FA approves Women's Super League academy teams in National League
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 11:47 AM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
The Football Association has approved the inclusion of Women's Super League (WSL) academy sides in the Women's National League (WNL) starting in the 2027-28 season. Four professional game academy teams will compete at tier three without promotion eligibility. This decision comes despite opposition from 52 of the 72 WNL clubs, who criticized the proposal as unconsulted and morally wrong. The FA asserts that the reforms aim to develop young talent and enhance competitive standards in women's football. Further criteria for selecting the academy teams will be established in the coming months, alongside changes to funding and the loan market for WNL clubs.
- •FA approves WSL academy sides in WNL from 2027-28
- •Opposition arises from 52 of the 72 WNL clubs
- •Plan includes annual reviews and funding changes
- •Reform aims to improve player development and competitive standards
- •FA emphasizes need for proactive changes in women's football
- 11:47 AMYahoo Sports — FA approves WSL academy sides in National League
- 11:47 AMBBC Sport — 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.
"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.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 11:47 AMFA 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.
- BBC SportAug 25, 2026, 11:47 AMFA 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.
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