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{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Infobox football club
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = Reading WFC
| clubname = Reading FC Women
| image = [[File:Reading FC.svg|180px]]
| current = 2023–24 Reading F.C. Women season
| fullname = Reading Football Club Women
| image = Reading FC.svg
| image_size = 180px
| nickname = The Royals
| fullname = Reading Football Club Women
| founded = 2006
| nickname = The Royals, RFCW
| first Team manager = Kelly Chambers
| founded = {{start date and age|2006 }}
| director of women's and girls' football = Kelly Chambers
| mgrtitle = First-team manager
| ground = [[Adams Park]]
| manager = Liam Gilbert
| capacity = 9,617<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/capacity-of-terrace-at-adams-park-reduced-2753858.aspx|title=Capacity of terrace at Adams Park reduced|publisher=Wycombe Wanderers}}</ref>
| league = [[FA WSL|WSL 2]]
| owner = [[Dai Yongge]] & Dai Xiu Li
| owntitle = Director of football
| season = [[2014 FA WSL#FA WSL 2|2014]] |
| ground = [[Madejski Stadium|Select Car Leasing Stadium]]
| position = 3rd
| capacity = 24,161
| <!-- Home kit -->
| league = {{English football updater-W|Reading}}
| pattern_la1 = _blueshoulders
| season = {{English football updater-W|Reading2}}
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| position = {{English football updater-W|Reading3}}
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|<!-- Home kit -->
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<!-- Away kit -->
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}}
}}


'''Reading Football Club Women''' is an English [[women's football (soccer)|women's football]] club affiliated with [[Reading F.C.]]. The club currently play in [[FA WSL 2]]. The club played in the [[FA Women's Premier League National Division]] after being promoted from the [[FA Women's Premier League Southern Division]], which they were relegated to at the end of the 2011–12 season. They had previously won promotion to the National Division from the Southern Division in 2009/10. They have gained Super League status for 2014.<ref>http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/women-to-be-honoured-820602.aspx</ref>
'''Reading Football Club Women''' is an English [[Women's association football|women's football]] club affiliated with [[Reading FC]]. The Club plays in the [[FA Women's Championship|Women's Championship]], the second tier of English [[women's football in England|women's football]]. Reading F.C. Women previously played in the [[FA Women's Premier League National Division]] after being promoted from the [[FA Women's Premier League Southern Division]], which they were relegated to at the end of the 2011–12 season. They had previously won promotion to the National Division from the Southern Division in 2009–10. They gained entry to an expanded FA WSL in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/women-to-be-honoured-820602.aspx|title=Women's success celebrated}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Reading FC began an association with women's football when it affiliated with Reading Royals LFC (previously Twyford Comets) in 1988.


Reading FC began an association with women's football when it affiliated with Reading Royals LFC (previously Twyford Comets) in 1988. In May 2006, Reading ended this affiliation and started their own women's team, Reading FC Women.<ref name="womenfounded">{{cite web | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/WomenSquad/0,,10306~1065210,00.html | title=Background of our women's team | accessdate=19 November 2007 | work=readingfc.co.uk}}</ref> In their very first season they achieved a Southern Region Women's Football League and Cup double<ref name="womendouble">{{cite news | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/WomensNews/0,,10306~1061182,00.html | title=Women secure league & cup double | accessdate=19 November 2007 | work=readingfc.co.uk}}</ref> and were promoted to the [[South West Combination Women's Football League]]. They followed this with an unbeaten 2007–08 League season to gain promotion to the [[FA Women's Premier League Northern Division|Premier League Northern Division]] (in which they competed due to an overload at the [[FA Women's Premier League Southern Division|Southern]]).
In May 2006, Reading ended this affiliation and started their own women's team, Reading FC Women.<ref name="womenfounded">{{cite web | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/WomenSquad/0,,10306~1065210,00.html | title=Background of our women's team | access-date=19 November 2007 | work=readingfc.co.uk}}</ref> In their first season they achieved a [[Southern Region Women's Football League]] and Cup [[Double (association football)|double]]<ref name="womendouble">{{cite news | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/WomensNews/0,,10306~1061182,00.html | title=Women secure league & cup double | access-date=19 November 2007 | work=readingfc.co.uk}}</ref> and were promoted to the [[South West Combination Women's Football League]]. They followed this with an unbeaten 2007–08 League season to gain promotion to the [[FA Women's Premier League Northern Division|Premier League Northern Division]] (in which they competed due to an overload at the [[FA Women's Premier League Southern Division|Southern]]).


After finishing sixth in the Northern Division, Reading were transferred to the Southern Division for the 2009–10 season. In 2010 they won their last four games of the season to finish runners–up to Barnet and secure promotion to the [[FA Women's Premier League National Division]].<ref name="womenprem">{{cite web | url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/WomensNews/0,,10306~2053697,00.html | title=Royals celebrate promotion to top flight! | accessdate=29 September 2010 | work=readingfc.co.uk}}</ref>
After finishing sixth in the Northern Division, Reading were transferred to the Southern Division for the 2009–10 season. In 2010 they won their last four games of the season to finish runners–up to [[London Bees|Barnet]] and secure promotion to the [[FA Women's Premier League National Division]].<ref name="womenprem">{{cite web | url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/WomensNews/0,,10306~2053697,00.html | title=Royals celebrate promotion to top flight! | access-date=29 September 2010 | work=readingfc.co.uk}}</ref>


On Sunday 3 April 2011 Reading Women successfully defended the Berks and Bucks County Cup trophy, cruising past Milton Keynes Dons 3–0 in the final.<ref>http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/WomensNews/0,,10306~2330585,00.html</ref>
On 3 April 2011 Reading successfully defended the Berks and Bucks County Cup trophy, cruising past Milton Keynes Dons 3–0 in the final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/WomensNews/0,,10306~2330585,00.html|title = Home of the Royals!}}</ref>


Their first season in the FA Women's Premier League National Division (the second highest league, following the formation of the [[FA WSL|Women's Super League]]) saw Reading finish third.<ref>http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/WomensNews/0,,10306~2352693,00.html</ref> In March 2012 Reading lost top goalscorer Nikki Watts to WSL club [[Bristol Academy W.F.C.|Bristol Academy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristolacademywfc.co.uk/news/vixens_announce_new_signings.html |title=Vixens announce new signings|publisher=Bristol Academy WFC|accessdate=24 March 2012|date=7 March 2012}}</ref> They finished 9th in the National Division in the 2011–12 season, resulting in their releagtion back to the Southern Division for the 2012–13 season.
Their first season in the FA Women's Premier League National Division (the second highest league, following the formation of the [[FA WSL|Women's Super League]]) saw Reading finish third.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/WomensNews/0,,10306~2352693,00.html|title = Home of the Royals!}}</ref> In March 2012 Reading lost top goalscorer Nikki Watts to WSL club [[Bristol Academy W.F.C.|Bristol Academy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bristolacademywfc.co.uk/news/vixens_announce_new_signings.html |title=Vixens announce new signings|publisher=Bristol Academy WFC|access-date=24 March 2012|date=7 March 2012}}</ref> They finished 9th in the National Division in the 2011–12 season, resulting in their relegation back to the Southern Division for 2012–13.


In 2012/13 Reading FC Women won the FA Premier League Southern Division by eight points and a goal difference of 41,<ref>http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/women-seal-the-title-817101.aspx</ref> while both the first and reserve team managed to retain the County Cup.<ref name="readingfc.co.uk">http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/women-secure-cup-double-290413-799254.aspx</ref>
In 2012–13 Reading FC Women won the FA Premier League Southern Division by eight points and a goal difference of 41,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/women-seal-the-title-817101.aspx|title=Women seal the title}}</ref> while both the first and reserve team retained the County Cup.<ref name="readingfc.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/women-secure-cup-double-290413-799254.aspx|title=Women secure cup double}}</ref>


Reading FC Women's top scorer in 2012–13, [[Fran Kirby]], was rewarded for her campaign by being named as Player of the Season – as well as receiving a call up to play for Great Britain in the World University Games in Russia. Kirby surpassed the 30-goal mark this season. The striker was also selected for an England under-23s Camp.<ref>http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/ladies-in-the-limelight-030613-853060.aspx</ref>
Reading's top scorer in 2012–13, [[Fran Kirby]], was rewarded for her campaign by being named as Player of the Season – as well as receiving a call up to play for Great Britain in the [[Football at the 2013 Summer Universiade – Women's tournament|World University Games]] in [[Kazan]], Russia. Striker Kirby surpassed the 30-goal mark this season and was also selected for an [[England women's national under-23 football team|England under-23s]] Camp.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/ladies-in-the-limelight-030613-853060.aspx|title=Ladies in the limelight!}}</ref>


From 2014 Reading FC Women have been granted to play in the FA Women's Super League 2.<ref name="readingfc.co.uk"/> They finished in thee top two in the [[2015 FA WSL|2015 season]] and were promoted to the WSL 1. On 10th December 2015 it was announced that Reading FC Women would be playing their home games at [[Adams Park]], the home of [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.]], for the next two seasons. <ref>http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/reading-fc-women-come-to-adams-park-2845082.aspx</ref>
Reading were granted a licence to play in the FA Women's Super League 2 from 2014.<ref name="readingfc.co.uk"/> They won the division in the [[2015 FA WSL|2015 season]] and were promoted to the [[FA WSL]]. On 10 December 2015 it was announced that Reading would play their home games at [[Adams Park]], the home of [[Wycombe Wanderers F.C.|Wycombe Wanderers FC]], for the next two seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/reading-fc-women-come-to-adams-park-2845082.aspx|title=Reading FC Women come to Adams Park|author=@wwfcofficial}}</ref>

Reading finished the [[2017–18 FA WSL|2017–18]] season in 4th place<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scorespro.com/soccer/england/fa-wsl-womens-super-league/2017-2018/standings|title=England - FA WSL (Women's Super League) 2017/18 Standings}}</ref> and 5th in both [[2018–19 FA WSL|2018–19]] and [[2019–20 FA WSL|2019–20]], reaching the Semi-Final of the [[FA Women's Cup]] in 2018-19. The side finished 7th in the [[2020–21 FA WSL|2020–21]] season, continuing the steady decline to 8th in [[2021–22 FA WSL|2021–22]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scorespro.com/soccer/england/fa-wsl-womens-super-league/2018-2019/standings/|title = England - FA WSL (Women's Super League) 2018/19 Standings}}</ref>

Reading were relegated from the WSL on the final day of the [[2022–23 FA WSL|2022–23]] season, losing to Chelsea.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/champions-chelsea-fourth-successive-women-s-super-league-title-reading-relegation/blt4748530e51a7e1ef|title = Champions again! Chelsea win fourth successive Women's Super League title and condemn Reading to relegation with victory}}</ref> Following their relegation, Reading switched to operation on a part-time basis ahead of the [[2023–24 Women's Championship]].<ref>{{cite web |title=READING FC WOMEN TO OPERATE ON PART-TIME MODEL IN SECOND TIER |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/06/reading-fc-women-to-operate-on-part-time-model/ |website=readingfc.co.uk |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=6 June 2023 |date=6 June 2023}}</ref>

On 18 August 2023, Reading announced Liam Gilbert as their new First Team Manager.<ref>{{cite web |title=LIAM GILBERT TAKES THE REINS OF READING FC WOMEN |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2023/august/18/liam-gilbert-takes-the-reins-of-reading-fc-women-/ |website=readingfc.co.uk |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=18 August 2023 |date=18 August 2023}}</ref>


==Management==
==Management==
From 2015, Reading F.C. Women Director of Women's and Girls' Football and First Team Manager was former captain of Reading F.C. Women, [[Kelly Chambers (footballer)|Kelly Chambers]]. Chambers took over from former manager [[Jayne Ludlow]] who stepped down to manage [[Wales women's national football team|Wales]]. She was assisted by Head Coach Phil Cousins. Both Chambers and Cousins left their respective roles in June 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=KELLY CHAMBERS SET TO LEAVE THE CLUB FOR PASTURES NEW |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/20/kelly-chambers-set-to-leave-the-club-for-pastures-new/ |website=readingfc.co.uk |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=20 June 2023 |date=20 June 2023}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web | url=https://footballinberkshire.co.uk/news/club-news/74486/reading-fc-women-part-company-with-phil-cousins/ | title=Reading FC Women part company with Phil Cousins | date=26 June 2023 }}</ref>

Reading F.C. Women Director of Women's and Girls' Football and First Team Manager is former Arsenal and Welsh football player and coach [[Jayne Ludlow]]. Ludlow represented Arsenal for 13 years, and captained the Welsh national team until her international retirement in 2012. Ludlow played as a midfielder and remains Arsenal's all-time record goalscorer. Jayne is assisted by Kelly Chambers, former captain of Reading F.C. Women and Manager. She is Reading FC Women General Manager and Assistant 1st Team Manager. Kelly took over from former manager Phil Cousins who stepped down in 2012.


==Players==
==Players==
===Current squad===
{{updated|30 April 2024}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Reading FC {{!}} Women's First Team |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/teams/reading-fc-women/ |website=readingfc.co.uk}}</ref>
{{fs start}}
{{fs start}}
{{fs player|no=2 |nat=NIR|pos=DF|name=[[Rachel Dugdale]]}}
{{fs player|no=5 |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Deanna Cooper]]}}
{{fs player|no=6 |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Caitlin Smith}}
{{fs player|no=7 |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Charlie Wellings]]}}
{{fs player|no=8 |nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Tia Primmer]]}}
{{fs player|no=9 |nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Madison Perry}}
{{fs player|no=10|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Ava Kuyken]]}}
{{fs player|no=11|nat=NIR|pos=FW|name=[[Lauren Wade]]}}
{{fs player|no=15|nat=USA|pos=DF|name=[[Brooke Hendrix]]|other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]]}}
{{fs player|no=16|nat=CMR|pos=DF|name=[[Easther Mayi Kith]]}}
{{fs player|no=17|nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=[[Charlie Estcourt]]}}
{{fs mid}}
{{fs player|no=20|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Georgia Wilson (footballer)|Georgia Wilson]]}}
{{fs player|no=21|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Mae Hunt}}
{{fs player|no=22|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Millie Elwood}}
{{fs player|no=24|nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=Josie Longhurst}}
{{fs player|no=25|nat=NIR|pos=GK|name=[[Jacqueline Burns]]}}
{{fs player|no=31|nat=WAL|pos=DF|name=[[Bethan Roberts]]}}
{{fs player|no=32|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Stevie Kennedy}}
{{fs player|no=33|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Bella Cox}}
{{fs player|no=34|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Imogen Poile}}
{{fs player|no=36|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Tash Rasmussen}}
{{fs player|no=41|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Eve Annets}}
{{fs end}}


===Out on loan===
<b><ul>Goalkeeper</b></ul>
{{Fs start}}
{{fs player|no=1|nat=IRL|pos=GK|name=Grace Moloney}}<ref name="ReferenceA">http://www.readingfc.co.uk/team/ladies_profiles.aspx</ref><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/news/moloney_gets_the_ireland_callup.html</ref><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/grace_moloney.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=18|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Freya Meadows-Tuson|other=dual-registration with [[Maidenhead United F.C.|Maidenhead United]]}}
{{fs player|no=|nat=|pos=GK|name=[[Claire Skinner (footballer)|Claire Skinner]]}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/claire_skinner.html</ref>
<b><ul>Defence</b></ul>
{{fs player|no=19|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Eloise Wilson}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/eloise_wilson.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=5|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Molly Bartrip}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/molly_bartrip.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=2|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Rebecca Jane}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/rebecca_jane.html</ref>
<b><ul>Midfield</b></ul>
{{fs player|no=|nat=|pos=MF|name=Harriet Scott}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/harriet_scott.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=10|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=Lois Roche}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/louis_roche.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Rebekah Haines}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/rebekah_haines.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=15|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Bianca Bragg}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
{{fs player|no=6|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Kirsty McGee}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/kirsty_mcgee.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=14|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Georgina Giddings}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/georgina_giddings.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=16|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Megan Ryan}}
{{fs player|no=8|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Bonnie Horwood}}
{{fs player|no=14|nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=Laura May-Walkley}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/eloise_wilson.html</ref>
<b><ul>Strikers</b></ul>
{{fs player|no=|nat=WAL|pos=FW|name=[[Helen Ward (footballer)|Helen Ward]]}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/helen_ward.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=20|nat=WAL|pos=FW|name=Melissa Fletcher}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/melissa_fletcher.html</ref>
{{fs player|no=9|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Lauren Bruton]]}}<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>http://reading.fawsl.com/playerProfile/lauren_bruton.html</ref>
{{fs end}}
{{fs end}}


==Stadium==
==Stadium==
Reading FC Women currently play at the [[Madejski Stadium]] (rebranded as the Select Car Leasing Stadium from 2021), having moved to it before the [[2020–21 FA WSL]] season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reading Women: Top-flight side to move to Madejski Stadium |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52822643 |access-date=27 May 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2020}}</ref> Before then, they played at [[Cherrywood Road|Rushmoor Community Stadium]] in [[Farnborough, Hampshire]] before moving to [[Adams Park]] in [[High Wycombe]], [[Buckinghamshire]]. The club moved there after they gained promotion to the FA WSL in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Reading Women to move to Adams Park|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34911732|access-date=2021-07-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Reading FC Women come to Adams Park - News - Wycombe Wanderers|url=https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/2015/december/reading-fc-women-come-to-adams-park/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=www.wycombewanderers.co.uk|language=en-gb}}</ref>

Reading FC Women play at [[Cherrywood Road|The Rushmoor Community Stadium]] in [[Farnborough, Hampshire]], the home of [[Conference South]] men's club [[Farnborough F.C.]]


== Honours ==
== Honours ==
Line 94: Line 121:
* '''[[South West Combination Women's Football League]]:'''
* '''[[South West Combination Women's Football League]]:'''
** '''Winners (1):''' 2007/08
** '''Winners (1):''' 2007/08

* '''[[FA Women's Premier League Southern Division]]:'''
* '''[[FA Women's Premier League Southern Division]]:'''
** '''Winners (1):''' 2012/13
** '''Winners (1):''' 2012/13

* '''[[FA WSL|FA WSL 2]]:'''
* '''[[FA WSL|FA WSL 2]]:'''
** '''Winners (1):''' [[2015 FA WSL|2015]]
** '''Winners (1):''' [[2015 FA WSL|2015]]
Line 105: Line 130:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Players of Reading F.C. Women}}
*[http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/WomenIndex Official site]
* {{Official website|https://www.readingfc.co.uk/teams/women/}}


{{Reading F.C.}}
{{Reading F.C. Women}}
{{Reading F.C. Women squad}}
{{FA Women's Super League}}
{{FA Women's Super League}}
{{Women's football in England}}

{{Coord|51|37|50|N|0|48|1|W|type:landmark|display=title}}


[[Category:Reading F.C. Women| ]]
[[Category:Women's football clubs in England]]
[[Category:Women's football clubs in England]]
[[Category:Reading F.C.|Women]]
[[Category:Reading F.C.|Women]]
Line 119: Line 144:
[[Category:Football clubs in Reading]]
[[Category:Football clubs in Reading]]
[[Category:2006 establishments in England]]
[[Category:2006 establishments in England]]
[[Category:FA WSL teams]]
[[Category:Women's Super League teams]]
[[Category:Women's Championship (England) teams]]
[[Category:FA Women's National League teams]]

Revision as of 09:24, 30 April 2024

Reading FC Women
Full nameReading Football Club Women
Nickname(s)The Royals, RFCW
Founded2006; 18 years ago (2006)
GroundSelect Car Leasing Stadium
Capacity24,161
Director of footballDai Yongge & Dai Xiu Li
First-team managerLiam Gilbert
LeagueWomen's Championship
2023–24Women's Championship, 10th of 12
WebsiteClub website
Current season

Reading Football Club Women is an English women's football club affiliated with Reading FC. The Club plays in the Women's Championship, the second tier of English women's football. Reading F.C. Women previously played in the FA Women's Premier League National Division after being promoted from the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division, which they were relegated to at the end of the 2011–12 season. They had previously won promotion to the National Division from the Southern Division in 2009–10. They gained entry to an expanded FA WSL in 2014.[1]

History

Reading FC began an association with women's football when it affiliated with Reading Royals LFC (previously Twyford Comets) in 1988.

In May 2006, Reading ended this affiliation and started their own women's team, Reading FC Women.[2] In their first season they achieved a Southern Region Women's Football League and Cup double[3] and were promoted to the South West Combination Women's Football League. They followed this with an unbeaten 2007–08 League season to gain promotion to the Premier League Northern Division (in which they competed due to an overload at the Southern).

After finishing sixth in the Northern Division, Reading were transferred to the Southern Division for the 2009–10 season. In 2010 they won their last four games of the season to finish runners–up to Barnet and secure promotion to the FA Women's Premier League National Division.[4]

On 3 April 2011 Reading successfully defended the Berks and Bucks County Cup trophy, cruising past Milton Keynes Dons 3–0 in the final.[5]

Their first season in the FA Women's Premier League National Division (the second highest league, following the formation of the Women's Super League) saw Reading finish third.[6] In March 2012 Reading lost top goalscorer Nikki Watts to WSL club Bristol Academy.[7] They finished 9th in the National Division in the 2011–12 season, resulting in their relegation back to the Southern Division for 2012–13.

In 2012–13 Reading FC Women won the FA Premier League Southern Division by eight points and a goal difference of 41,[8] while both the first and reserve team retained the County Cup.[9]

Reading's top scorer in 2012–13, Fran Kirby, was rewarded for her campaign by being named as Player of the Season – as well as receiving a call up to play for Great Britain in the World University Games in Kazan, Russia. Striker Kirby surpassed the 30-goal mark this season and was also selected for an England under-23s Camp.[10]

Reading were granted a licence to play in the FA Women's Super League 2 from 2014.[9] They won the division in the 2015 season and were promoted to the FA WSL. On 10 December 2015 it was announced that Reading would play their home games at Adams Park, the home of Wycombe Wanderers FC, for the next two seasons.[11]

Reading finished the 2017–18 season in 4th place[12] and 5th in both 2018–19 and 2019–20, reaching the Semi-Final of the FA Women's Cup in 2018-19. The side finished 7th in the 2020–21 season, continuing the steady decline to 8th in 2021–22.[13]

Reading were relegated from the WSL on the final day of the 2022–23 season, losing to Chelsea.[14] Following their relegation, Reading switched to operation on a part-time basis ahead of the 2023–24 Women's Championship.[15]

On 18 August 2023, Reading announced Liam Gilbert as their new First Team Manager.[16]

Management

From 2015, Reading F.C. Women Director of Women's and Girls' Football and First Team Manager was former captain of Reading F.C. Women, Kelly Chambers. Chambers took over from former manager Jayne Ludlow who stepped down to manage Wales. She was assisted by Head Coach Phil Cousins. Both Chambers and Cousins left their respective roles in June 2023.[17] [18]

Players

Current squad

As of 30 April 2024[19]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF Northern Ireland NIR Rachel Dugdale
5 DF England ENG Deanna Cooper
6 DF England ENG Caitlin Smith
7 FW England ENG Charlie Wellings
8 MF England ENG Tia Primmer
9 FW England ENG Madison Perry
10 MF England ENG Ava Kuyken
11 FW Northern Ireland NIR Lauren Wade
15 DF United States USA Brooke Hendrix (captain)
16 DF Cameroon CMR Easther Mayi Kith
17 MF Wales WAL Charlie Estcourt
No. Pos. Nation Player
20 MF England ENG Georgia Wilson
21 MF England ENG Mae Hunt
22 MF England ENG Millie Elwood
24 MF Wales WAL Josie Longhurst
25 GK Northern Ireland NIR Jacqueline Burns
31 DF Wales WAL Bethan Roberts
32 MF England ENG Stevie Kennedy
33 DF England ENG Bella Cox
34 MF England ENG Imogen Poile
36 MF England ENG Tash Rasmussen
41 GK England ENG Eve Annets

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
18 MF England ENG Freya Meadows-Tuson (dual-registration with Maidenhead United)

Stadium

Reading FC Women currently play at the Madejski Stadium (rebranded as the Select Car Leasing Stadium from 2021), having moved to it before the 2020–21 FA WSL season.[20] Before then, they played at Rushmoor Community Stadium in Farnborough, Hampshire before moving to Adams Park in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The club moved there after they gained promotion to the FA WSL in 2015.[21][22]

Honours

References

  1. ^ "Women's success celebrated".
  2. ^ "Background of our women's team". readingfc.co.uk. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
  3. ^ "Women secure league & cup double". readingfc.co.uk. Retrieved 19 November 2007.
  4. ^ "Royals celebrate promotion to top flight!". readingfc.co.uk. Retrieved 29 September 2010.
  5. ^ "Home of the Royals!".
  6. ^ "Home of the Royals!".
  7. ^ "Vixens announce new signings". Bristol Academy WFC. 7 March 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  8. ^ "Women seal the title".
  9. ^ a b "Women secure cup double".
  10. ^ "Ladies in the limelight!".
  11. ^ @wwfcofficial. "Reading FC Women come to Adams Park".
  12. ^ "England - FA WSL (Women's Super League) 2017/18 Standings".
  13. ^ "England - FA WSL (Women's Super League) 2018/19 Standings".
  14. ^ "Champions again! Chelsea win fourth successive Women's Super League title and condemn Reading to relegation with victory".
  15. ^ "READING FC WOMEN TO OPERATE ON PART-TIME MODEL IN SECOND TIER". readingfc.co.uk. Reading F.C. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  16. ^ "LIAM GILBERT TAKES THE REINS OF READING FC WOMEN". readingfc.co.uk. Reading F.C. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  17. ^ "KELLY CHAMBERS SET TO LEAVE THE CLUB FOR PASTURES NEW". readingfc.co.uk. Reading F.C. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  18. ^ "Reading FC Women part company with Phil Cousins". 26 June 2023.
  19. ^ "Reading FC | Women's First Team". readingfc.co.uk.
  20. ^ "Reading Women: Top-flight side to move to Madejski Stadium". BBC Sport. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  21. ^ "Reading Women to move to Adams Park". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  22. ^ "Reading FC Women come to Adams Park - News - Wycombe Wanderers". www.wycombewanderers.co.uk. Retrieved 13 July 2021.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Players of Reading F.C. Women.
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