FA Approves Four WSL Academy Teams for Women's Third Tier

Four Women’s Super League academy teams will enter the third tier of English women’s football from the 2027-28 season after the Football Association board approved the plan. The Guardian reported that the decision is part of a wider reform package for the FA Women’s National League, which operates tiers three and four.

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The FA said the changes are intended to strengthen the pyramid, improve standards and create a better development route for young players. According to the governing body, its data shows that young English players receive significantly fewer competitive minutes than comparable players in leading European leagues. The academy entries are designed to provide more senior-level match experience.

The Women’s National League currently has 72 clubs, with two regional divisions at tier three and four regional divisions at tier four. An earlier version of the proposal, reported by The Guardian in April, would expand the third tier from 24 to 28 teams, placing two selected academy sides in each regional division. Those teams were to receive three-year licences and be chosen according to academy strength and the proportion of English talent.

Under that reported framework, the academy teams would not be eligible for promotion to WSL2 but could be relegated. The Guardian reported in May that a proposed mid-season split had been dropped. The FA has not yet identified the four WSL academies that will take the new places in 2027-28.

The package will also introduce central funding for Women’s National League clubs for the first time. The FA said changes to the loan market are intended to encourage clubs in the top two divisions to send players to teams in tiers three and four. Earlier proposals included stronger legal and medical support around loans, as well as funding intended for distribution and potential sponsorship, although the final announcement did not specify amounts.

The academy plan has faced significant opposition within the league. Maidenhead United said in June that it was among 52 Women’s National League clubs that signed a letter raising concerns and requesting a special general meeting with the FA. Critics questioned the consultation and argued that loans and dual registrations already offer a route for young players. The FA proceeded after the Women’s National League board backed the scheme in May and the national governing body granted final approval.