“Challenges at the Grassroots: Liverpool Feds and Solihull Moors Highlight Struggles in Women’s Football Pyramid”

The current state of women's football in England presents a stark contrast between the thriving top tier and the struggles faced by clubs lower down the pyramid. While the Women's Super League (WSL) enjoys significant attention, highlighted by high-profile matches like the recent Arsenal versus Chelsea game that drew a crowd of 45,860 and was broadcast live on BBC One, many clubs are grappling with serious challenges. Recent events at Solihull Moors serve as a sobering reminder of these issues. The entire coaching staff and several players from the women's team resigned due to alleged neglect of their program, underscoring the difficulties faced by teams outside the elite level. Liverpool Feds, a third-tier club situated just outside the top 30 women’s clubs in the country, exemplifies this struggle. Currently sixth in the Women’s National League Northern Premier Division, they compete against well-funded teams backed by Premier League clubs, such as Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Established in 1990, Liverpool Feds operates entirely on a volunteer basis and boasts nearly 200 players ranging from ages six to 60, including a walking football section. However, the women's first team is unable to cover even basic player expenses, let alone offer wages to players or staff. As the women's game continues to flourish at the highest levels, the plight of clubs like Liverpool Feds and Solihull Moors serves as a crucial reminder of the disparities that exist within the football pyramid.