Tragedy has struck at Forest Green Rovers as they've made the bombshell decision to axe their women's team with immediate effect. The Gloucestershire club is shifting gears, focusing all its energy on getting their men's side back into the EFL - a journey that began in 2024 when they were relegated from League Two. It's a bold gamble, but one that has left fans of the women's game reeling.
The women's team had been flying high, finishing second in their regional fifth-tier division last season and missing out on promotion to the fourth tier by just one point behind champions Torquay. They were the epitome of consistency, losing only one league match throughout the campaign - a testament to their steely determination.
Meanwhile, the men's team under Robbie Savage was grinding away in the National League, finishing seventh last season and agonisingly short of playoff glory after a defeat by Boreham Wood. The club is convinced that its resources are best spent on getting back into League Two as soon as possible, but fans will be left wondering if this decision comes at too great a cost.
Forest Green's statement laid bare the reality - discussions with Hartpury University about a joint women's team had stalled, and the club was forced to withdraw from its partnership with the university's elite training centre for girls aged nine to 16. The club remains committed to supporting Hartpury Women FC, but it's clear that women's football has taken a backseat at Forest Green Rovers - at least, for now.
Despite this setback, the club insisted that its long-term commitment to women's football remains unwavering. "This isn't goodbye to women's football at Forest Green," a spokesperson vowed, "We'll be back when we can build a programme that is sustainable and successful for the long term." The club thanked all those involved with the women's team, but it's clear that fans will be left hurting from this sudden decision.
Less than a month ago, Forest Green Women had been allocated to tier five of the pyramid by the FA - now, their future hangs in the balance. It's a sad day for the women's game at Forest Green Rovers, but perhaps one that will ultimately prove to be a necessary sacrifice in pursuit of EFL glory.