Geoff Thompson and Jason Ye step in to support Durham Women FC

South Shields FC Chairman Geoff Thompson, with the support of Jason Ye, has stepped in to help safeguard the future of Durham Women FC, ensuring the club can continue to operate at all levels.

In recent weeks, Durham Women FC faced significant uncertainty about whether it could continue beyond the 2025/26 season due to a lack of financial backing. On 8 June 2026, the club issued an urgent statement explaining that without immediate support, it would be unable to meet the requirements to operate compliantly for the 2026/27 season.

Geoff’s intervention — made purely to protect a valued North East club — has secured Durham Women FC’s future for the coming season and beyond. This support is not a takeover of day‑to‑day football operations, nor does it change the identity or leadership of the club. Founders Lee Sanders and Dawn Hepple will remain as shareholders, and the existing executive team will continue to run the club.

This commitment from Geoff and Jason provides stability at a critical moment and gives Durham Women FC the platform it needs to continue growing on and off the pitch.

Geoff Thompson said:

“When it became clear that Durham Women FC needed urgent support, the priority was simple — to help ensure the club could continue serving its players, supporters, and community. The North East football family looks after its own, and Durham Women FC is an important part of that.”

“This is about safeguarding a club that plays a vital role in our region. Women’s football is thriving, and Durham deserves every opportunity to be part of that growth.”

“I am grateful to Mr. Jason Ye, my newest partner at South Shields FC, for his belief in the North East and his willingness to support a fellow regional club at a time of need.”

“Working alongside Lee, Dawn, the club’s supporters, and local partners, our focus is to provide stability while ensuring Durham Women FC remains true to the culture, values, and identity that make this region so special"