A former Thornaby executive has spoken out to address a “misrepresentation” over the closure of the club’s women’s section.
Trevor Wing was one of six men to resign from the nine-club Teesside committee on Monday after voting to close the women’s team, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism including from England striker Beth Mead.
Wing said the decision was “portrayed as a sweeping and vague move” but the reality was more complicated.
Wing disputed a social media post from Thornaby FC’s women’s section that said all women’s and girls’ sections had been axed, saying organizers had not voted to close the women’s junior team, which he said was “independent” and could have. along.
He added that the decision to ax the senior women’s team “was not taken lightly” but that it had become clear that running men’s and women’s teams was “financially unsustainable”.
“I think it’s important to clarify the situation and clear up some misunderstandings,” Wing said in a statement.
“The decision to end the women’s first team and junior team has been portrayed as a sweeping and vague move, but the reality is more complex. Financial constraints are putting significant pressure on our club.
“After extensive discussions and deliberations with all stakeholders, it became clear that maintaining the men’s and women’s first teams was not financially sustainable.
“As the men’s team has been part of Thornaby FC since 2000, a difficult decision was made to prioritize continuity.
“It is important to note that the women’s junior team has historically operated independently, using the Thornaby FC name and badge while playing at various other venues.
“The team is independent and operations can continue in the same model.
“It must be acknowledged that Thornaby FC have not had a junior men’s team for many years, further highlighting the financial constraints we are under.
“Her commitment to women’s football spans five decades including 16 years of volunteer service at Thornaby FC and 15 years with North Riding County FA.
“I have been active in promoting women’s football, being a coach (and) secretary for Middlesbrough Ladies and as a representative on the FA Women’s Committee it is very disappointing to be mistaken as someone who is against women’s football by people who do not know my history or the full context our decision.
“The decision was not taken lightly, and was made with the long-term stability of the club in mind. I remain dedicated to supporting and promoting women’s football and hope that the community will continue to support Thornaby FC through this challenging time.”
The women’s team has played in the North East Region Women’s Football League – the sixth level of the football pyramid.
Arsenal and England striker Mead, who was born in nearby Whitby, described the decision as “terrible”.
The Labor candidate for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Andy McDonald, said on Monday that the remaining committee members wanted to retain the women’s team and “build a new, diverse and inclusive board with representatives from the women’s team”.
The Football Association is “very disappointed” and said its local branch, the North Riding County FA, ​​is in contact with the club.
