WSL Academy Teams to Play in Third Tier

The Football Association (FA) has approved a controversial proposal that will see four Women’s Super League (WSL) academy teams play in the Women’s National League (WNL) from the 2027-28 season.

The decision is part of a package of reforms aimed at strengthening the women’s football pyramid, raising standards across the league, and improving the development pathway for young players.

According to the FA, data shows that young English players are getting significantly fewer competitive minutes than their counterparts across Europe’s leading leagues. This is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed to ensure the growth and development of women’s football in England.

The FA believes that by introducing WSL academy teams to the WNL, more opportunities will be created for talented young players to develop in senior football. This will not only improve the overall standard of the game but also provide a more competitive and challenging environment for young players to grow and develop.

The WNL clubs will receive central funding for the first time, and changes to the loan market will encourage clubs from the top two divisions to loan players to clubs in the third and fourth tiers. This will provide a more sustainable and stable financial framework for WNL clubs, allowing them to invest in their players and infrastructure.

The WSL academy teams will not be eligible for promotion, and their participation in the WNL will be based on criteria to be developed in the coming months. The third tier will be split into two geographical regions, with two academies placed in the northern division and two in the southern.

Sue Day, director of women’s football at the FA, said: ‘For the game to continue moving forward, the FA Women’s National League must evolve alongside the professional game, and we need to create more opportunities for talented young English players to develop in senior football.’

The introduction of WSL academy teams to the WNL is a significant step towards creating a more competitive and challenging environment for young players. It will provide them with the opportunity to develop their skills and gain valuable experience in a senior football environment, ultimately leading to better preparation for the top tiers of the game.

The FA’s decision to approve this proposal is a positive step towards the growth and development of women’s football in England. It demonstrates a commitment to creating a more competitive and sustainable football environment, where talented young players can develop and grow.