ALTRINCHAM have taken a decisive step towards reviving the fortunes of the women's team by scrapping the system of players having to pay fees.

The move comes after a thorough review of how the team struggled last season and whether players having to pay a £40 signing-on fee and £25 per month for the duration of the campaign might have had a detrimental effect.

As a consequence, the club can announce that fees will no longer apply to any player representing the women's team, with any costs being absorbed by Altrincham FC and Altrincham FC Community Sports.

It was a step that had to be taken to allow the women's team to compete on a level playing field, after it became apparent other clubs were not asking their players to pay fees.

Every other aspect of how the team functions, such as kit allocation, will remain as it was, with the players continuing to train twice a week at Broadoak Academy’s fantastic new 3G facility and Cheadle Hulme School.

It is hoped the changes will have the desired effect and help attract new players to a squad that will be aiming to bounce back after the disappointment of last season's relegation from the Northwest Women’s Regional League South.

A series of issues and disruptions affecting the playing and coaching side of the women's team did not help, and their fate was sealed when, despite battling until the last minute in an effort to safeguard their place in the division, they lost 1-0 to a Litherland side who were also in danger of going down.

As we await confirmation of which league we will be in next season, meetings have taken place to discuss the future of the women’s team and how the club can ensure it has the best chance of turning round their fortunes and emulating the success of the men's team.

Scrapping fees is the first of many decisions to be announced in due course that we believe will be a huge benefit to the team and players in enabling us to compete against the best teams in the area, as we strive to steer our women's side back up the leagues.