Reading Football Club confirmed on Tuesday that its women’s side, Reading Women, will be reintegrated into the club’s structure for the 2026/27 season, marking a decisive step after a two‑year absence from the Championship.
The team was withdrawn from the Championship two years ago when former owner Dai Yongge put the club up for sale, a move that sparked criticism from the supporters’ trust and raised questions about the future of the women's programme.
In 2025, Rob Couhig, the former Wycombe Wanderers owner, finalised an agreement to purchase Reading, bringing an end to Yongge’s controversial reign and paving the way for a fresh start under new leadership.
A New Era for Women’s Football at Reading
The Women’s First Team will train at the club’s state‑of‑the‑art facility at Bearwood Park, while selected home fixtures will be played at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The restructuring also sees the Under‑16s and Under‑14s sides incorporated into the women’s pathway, creating a clear development route for young talent.
Rick Catania, cooperating manager, highlighted the importance of a women’s football club as part of being a community club, noting that the move aligns with the club’s heritage and its commitment to gender equality. Ed Jackson‑Norris, the women’s first‑team manager, expressed optimism about the side’s prospects, citing the new training environment and the support of the Reading FC Community Trust.
Fans can look forward to live streams of Women’s First Team matches on the club’s official YouTube channel, further expanding the reach of the women’s game and reinforcing the club’s ambition to restore prestige and success in the women’s game.