Team News

2026-04-10 10:49 UTC

Football 433 Football 433

Team News

Women’s football in England at risk without WSL academy teams in third tier, FA claims

2026-04-10 10:49 UTC By Football 433

Women’s football in England at risk without WSL academy teams in third tier, FA claims. Game could be held back without radical change, it says It wants more competitive games for young players Sue Day, the Football Association’s director of women’s football, has defended the governing body’s plans to radically change the structure of the women’s lower leagues, including introducing four Women’s Super League academy sides into third tier, saying she believes the game is at a “crucial turning point”.

Women’s football in England at risk without WSL academy teams in third tier, FA claims
Team News Football 433

Game could be held back without radical change, it says It wants more competitive games for young players Sue Day, the Football Association’s director of women’s football, has defended the governing body’s plans to radically change the structure of the women’s lower leagues, including introducing four Women’s Super League academy sides into third tier, saying she believes the game is at a “crucial turning point”. On Tuesday the Guardian revealed the proposals , which also include a mid-season split in tier three, a financial package of about £1m and enhancements to the loan system, as well as more relegation spots and playoffs in tier four, as part of a major transformation of the Women’s National League’s structure.

Reaction has been mixed, with some third-tier coaches heavily critical .