Forest Green Rovers announced the permanent closure of its women’s side, prompting former captain Hattie Jones to say the move shows female football “is not valued.” The Gloucestershire club finished second in the South West Regional Women’s Premier Division last season, missing promotion by one point. Owners say strategic long‑term resources will now focus on getting the men’s team back into the English Football League after 2024 relegation.

Jones told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that the decision sends a discouraging message to young girls in the local schools aspiring to play locally. She recalled how the club had previously linked the women’s programme to the men’s side, citing the Lionesses’ rise as an inspiration. Yet she warned that withdrawing support risks eroding grassroots participation across the county.

Forest Green said it hopes to secure funding that could revive the women’s team in future seasons, but no timetable was offered. With the men’s side now competing in the National League, the club faces criticism that its financial priorities marginalise women’s sport. The closure leaves the region without a top‑flight women’s outfit for the foreseeable season.