Proposed Changes to Women's National League: Academy Teams to Join Third Tier
Women’s Super League academy teams to play in third tier under new FA proposals
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
The Football Association has proposed significant changes to the Women’s National League, including four Women’s Super League academy teams entering tier three by 2027 and a mid-season split. These changes aim to enhance competitiveness and attract more fans, supported by a £1 million investment package.
- 01Four Women’s Super League academy teams to enter tier three by 2027.
- 02The league will split mid-season into three groups after 13 rounds.
- 03Investment package includes £500,000 for prize money and additional funding through sponsorship.
- 04The third tier will expand from 24 to 28 teams, including two Pro Game Academies.
- 05The proposals aim to improve the quality and competitiveness of women's football in England.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Football Association (FA) has unveiled proposals for major changes to the Women’s National League, including the introduction of four Women’s Super League (WSL) academy teams into the third tier starting in 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the league's competitiveness and attract more fans and media attention. A £1 million investment package is also on the table, which includes a £500,000 distribution grant for prize money at tiers three and four, and additional funds expected from title sponsorship. The league structure will see a mid-season split into three groups after 13 rounds, with the top two teams from the premier group promoted to WSL2. The proposals have not yet been ratified but reflect the FA's commitment to improving the women's football pyramid in England. The third tier will expand from 24 to 28 teams, maintaining two geographical regions, and will include two Pro Game Academies (PGAs) in each region. The FA aims to create better development opportunities for young English players as part of these changes.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
These changes are designed to improve the quality of women's football in England, providing more competitive opportunities for young players and potentially increasing fan engagement.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the inclusion of WSL academy teams in the third tier?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.