The Football Association has proposed significant changes to the Women’s National League, including the introduction of four Women’s Super League academy teams into the third tier of the football pyramid starting in 2027, and a mid-season split similar to the format used in Scotland, according to information obtained by the Guardian.
These proposals are accompanied by a potential investment of around £1 million, aimed at improving legal and medical support within the loan system, as well as enhancing fan engagement and media visibility for the league.
The new expansion plans, which are still confidential, come just over a year after the FA opted not to pursue a previous expansion idea that would have permitted B teams from WSL clubs to enter tier four in the upcoming season. That initiative garnered support from nearly 55% of 144 clubs surveyed, but broader feedback regarding the contentious proposal led the FA to reconsider its options.
The current proposals, yet to be approved by the FA board, do not mention B teams. According to the league’s presentation to clubs, these changes could “increase competitiveness, better prepare clubs for the WSL, and provide more engaging competition to draw fans and media attention.”
An FA spokesperson stated, “We are actively investigating a variety of initiatives to foster ongoing improvements in the Women’s National League. Although no decisions have been finalized, we are thoroughly consulting with leagues, clubs, and other stakeholders to explore new opportunities. Our main goal is to ensure sustainable growth within the women’s football pyramid in England, enhancing the quality, professionalism, and competitiveness of the Women’s National League, while also creating enhanced development pathways for young English players.”
The proposed third tier would expand from 24 to 28 teams, maintaining two geographical divisions at the start of each season—14 teams in the north and 14 in the south—alongside two Pro Game Academies (PGAs) in each region. The selection of these four PGAs will be based on the “strength of the academy and the proportion of English talent.” Other WSL clubs’ PGAs will remain in their current league structure.
After 13 rounds of matches, the league would divide into three sections: an eight-team WNL Premier consisting of four teams from each regional league, along with two regional groups of 10 teams each. The academy teams would not participate in the premier group, while the top two teams from that group would earn promotion to WSL2.
The bottom three teams from each of the final north and south groups would face relegation, which means that PGAs could also drop down a tier.
Promotion from tier four would involve six teams, with playoffs for the runners-up from the four divisions.
The FA’s investment proposal includes a £500,000 distribution grant designated for prize money at the third and fourth tiers, along with an additional £500,000 anticipated from title sponsorship of the division.
Furthermore, enhanced legal and medical insurance will be provided for WNL clubs engaging in loan agreements, along with limited grants to assist in establishing academies, as part of efforts to increase competitive playtime for young talents.
For several years, the FA has been exploring ways to boost competitive match minutes for young players, recognizing that youth internationals from countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and France tend to gain more top-level experience in their teenage years compared to their English counterparts.
Established 35 years ago, the FA Women’s National League currently sees Burnley leading the northern third tier with two matches left, while Watford was recently declared the champion of the southern division on Sunday.
