Women's National League Clubs Oppose FA's Academy Plans

Fifty-two clubs from the Women's National League have expressed strong opposition to the Football Association's (FA) proposal to introduce top-tier academy teams into their league system. The FA's plan involves allowing four clubs from the Women's Super League to field academy teams in the third tier starting from 2027. In a letter seen by BBC Sport, the clubs argue that the FA's board did not consult them adequately, describing the proposals as "morally wrong" and showing a lack of respect for players and staff. The clubs, which have formed an "alliance," are demanding a special general meeting (SGM) with the FA to address their concerns. Currently, the alliance comprises 52 of the 72 clubs in the FAWNL, meeting the threshold for calling a meeting. However, no club with an FAWNL Club Representative on the board has backed the request.

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An FA spokesperson stated that they are conducting a thorough consultation process and that no decisions have been finalized. The spokesperson emphasized the potential benefits of the proposals for sustainable league growth and player development. Despite this, the clubs involved in the letter have outlined several issues they wish to address, such as the compliance of the process with member clubs' constitutional rights and concerns about decision-making transparency. The letter also requests that the FA agree to a meeting within a set timeframe and confirm an agenda.

Carol West, former chair of the Women's National League, has voiced her opposition on social media, highlighting the lack of a formal voting process on the matter. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor also commented on the need to bridge the gap between academy football and the WSL, suggesting that playing against senior players could aid young players' development. The FA's plans are part of broader efforts to enhance the domestic women's game structure, focusing on talent production, accessibility, and sustainability. Currently, 22 academies exist across the WSL and WSL 2, with only West Ham and Charlton Athletic lacking a category one academy.