The Sheffield Wednesday Ladies team was formed more than 50 years ago but remain a separate entity from the Owls – although that could change in the near future
Dejphon Chansiri is looking into the possibility of moving Sheffield Wednesday Ladies ‘in-house’ in the near future.
Sheffield Wednesday Ladies were founded more than 50 years ago, back in 1971, but remain a separate entity from the Owls and are not funded in any shape by the club. They train at the new community sports pitches on Claywheels Lane and their senior team now play their home games from the plush new facility.
Additionally, all 12 ladies teams train on the new 3G pitch which is run by the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme (SWFCCP) and opened late last year. A recent supporters’ engagement panel meeting saw the issue of potentially moving them ‘in-house’ mooted. Dave Higgins has been chair of the ladies’ club for the last 15 years and is a member of the panel.
Minutes of the meeting, which took place in July, state that Chansiri “said he is happy to support where possible and would explore the potential of the Ladies moving ‘in-house’ but the organisation would have to adhere to SWFC policies”.
It adds that Chansiri requested a business plan to which Higgins agreed and more clarity on the matter is expected in due course. Women’s football has enjoyed a huge surge in recent years. Last year saw the England team win the European Championships whilst earlier this month they reached the World Cup final, narrowly losing out to Spain.
Additionally, the Women’s Super League has grown in recent times in terms of media exposure and attendances.
The minutes add that Wednesday Ladies is a “tight ship working under one umbrella.” Higgins states that the organisation is voluntary and would remain so in the future. He estimates that the cost of running the club comes in annually at £45,000 and that they are “reliant on subscriptions, funding and support.”
The senior Ladies, who play at tier seven, have a new manager for the coming season with Kieron Lee now in charge. They start their new campaign on Sunday (September 3) away at Penistone Church.
