The FA Women's National League board has approved a proposal that would allow four academy sides from Women's Super League clubs to join the third tier of English women's football starting in 2027. The decision was communicated to FAWNL representatives during a meeting on Friday, and the plans will now be forwarded to the Football Association for further discussion before final ratification. A conclusive verdict is anticipated in July.
Reactions and Concerns
The move has sparked division within the women's football community. Manchester City, the current WSL champions, are among the clubs supporting the initiative. Charlotte O'Neill, City's managing director, expressed openness to entering an academy team into the National League North, citing benefits seen in Spain with Barcelona's B team. However, lower-league clubs have voiced strong opposition. Some coaches took to social media to criticize the FA, accusing them of reviving a previously scrapped plan for WSL B teams. Ian Chiverton, chair of Portsmouth's supporters' club, accused authorities of pandering to WSL clubs, while Danny Taylor, assistant manager of Mancunian Unity, labeled the idea an "absolute disgrace."
Details of the Proposal
Under the approved scheme, four professional game academies (PGAs) will be selected based on the strength of their academy and the proportion of English talent they develop. These teams will operate under a three-year license and will be barred from promotion to the second tier, though they could face relegation. Other WSL clubs' PGAs will remain in their current leagues. Plans for a mid-season split, similar to the system used in Scotland, have reportedly been abandoned.
Sue Day, the FA's director of women's football, defended the restructuring, stating that the game is at a "crucial turning point." She emphasized the need to provide better opportunities for young players, warning that inaction could hinder the sport's future growth. "A stronger pathway produces better players and strengthens the national team," Day said, highlighting the potential benefits for the Lionesses and the broader women's game.
