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Geoff Thompson acquires majority stake in Durham Women's team

BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 6:00 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Geoff Thompson acquires majority stake in Durham Women's team

Summary

Geoff Thompson, co-owner of South Shields, has acquired a majority shareholding in Durham Women’s Soccer Club. This investment ensures the club's participation in Women's Super League 2 for the upcoming season, following a challenging period where potential investors had withdrawn. The club put out an urgent appeal for a takeover earlier this month to avoid losing their professional status. Thompson emphasized the importance of safeguarding the club's future and acknowledged the contributions of co-investor Jason Ye. Durham Women's team was founded in 2007 and has been independent of a men's club since 2014.

Source Links

BBC Sport

By the Numbers

•Thompson's investment prevents Durham from ceasing operations.
•Durham finished 10th in WSL 2 last season.
•The club's founders will remain as shareholders.
•Thompson aims to support growth in women's football.

Latest Updates

6:00 PMBBC Sport — Durham Women's future saved by local investor

What they're saying

"
Durham Women's future has been saved by South Shields co-owner Geoff Thompson following an agreement to acquire a majority shareholding in the Women's Super League 2 club.
— BBC Sport

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