Huddersfield Town have ended what they termed a “loose affiliation” with the women’s club who carry their name after turning down a request for financial backing.
The decision comes as Town Ladies, now based at Shelley FC’s Storthes Hall Park after previously playing at Canalside, prepare for the new FA Women’s Premier League North Division campaign after winning promotion last season.
Town say an “informal agreement” with the Ladies club was made under previous ownership, allowing use of the Huddersfield Town title and club crest.
According to Town, the Ladies club were recently offered the use of Town’s training complex and have had discounted kit and been given free tickets for games at the John Smith’s Stadium.
There will be a 12-month transition period for continued use of the Town name and crest.
Town said in a statement: “During the ‘New Era’ of Huddersfield Town, the club has enjoyed an ongoing but arms-length arrangement with the ladies team.
“They are fully independent organisation but have used our logo and name by agreement to promote their club.
“This has led to a perception of far closer relations.
“We have provided non-financial support to them where we can, alongside our work with other local clubs and community groups.
“We are delighted that ladies football is growing across the country and we have been pleased to play even a very small part in that during the New Era.
“We have 40 official partnerships with local football clubs and play our part to help grass roots where we can.
“We understand the financial pressure faced by clubs in the national game whether or not its girls or boys football.
“Our Club Partnership has seen £350 handed back to local clubs.
“Our 80 partnerships with schools and our work through Football in the Community reaches out to thousands of girls and boys across the local area.
“However, it is clear that we as a club are unable to meet the demands of their (Town Ladies) organisation any longer or its approach to the relationship with the club.
“As a board, after difficult deliberation, we unanimously felt it was in all parties’ interests to part with immediate effect.
“Every supporter will understand the importance Huddersfield Town places on its links with the community and will understand this is not a decision we have taken lightly.
“We will continue to support ladies’ football and we are already planning a major flagship tournament for girls at PPG Canalside for the Autumn.
“As a gesture of goodwill, we will allow the Ladies team to continue to carry the club’s name and use the crest for the upcoming 2014-15 season only.
“We wish the Ladies every success for the future.”
