Sumas fold their women’s team due to player drought

WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook Football Club’s ladies team has folded.

Despite strenuous efforts, the Sumas lost more than a dozen players during the summer and had just seven players confirmed for the forthcoming season.

The club had held a successful Open Day event, but took the tough decision to resign from the Thames Valley Women’s Football League.

It is adamant that its senior female team will return next season.

The Sumas’ Ladies had been competing in Division One of the Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League.

Last season they finished seventh in the 10-team division, with four wins and a total of 15 points from their 18 games.

Steve Williams, Chairman of Wokingham & Emmbrook FC, said: “It’s a real shame for the club, but currently the plan is to look forward to the 2022/23 season and try to appoint a new manager.”

Abi Ticehurst, editor of Women’s Football in Berkshire, said: “It’s immensely sad to see Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies folding this season.

“Unfortunately, a number of clubs in the area appear to be struggling with recruitment alongside the Sumas, so they’re not a lone case.

“In fact, nationwide it appears that despite the growth of women’s football, boosted by the success of the 2019 World Cup, there are many teams finding it a challenge to increase their squad numbers.

“It’s likely that the pandemic has stifled the development somewhat.”

Sumas’ new first team boss Eliot Whitehouse, who has previously coached women at the Reading FC Academy, also indicated his willingness to help the squad.

Anyone who is interested to learn more about football at Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies is urged to email WEFC_Ladies@hotmail.com.