The Football Association has performed a dramatic U-turn on a decision that sparked outrage among women's football clubs, reversing a move to shift a prestigious cup final from a professional stadium to a small grassroots pitch.

The North Riding Women's Cup Final, set to feature Thornaby Women against York City Ladies, was originally scheduled for Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium. However, the North Riding FA cited "availability issues" and moved the match to Northallerton's ground—a decision that Thornaby labelled "humiliating" for female players.

Thornaby lodged a formal complaint with the local FA on April 14, but received no response until Tuesday. Now, following the reversal, a North Riding FA spokesperson says they are "delighted" the match will proceed at the Riverside Stadium this Sunday as originally planned.

For the past two seasons, both the men's and women's North Riding Senior Cup finals have been held at the Riverside Stadium. This year's men's final took place there on April 29, featuring Yarm and Eaglescliffe against Boro Rangers—making the women's switch feel like a step backward.

Thornaby manager Curtis Collantine, who has led the team since January and overseen an incredible 16-game winning streak that earned promotion to the National League, called the initial decision "an example of the game regressing." He highlighted the "colossal differences" between the two pitches, noting that the Riverside provides a professional atmosphere befitting a cup final.

This is a club that has already defied long odds. In 2024, Thornaby's previous board attempted to disband the entire women's section, but the players fought back and saved their team. Now, they're on the cusp of a cup triumph.

Captain Jen Knowles described winning the semi-final as "such a high," making the news of the venue change especially disappointing. Before the decision was reversed, she remained focused: "It would be great if it could be at the Riverside, but ultimately wherever the final is, we have got to go and try to win that cup."

She also noted the importance of the occasion for the club's junior teams: "We have got junior teams coming to watch, and I think for those young girls under 13, what an opportunity to see their heroes play on a proper stage."

For Thornaby, the reversal means those young players will now get that experience after all—and the club can focus on what really matters: bringing home the cup.