Lioness Beth Mead hits out at club's 'disgusting' decision to scrap female football sides

Six committee members at a Teesside football club have stepped down from their positions after their decision to remove the club's entire female section prompted a backlash.

A majority of members on the committee at Thornaby FC voted to remove the club's under 7s, under 8s, under 10s, under 11s, under 15s and women's sides in an emergency meeting over the weekend.

The club later explained that day-to-day running of the club “is in doubt”, blaming low staffing levels.

The six members of the club's committee who voted in favour of the decision, which has left more than 100 girls without a club, have since stepped down from their positions, leaving just two committee members remaining.

Abbey Lyle, Manager of Thornaby FC Women, said: "I'm still in shock, it's a crazy decision. I can't quite get my head around where the thinking's come from for that decision."

"For me my focus is on making sure this doesn't go unnoticed and to get these girls into a new club."

Thornaby FC Women manager Abbey Lyle says she cannot understand the rationale behind the decision.

The Football Association said it was “very disappointed” and a spokesperson said: “In recent years, we have seen unprecedented growth across the women’s and girls’ game in this country, and we are fully committed to ensuring all women and girls can access and play the game – whether that be in schools or in their local community.

“We are currently supporting North Riding County FA who are in contact with the club to see if a suitable resolution can be agreed.”

After hearing the initial news, Whitby-born Lioness Beth Mead branded the decision 'disgusting' and offered her support to the women and girls affected.

In a statement, following the meeting on Saturday 8 June, club chairman Garry Morris - who voted against the decision - said: "The decision to withdraw support for the women's teams is one that I do not agree with and, along with another member of the committee, voted against it at yesterday's meeting.

"I have made my feelings known to the board, have asked them to reconsider their decision and also to consider their positions on the board as patrons and trustees of the football club.

"We are empowered by the fans of the club to make the right decisions for the future of the club and all those who show their unwavering support for both the male and female teams of all age groups deserve better. I firmly believe the decision made yesterday does not do that and will be making this clear to the remaining members of the board."

The Tees Valley Mayor has also criticised the decision, saying the 'mindset belongs in the 1970s'.

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