FA approves WSL academy teams in National League from 2027-28

The Football Association (FA) has approved a proposal to allow Women's Super League (WSL) academy sides to compete in the Women's National League (WNL) from the 2027-28 season. The decision, announced after an extensive consultation process, will see four professional game academy (PGA) teams enter the third tier of women's football in England, though they will not be eligible for promotion.

The move is part of broader reforms designed to strengthen the women's football pyramid, raise standards across the league, and improve the development pathway for young players. The FA says the changes address the lack of competitive minutes that young English players receive compared with their European counterparts.

Opposition from clubs

The proposal faced significant opposition from existing WNL clubs. In June 2026, 52 of the 72 WNL clubs signed a letter to the FA opposing the introduction of top-tier academy teams, describing it as "morally wrong" and claiming that "board representatives did not consult their clubs." Despite this, the FA proceeded with the plan following what it described as an "extensive consultation process with clubs and stakeholders."

Reforms and funding

In addition to the academy sides, the reforms include several other measures. For the first time, WNL clubs will receive central funding. The FA will also introduce WNL club academies and changes to the loan market to encourage professional clubs to loan players to teams in tiers three and four.

The criteria for selecting the four PGA sides will be developed over the coming months, with the model subject to annual review to monitor its impact.

FA's vision

Sue Day, the FA's director of women's football, emphasized the importance of the changes. "The women's game has reached an important moment in its development, and these changes are about ensuring it continues to thrive for decades to come," she said. "We need to take proactive action now to address some of the key challenges we're facing. For the game to continue moving forward, the FA Women's National League must evolve alongside the professional game, and we need to create more opportunities for talented young English players to develop in senior football."

Day added: "Getting that balance right is essential to the long-term success of the national team, which in turn fuels the growth and visibility of the game at every level. The FA Women's National League sits at the heart of the women's football pyramid and has a unique identity that we value enormously."