Forest Green Rovers ax women's team for 2026-27 season

Forest Green Rovers have made it official that they will not have a women's team for the 2026-2027 season. Through a press release, the club also confirmed the end of its partnership with the elite training center at Hartpury University, aimed at girls aged 9 to 16. Last season, the women's team finished second in the South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division, failing to advance to the fourth division by just one point.

The club said the move was aimed at streamlining its finances in a bid to support the development of the men's team, with the ambition of a return to the English Football League (EFL). By 2024, the Green Devils had been relegated from League Two after seven consecutive seasons in the EFL, and over the last two campaigns they have failed to get back to that level losing each time in the National League play-offs.

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A club spokesperson said: “We had discussions with Hartpury Uni about a partnership, but the university made a decision which ruled out the possibility of a joint team. Our collaboration with Hartpury has been valuable and appreciated. We will continue to support them in their project through Hartpury Women FC. »

He added: “Forest Green Rovers are determined to return to the EFL as soon as possible, which means focusing our resources and efforts on strengthening the club to achieve this goal. This is not a farewell to women's football at Forest Green. We hope to return to this area when conditions are favorable and a sustainable and successful program can be put in place over the long term. »