West Ham has announced it will take full control of its ladies team "following accusations of discrimination by the club's former chairman," according to Charlotte Bates of SKY SPORTS. Stephen Hunt accused the club of "refusing to provide funding for the team," which plays in the Women's Premier League Southern Division, and even "forcing players to pick up their own medical bills." But following discussions between both parties, the club has announced it will "fully incorporate" the ladies' side with a view to further development and progression. West Ham vice-Chair Karren Brady said, "West Ham United Ladies have operated separately to the Club for 25 years, and today marks the next step in building the future of women's football at West Ham United." As part of the terms of the deal, Hunt has stepped down from his role as chair, but "stressed he was fully supportive of the deal which ensures a future for the ladies' team." He said, "They have given the ladies a very good deal which includes full funding and promotion and all the things they weren't doing a week ago" (SKY SPORTS, 10/11). In London, Vaishali Bhardwaj reported the club revealed that it has "also set up a West Ham Ladies Academy," which includes teams for U10, 12, 14 and 16 age groups. A statement from the club said, "West Ham United are delighted to announce that, in agreement with the current Ladies’ committee, the Club have this evening been successful in bringing West Ham United Ladies into the West Ham family. ... Key factors for improvement in the running of the Ladies’ side have been identified by West Ham United, and the teams will now work in unison to ensure the delivery of these and help maintain their continued progression" (EVENING STANDARD, 10/11). The BBC reported Brady said that the club is "passionately committed to equality." She added that women's football was a "high priority on our agenda" (BBC, 10/11).
