Statement on Hutchison Vale
Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) can confirm that Hutchison Vale have notified us of a decision to effectively ‘fold’ their senior team with immediate effect and withdraw from the Barclays League One. The side has already forfeited games this season, and Hutchison Vale have stated they will not be able to fulfil fixtures for the rest of this season because of being unable to recruit players.
SWF stands ready to support any player who will need assistance in looking for a new club as a result of the decision. Scottish Women’s Football understands the challenges faced by clubs to remain sustainable, but this is nonetheless a disappointing development, as withdrawing at any point is hugely disruptive to all other teams competing.
As per the rules, Hutchison Vale’s withdrawal from the Barclays League One renders league results and fixtures against them null and void. The league tables will be updated accordingly.
As per the constitution, the Perform and Win Committee has the power to determine the composition and structure of leagues and competitions and has determined that the withdrawal will not impact the current league structure. The 11th-placed team in the Barclays League One will be relegated, and along with the now vacant 12th space, leaving the opportunity for 2 SWFL teams to gain entry to the League via the play-off structure.
