The Roller-Coaster History of Leeds United Women’s Football Club
Leeds United Women’s Football Club were formed in 1989 and began steadily working their way up the football pyramid before being promoted into the top flight for the first time in 2001. The Whites began to challenge at the top-end of the table for the next few years, however, the good times would not last forever….
Things were looking good, but the purchase of the Leeds United company by Ken Bates’ spelled trouble for both the Men’s and the Women’s teams. As the Men’s team went into administration, Bates cut funding to the Women’s team and disallowed the use of their training ground. Leeds Women’s future was in serious trouble. But thanks to hefty investment from Leeds Beckett University, the club was able to stay financially afloat.
Despite the lack of funding, Leeds Women were able to fight in the league and even managed to reach 4 cup finals between 2006-2010. Their only major honour, however, came in 2010 as Leeds beat Everton 3-1 to win the League Cup. This should have been a celebratory season for the Whites but disaster was looming.
The creation of the Women’s Super League spelled the downfall of Leeds, as the top-flight was reduced from 12 clubs to just 8. 16 teams applied for licenses to join the new league. Despite having finished fourth the previous season and continuously being in the top half of the table, the WSL had new financial rules and Leeds were unable to apply for a licence to the new league.
“Football is no place for women” – Massimo Cellino
For the first few seasons, the WSL did not allow for promotions from the National Division so any efforts by Leeds in the second tier were not to be rewarded. But in 2014 the WSL 2 was formed which finally allowed for promotion into the top-flight, but Leeds were yet again refused a license. Leeds fans were aggrieved, and one can see why when looking at the 2013-14 second-tier table.
Having bought the club in 2014, Massimo Cellino made it clear that the Women’s club relied totally on being profitable. Obtaining a WSL 2 license was the only way to do this. In 2016 Cellino was found guilty of sex discrimination following his dismissal of the now well known TNT Sports commentator Lucy Ward. During the trial witness testimonies showed a culture of sexism created by Cellino who had asked the then manager, Gary Cooper, “Why do women want to play football? Football is no place for women. They should be in the bedroom or beauticians”. It comes as no surprise that Cellino cared not about the Women’s team and he disbanded the club almost immediately after being denied a WSL 2 licence.
In the aftermath, Leeds United players, fans, and backroom staff created a new club: Leeds Ladies. They continued to play in lower leagues, but without large financial backing they were not able to challenge for promotion. It was not until 2017 that new owner Andrea Radrizzani brought the women’s team back under the Leeds United banner and began to fund the team properly.
Since 2017 Leeds United have played in the fourth tier, but fighting for the lone promotion spot has proven difficult. The Whites have been able to win numerous minor trophies including the FA Women’s National League Plate in 2023 and the West Riding County Cup in 2025 and 2026.
Leeds United have started the 26/27 season strongly, they are unbeaten in all competitions scoring a frankly ridiculous number of goals. They have beaten Thornaby 7-0 and Chorley 5-0 in the league, they beat 3rd tier Huddersfield town 3-0 in the League Cup and in the WFA Cup, the Whites won 12-1 against Stockton Town.
Just like the men’s team, Leeds United Women have had to fight hard to get to where they are today. Whilst they are still only in the fourth tier, the owners have shown that they are willing to invest in the women’s game, buying good players and increasing funding to the team. Leeds want to be back in the upper echelons of women’s football – the fans and players will not rest until they are.
Words and Photos by Eddie Moxon