FA Approves WSL Academy Teams in National League

The Football Association has approved a proposal that will enable Women's Super League (WSL) academy sides to participate in tier three of the football pyramid beginning in the 2027-28 season.

This decision allows four professional game academy (PGA) teams to compete without the possibility of promotion, as part of reforms aimed at enhancing the Women's National League (WNL) structure. The changes are intended to improve standards and development pathways for young players.

Despite opposition from 52 of the 72 WNL clubs, which expressed concerns about the lack of consultation, the FA proceeded with the plan after what it described as an extensive consultation process. Additional reforms will provide central funding to WNL clubs and introduce club academies, while also modifying the loan market to facilitate player loans from professional teams to lower-tier clubs.