Birmingham Ladies Increase Prices

Last season saw the Birmingham Ladies team narrowly avoid relegation in a similarly last gasp effort to the men’s team under the leadership of Lee Clark in recent memory. But in 2012 and 2013, Birmingham Ladies won the FA Cup and were semi-finalists in the most prestigious competition in Europe; the women’s Champions League. But why the dramatic fall and what can we expect next season?

Well, the main reason is money. Liverpool Ladies were the first team to go fully professional just a few seasons ago. This meant that the Ladies’ got paid a full-time wage in order to pay football where as previously, they would have had to have had a second job in order to have a sufficient income. It also increased the amount of training that the players did and was an attraction for many Ladies to come from the likes of America, where Women’s football is a big deal.

However, as the likes of Liverpool, City and Chelsea grew, Birmingham Ladies couldn’t afford to expand in the way that their rivals were doing. We just simply did not have the funds. Not many games were being shown on TV despite BT Sports best efforts and the income from ticket revenue was minimal. Therefore we relied on youth players rather than transfers.

This year, the board has decided to try and get some extra funds in order to compete with the high flying competition and also to keep the team afloat in what is a financial draining sector. U16’s used to have free entrance into all home games but this is being scrapped. They will be charged on average, £2.50 per game which works out cheaply but obviously, it’s a big increase from last year.

The prices of all tickets will increase and their will be a booking charge from what I understand. However, there will be some good deals to be had. Families can get a family season ticket so that ‘young supporters are still getting a.. good price.’

The problem with football is that money dictates everything. The more money you have, the better players you can attract and then the more trophies you will win. Carney and Spencer have already left the Blues’ this season in order to pursue a career with Chelsea Ladies, the current title holders.