Barnsley women's side folded due to ground issues

Barnsley have folded their women's team after less than two years as a professional outfit because of financial pressures.

An open letter to fans from chairman Neerav Parekh explained the board were "devastated to have reached this tough decision" after the Football Association (FA) ruled the club's playing facilities were not up to the standard required for the women's fourth tier.

But the Reds' majority owner insisted immediate action was required to avoid a financial drag on the rest of the club which could ultimately put the men's and academy operations at risk.

Barnsley have been informed by the FA that, despite men's academy teams playing competitive league fixtures on the Showcase and 4G pitches adjacent to Oakwell, those facilities were not up to the standard required for the women's team.