WSL academy sides to join third tier from 2027 despite backlash

The FA Women’s National League board has approved a proposal allowing four academy sides from Women’s Super League clubs to join the third tier starting in 2027, despite ongoing opposition.

The league’s management met with FAWNL representatives Friday and was informed of the board’s backing. The plan will now be submitted to the Football Association for further discussion before the changes can be finalized.

However, a proposed mid-season split, modeled on the Scottish system, has been dropped, sources confirmed.

The FA has been contacted for comment.

The Guardian reported last month that the FA had proposed major structural changes to the FAWNL, including adding four WSL academy sides, alongside a potential investment package of about £1 million, enhancements to legal and medical support in the loan system, and play-offs in tier four.

Adding WSL academy sides to a lower division has divided opinion in the women’s game, with clubs’ reactions mixed. Several WSL clubs, including Manchester City, are understood to support the move.

“We’d definitely be open to it. We’ve seen in Spain, for example, how powerful that’s been for Barcelona,” said Charlotte O’Neill, Manchester City’s managing director, earlier this month. “The mechanism is difficult. How do you make that fair for all professional clubs? The impact that has on the National League. We’re very mindful of that and respectful of various positions, but if you’re asking me would I love to be able to put a B team into the national pyramid, absolutely. It would be hugely beneficial for the Lionesses, not just us.”

Lower-league clubs have voiced concerns. Some coaches criticized the FA on social media for “rehashing and repackaging” a scrapped plan to introduce WSL B teams. Ian Chiverton, chair of Portsmouth’s supporters club, accused authorities of “pandering to the WSL teams,” while Danny Taylor, assistant manager of North West regional league side Mancunian Unity, called the idea an “absolute disgrace.”

Under the scheme, four professional game academies (PGAs), selected based on “strength of academy and proportion of English talent,” would join with a three-year license. They would be prohibited from promotion to the second tier but could be relegated. Other WSL clubs’ PGAs would remain in their existing leagues.

Sue Day, the FA’s director of women’s football, defended the plans last month, saying the game is at a “crucial turning point.” She added: “Too many talented young players are not getting the opportunities they need to develop, and without action, that risks holding back the future of the sport. A stronger pathway produces better players and strengthens the national team, which in turn fuels the growth and visibility of the game at every level.”