Fylde women's soccer team disbanded amid pandemic

English club Fylde Women's FC has been disbanded, believed to be among the first women’s professional teams to be cut amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Fylde women's team, led by coach Conrad Prendergast, played in the FA Women’s National League North and was affiliated with AFC Fylde.

“We wholeheartedly understand and accept this is not the news anyone wanted to give, or to receive and everyone at the club would like to offer our best wishes to all current players and staff for their future careers,” Fylde CEO Jonty Castle said in a statement.

The statement said the decision had to be made “due to the current and ongoing fluid situation regarding the COVID-19 virus.”

The FA declared in late March that the league’s season was over. At that time, Fylde chairman David Haythornthwaite released an open letter to supporters that stated: “Please be in no doubt that AFC Fylde is wholeheartedly committed to its women’s team and will ensure it remains a part of the club.”