One rugby league club have released a club statement defending and advocating for their women’s team after questions on how the club was run.
Swinton Rugby League Football Club have released a statement as a club, representing both the Lions and the Lionesses, to advocate for their women’s team after social media comments suggested that the women’s team was detracting funds from the men’s.
That statement has been shared on Swinton Lions‘ X account and seen the club take a strong stance on the importance of women in sport, which is something that rugby league prides itself on.
In a brilliant initiative to kick off the women’s new season, both the Lions and Lionesses will play on Sunday in a double header that will only help raise the support for both teams.
The Lions reminded fans of that in the beginning of their statement that saw them “re-iterate some important messages” and clarify thoughts “not based on facts”.
The statement in full can be seen embedded at the bottom of the article.
Rugby League club take strong stance over women’s team after social media comments
Addressing the issue the club clarified the financial importance of the men’s team, their new identity, and how the women’s team is both self-funding and actually adding huge value to the club – contrary to the opinions of some on social media.
Swinton stated: “As we embark on this next critical stage of the 2025 season, the Board would like to re-iterate some important messages, as we are mindful of some schools of thought which exist amongst our fan base that unfortunately are not based on facts.
“From a sporting perspective the Swinton Lions men’s team is at the forefront of our ambition and resources and shall always remain so. The Swinton Lions men’s team drives the overwhelming majority of our commercial activity, in terms of match day admission, season tickets, director input, and the various forms of sponsorship.
“It is true that we have suffered a relegation, and this has absolutely necessitated a review of our squad spend, and yes inevitably we have had to reduce costs in some areas. We are undergoing something of a re-set…. We have recently released two players by mutual consent in Anthony Walker and Jordan Case, but neither were the subject of cost-cutting exercises.”
In regards to the women’s team, they then added: “Other comments recently seen on social media channels have suggested that our Lionesses are diverting financial resources from the men’s team. This is something the Club feels strongly about challenging, because it is simply not true. In fact the truth is the exact opposite! The emergence of our women’s team has given our club a profile with a far greater digital and commercial reach, which is fundamental to attracting investors and sponsors to both the Club and our Foundation.
“But most importantly our Lionesses are entirely self-funding. They have their own sponsors, and the smaller costs of running the women’s team are 100% manageable within the scope of the grant funding and sponsorship that they receive within their own right. Not one penny has been diverted from the Lions to the Lionesses.”
In a strong sentiment at the end of the statement, Swinton underlined their vision stating: “Indeed because of our genuine approach to the “One Club, One Vision” strapline, the Lionesses have actually brought fresh commercial interest and income to the whole Club that we would not otherwise have had. The emergence of our Lionesses is strengthening our Club as a whole, as it is attractive to sponsors and it is attractive to local authorities and grant issuing organisations. All of this also feeds into our internal player development programmes and community programmes.
“The Lionesses are incredibly proud to represent our club, and they deserve all of our support.
“It is perfectly possible to drive the ambition of both the Lions and the Lionesses, without one being at the expense of the other.
“Stronger together, and One Club, One Vision.”
Swinton Lions take on Dewsbury Rams at 2pm whilst Swinton Lionesses host Bradford Bulls at 4:30pm with both games played this Sunday at Heywood Road.
CLUB STATEMENT
At Swinton Lions we are eagerly looking forward to Sunday’s double-header, with the Lions taking on Dewsbury Rams at 2pm, and our Lionesses taking on Bradford Bulls at 4.30pm.
We hope that all Swinton fans will do their best to support the occasion, and give… pic.twitter.com/hHUY0cJPnV
— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) March 20, 2025
