Lewes FC to pay women's team same as men's in landmark move

Lewes FC has become the first professional or semi-professional football club to pay its men's and women's teams the same wage.

The Sussex club's women's team plays in the Premier League Southern Division, the third tier of women's football, while their men's team play in the Bostik Isthmian League Division One South.

Lewes FC, who are a supporter-owned club, has made the move as part of its Equality FC campaign which is seeking raise awareness about gender inequality in football.

Director Jacquie Agnew said: "At Lewes FC we believe that there should be a level playing field for women in football.

"By committing to paying our women's and men's teams equally, and providing equal resource for coaching, training and facilities, we hope to spark a change across the UK that will help put an end to the excuses for why such a deep pay disparity has persisted in our sport.

"Together with our owners, donors and sponsors, Lewes FC can show that equal pay can be implemented to the benefit of both women and men in sport and beyond."

Former Brighton midfielder Darren Freeman is in charge of Lewes FC's men's team and he added: "We use the same pitch, the same facilities, the same ball.

"As football fans we all want our team to win regardless of gender. Parity means giving everyone the same opportunity and getting the same rewards."