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Katy Huntbach, who plays for Hereford Women, has released the following post.
25 years. That’s how long I’ve given to football—competing at a high level, building relationships, creating memories, and achieving things I’ll carry with me for life. I may not be at my physical peak anymore, but my passion for the game hasn’t faded for a second.
What has remained constant, though, is the lack of consistent support from the men’s side of the club I’ve represented.
At a time when the women’s game is growing at an incredible pace, it’s deeply frustrating to see local support moving backwards.
I currently play for Hereford Women, and our home ground is Edgar Street. Yes, the pitch has been unavailable for a long while this season—but it’s hard to ignore the fact that the men’s team have recently been able to play there multiple times a week, while we haven’t been able to host a single fixture. Not even a cup final—an event that has been held there for the past two seasons.
Now I appreciate the mens game generates a lot more than the woman's, I am not blind to this, but how can it ever improve if things don't change?
There are also questions around finances. Players are asked to pay a £200 signing-on fee, as well as secure sponsorship of the same amount, with no incentive for sponsors! On top of that, the team has generated thousands of pounds over the past two seasons through FA Cup competitions. So where is that money going? Greater transparency and proper recognition for sponsors isn’t too much to ask—it’s essential for trust and continued support.
A few months ago, when our manager became unwell—thankfully now on the road to recovery—the team was held together by the incredible commitment of a parent, Paul Mear, who travelled two hours just to coach and support us. That level of dedication should have been matched by the club. It wasn’t. Not even with acknowledgment.
Now, with our cup final just one week away, there has been little to no visible promotion or communication from the club. For a moment that should be celebrated and championed, the silence is deafening. Visibility matters. Support matters. And right now, both are lacking.
This club has the players, the history, and the potential to be something truly special. I joined Hereford Women with pride—not just to wear the badge, but to help build something meaningful for the next generation. Because young girls in this area deserve a pathway into competitive football without having to make the same sacrifices many of us did—I would travel a three-hour round trip just to train at a decent level.
This isn’t just about one team. It’s about respect. It’s about equality. And it’s about the future.
With the right support, this team will thrive. Without it, we risk losing something incredibly valuable.
And that would be a failure no club should accept.
