundation and we take those issues seriously and will address them,” it said.

“Clearly there have been challenges around securing pitches which Foundation staff, team management and coaches have been trying their best to resolve so it is disappointing that frustration has led to those involved feeling the need to publish this post when the leadership of the Foundation has been in open and honest dialogue about many of the points raised and actively seeking a solution.”

Players with the Solihull Moors women’s team published a lengthy statement on social media on Friday night saying that they had no choice but to go public with their allegations because “despite countless emails and meetings with the club, our voices have gone unheard.”

The players, who compete in Midlands Division One of the Women’s National League, accused the club of failing to provide pitch access, transport for away fixtures and basic equipment. They claim that their forfeited cup game against West Bromwich Albion, which has resulted in a fine and seen them removed from the FAWNL Cup and FAWNL Plate was “due to the club’s failure to secure a pitch” for the match and that they find themselves in the same position for an upcoming fixture against Worcester City.

The statement in response, from the club’s foundation, put distance between the club and the women’s and said it was “important to clarify that Solihull Moors Women’s football is part of the Foundation, not the National League Football Club as stated in the post.”

The foundation said as a charity it is “committed to supporting football in the community across all abilities and all ages and offers access to the game through many different programmes.”

It added:

“We are very proud of how we have developed football for girls and women, and we are committed to encouraging female participation from grassroots through to elite.”

In regards to the issues raised, the foundation said it had been in direct contract with the players and has invited them to talks with themselves and the senior management of the club this week to “try and find genuine solutions.”