Sporting stars have rallied behind Thornaby FC Women after the “absolutely shocking” decision to scrap the women’s team. 

Thornaby FC made the controversial call to axe all female teams over the weekend following an emergency meeting, leaving over 100 female players without a club.

The decision, which was reportedly due to staffing levels, sparked outrage across the UK grassroots football community, with several high-profile footy stars voicing their support. 

Lioness Beth Mead was just one of several who slammed the “horrible” decision, saying that the young girls “deserve better.”

The Arsenal player’s full post said: “Disgusted to see this decision, the women’s game is on the up but we still have committees making these horrible decisions. 

“It’s not good enough, these young girls deserve better. I’d love to send the team a signed England shirt to keep them inspired.” 

The Northern Echo:

She was joined by Maz Pacheco, defender for Aston Villa Women, who added: “This has blown my mind… How can you just remove a whole women’s and girls section of your club?”

Paralympic athlete Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson was another major figure in the sporting world to throw her support behind the team. 

She spoke to The Northern Echo on Monday morning, describing the situation as “so sad.” She said: “It does just seem unfair. 

The Northern Echo:

“Someone said they struggled with finance and that nobody was watching the games - it seems unfair to just cut all women’s teams and basically throw them out. 

“When women’s sport is on such a rise, it seems quite discriminatory to chuck all the girls out. I know a lot of clubs in different sports are struggling but it just seems really sad.”

Football foundation Team Grassroots said it had “no idea” what led to the decision but has “strongly urged the club to reconsider it's position as a matter of urgency.”

The Northern Echo:

The Teesdale Park club - which made the announcement on Sunday evening - has faced a huge backlash on social media over the last 24 hours. 

Thornaby FC Women’s first team manager Abbey Lyle told The Echo on Monday that the outpouring of support had “restored her faith.” 

Abbey said that money was not an issue for the club, which has “loads of sponsors” and funds itself. In terms of staffing concerns, she said: “It would only take us to ask for volunteers and I’m sure that we could’ve done that.”

An initial post on Facebook from the club said: “The committee held an emergency meeting with all concerned and discussed the whole future of the club including the events over the last 12 months.

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“After discussions, it was felt the only way to continue was without the women and running with only the men’s team as before they came to the club also with the Staffing levels very low the day to day running of the club is in doubt.”

Chairman Garry Morris made clear that he did not support the decision in a later statement, which said he voted against the decision at the meeting. 

Thornaby FC declined to comment when contacted by The Echo.