National League clubs urge FA to end proposals over academy teams

There are 72 clubs competing in the FA Women's National League structure

Published 11 June 2026

A total of 52 Women's National League clubs have signed a letter forwarded to the Football Association, voicing opposition to plans that would permit top-tier academy teams to enter their league system.

The FA is considering structural reforms that would allow four Women's Super League clubs to field academy sides in the third division starting in 2027.

The correspondence, sent on Thursday and reviewed by BBC Sport, strongly opposes these proposals and alleges that "board representatives did not consult their clubs."

The clubs have established what they describe as an "alliance" to contest the board's ruling and have asked for a special general meeting (SGM) with the FA.

They characterize the plans as "morally wrong" and assert that the FAWNL has exhibited a "complete lack of respect" for players and staff.

At present, there are 72 clubs within the FAWNL, meaning the number of signatories surpasses the two-thirds majority necessary to request a meeting.

No club with an FAWNL Club Representative member—elected officials serving on the board—has endorsed the request.

An FA representative informed BBC Sport: "We are conducting a thorough consultation process around the proposed changes to the Women's National League, and no decisions have been made at this stage.

"We believe that these proposals have the potential to grow the Women's National League sustainably, strengthen player development pathways, and help to raise standards across the game.

"Extensive engagement with clubs throughout this process has already informed the development of these proposals, and we will continue to work collaboratively with them and other stakeholders to support the long-term future of women's football."

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What do clubs hope to resolve?

The 52 participating clubs have detailed in the letter a set of topics they wish to address during the meeting with the FA.

Among the matters they raise are:

Whether the board's process "complies" with the constitutional rights of member clubs

The use of "anonymous" surveys rather than a formal voting system

The "incentive of financial distributions" to encourage agreement

"Concerns" about the independence of decision-making on the board

A demand for "transparency and accountability"

The letter requests that the FA adhere to a notice period to arrange the meeting and confirm an agenda, which is thought to be between seven and 14 working days.

All 52 clubs were named. Among them were Hashtag United, Middlesbrough, Derby County, Halifax, Doncaster Belles, and Hull City.

FA sources maintain they have engaged in discussions with numerous Women's National League clubs, including many that signed the letter.

Former Women's National League chair Carol West has forcefully opposed the proposals, posting on social media: "The damage being done here should not be underestimated. I can't quite believe it's being allowed to happen.

"The overriding issue with all of this is that the vast majority of clubs do not want PGA [Professional Game Academy] teams in their league but have repeatedly been denied their democratic right to vote to formalise this once and for all.

"Instead, they've been told it's happening regardless which isn't right."

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What is the view from WSL?

In April, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor expressed concerns about the divide between academy football and the WSL.

She stated: "The FA should reflect with the top clubs about the structure of the competitions in order for the young players to be able to bridge the gap.

"Playing against senior players will make them progress a lot. You need to find a good balance for them to have a really good competition in order to develop them."

There are currently 22 academies across the WSL and WSL 2.

West Ham and Charlton Athletic are the only WSL clubs without a category one academy—the top-rated environment for young players.

WSL Football and the FA have been collaborating on several major proposals regarding the structure of the domestic women's game.

Sources indicate that WSL Football's initiatives are centered around five key themes, which include:

Consistently producing world-class talent

Creating an accessible route between grassroots and elite levels

Personalised support systems for every player to develop on and off the pitch

Building sustainable and 'investable' club environments

Embedding high professional standards across all leagues

The current dual registration system is anticipated to stay in place for the next season—permitting young players to represent their WSL parent club's academy and also compete in the Women's National League.

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