FA approves WSL academy sides in National League
Women's Super League (WSL) academy sides will play in tier three of the football pyramid from the 2027-28 season with the divisive proposal approved by the Football Association.
The Football Association (FA) has approved the participation of Women's Super League (WSL) academy sides in the third tier of the Women's National League (WNL) for the 2027-28 season. This decision aims to strengthen the women's football pyramid, raise standards, and improve the development pathway for young players. Four professional game academy sides will compete without the possibility of promotion, as part of reforms to the WNL.
The move follows extensive consultations with clubs and stakeholders, despite opposition from 52 of the 72 WNL clubs who deemed the proposal "morally wrong." The criteria for selecting the four PGAs will be developed over the coming months, with the model set for annual review. Other reforms include central funding for WNL clubs, the creation of WNL club academies, and changes in the loan market to encourage professional clubs to loan players to lower tiers.
The Women's Football Director, Sue Day, emphasized the importance of these changes for the long-term success of the national team and the growth of women's football. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor and defender Lucy Bronze both expressed their support for the changes, praising the opportunities they provide for young players to develop in competitive games.
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