With both Luton and Tottenham both having games called off due to weather conditions last weekend, we ask whether this is acceptable and if women’s teams are being overlooked by their clubs.
Last weekend, Luton Town Ladies had their game against Colney Heath Ladies cancelled 2 minutes before kick off, after heavy rain left the pitch in an unplayable state.
This problem is not just limited to the lower leagues though. Tottenham Hotspur and Everton also saw their WSL match postponed last weekend, as a result of a waterlogged pitch. Spurs were meant to play their WSL season opener, against Manchester United, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but it was unfortunately cancelled due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The North London side currently have no plans to play any of their other games this season at the mens stadium.
Both decisions caused outrage amongst fans and players - with the games being postponed at such short notice.
Despite claims from the club that the pitch was unplayable, some Luton fans and players have suggested that the decision was taken in order to keep the pitch in tact for a men’s training session a couple of days later.
These controversies have once again opened up the debate of where women’s football teams should be playing.
Some argue that they would not be able to fill the men’s stadiums every week, or that it would cost too much money, but if clubs like Southampton and Brmingham City can put on all their home games at their mens’ stadium then why can’t others?
Also, with teams like Arsenal playing their games in grounds with capacities of 4,500, yet being able to sell over 50,000 tickets for the North london Derby, it is clear that the growth of women’s football will need to see a change in where the teams play from now on.
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