Many of you will already know that we regard local football club, Tilehurst Panthers as our sister club. A relationship that has existed since 2018 and sees their women’s team play their home games here at the Rivermoor, the proud home of Reading City Football Club and the hub of Reading’s football community.

Ahead of the new football season, which will see Tilehurst Panthers kick off their Adobe FA Women’s campaign here at the Rivermoor on Sunday 1st September with a 14:00 kick off, we are delighted to officially announce that the partnership between us is strengthening as we will now work together to deliver an official pathway for local players.

We’d like to reassure supporters that although we are strengthening our relationship, both clubs will remain entirely independent but will now be working together collaboratively as a football family.

The Football Association guidelines state that “A Child in the age groups Under 7 to Under 18 inclusive may play in a match involving boys and girls”. By working together, we can ensure that both clubs continue to produce the best football opportunities for both male and female footballers across Reading with an unmatched pathway.

This new pathway is built on our ‘Pride of Reading’ identity in which we pledged to give everyone the opportunity to play football here at Reading City Football Club but also work with our partners to progress the club both on and off the pitch, so that the community of Reading has a club it can be proud of for generations to come.

Reading City Football Club is also proudly partnered with HerGameToo highlighting our commitment to supporting the growth of Girls and Women’s football locally but also formally recognising the support and commitment women give to our club, from parents to club officials.

A spokesperson from Tilehurst Panthers said:

“After a busy summer of comings and goings, a somewhat new look Tilehurst Panthers kick off their 2024/25 with an FA Cup game versus Goring United. As a club our objectives this season are to increase the women’s squad and create a reserve side.

Everyone at Tilehurst Panthers looks forward to continuing our partnership with Reading City Football Club.”

Reading City Football Club Chairman, Martin Law said:

“Here at Reading City Football Club we are proud advocates of the women’s game as we believe football should be a game for all. We have worked with Tilehurst Panthers since 2018, but what this new partnership offers is an official pathway, helping both clubs meet their objectives & ensure that we can continue to produce the best football opportunities for both male and female footballers here in Tilehurst and across the Reading area with an unmatched pathway.

Everyone at Reading City Football Club is delighted that Tilehurst Panthers are now officially our sister club.”