Forest Green's decision to close their women's team has sparked controversy, with former captain Hattie Jones saying it sends a message that women's football is not valued. The club, currently 7th in the National League with 81 points, had finished second in the South West Regional Women's Premier Division last campaign.

What happened?

The women's team will not return next season, as the club's ownership looks to concentrate resources towards getting the men's side back into the English Football League, after relegation to the National League in 2024. Jones told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that the decision was a shock to everyone on the team.

Why it matters for Forest Green

The closure also includes ending the partnership with Hartpury University's elite training centre for girls aged nine to 16. Jones said the news was difficult to understand, given the club's previous efforts to support the women's team.

What comes next?

Some players on the team are looking at ways they could continue to play together going forward, with Jones saying she had received outreach from other local clubs, as Forest Green looks to regroup after losing their last two matches, including a 1-0 defeat to Boreham Wood on April 29, 2026, and currently trails leaders York by 27 points in the National League