Wolverhampton Sporting cite 'serious' welfare concerns in NWCFL exit
Wolverhampton Sporting quit the North West Counties League due to "serious" concerns over adult welfare and safeguarding.
The club, based at Pride Park in Great Wyrley, was transferred to the NWCFL from the Midland Football League by the FA ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Wolves Sporting are understood to have been frustrated by the decision, with long-distance travel for players, coaches and club officials becoming a growing issue.
As a result, the club resigned from the NWCFL on February 3 and now plan to restart lower down the non-league football pyramid.
In a letter sent to league officials, the club said: "This decision has been taken following serious and ongoing concerns relating to adult welfare and safeguarding, and our responsibilities under the Football Association’s safeguarding framework and safeguarding adults policy and procedures.
"Having carefully reviewed the circumstances and our duties as an affiliated club, we no longer believe that continued participation in this league allows us to fully discharge our obligation to safeguard the welfare of our players, officials, and volunteers.
"The club considers that, in accordance with FA guidance, the welfare of adults involved in the game must take precedence over sporting participation, and that withdrawal is the most responsible course of action available to us at this time."
The club's resignation comes just months after bosses of the Midland Football League and North West Counties League issued a joint call for talks with the FA over league boundaries and club placements
They warned that the current system is creating travel, financial and logistical pressures for clubs, players and supporters, sparking "concerns" across both competitions.
Wolves Sporting now hope to continue playing football through friendly matches until next season, when they intend to re-enter the non-league pyramid.
Sporting won just one league match this season. Their final fixture was a 3-1 defeat at Market Drayton Town on January 31.
A NWCFL statement said: "On Monday, February 2, Wolverhampton Sporting Community gave notification of their intention to resign from the North West Counties Football League, effective from Tuesday, February 3.
"The board of directors have reluctantly accepted their resignation from the competition.
"We wish the club all the best for the future and hope that they will be back enjoying football very soon.
"Their playing record will therefore be expunged and all player and staff registrations cancelled with effect from February 10.
"It means that the First Division South will run with 18 teams for the remainder of the season."
