Ascot United and Maidenhead United are two of 52 FA Women’s National League clubs who have signed a letter sent to the Football Association raising concerns at proposals to introduce top tier Professional Game Academy (PGA) teams into their system.
The FA is planning structural changes that would allow four clubs from the Women’s Super League to enter academy teams into the third tier from 2027. The letter sent on Thursday strongly objects to the proposals and claims that “board representatives did not consult their clubs”.
The clubs have formed what they call an ‘alliance’ to challenge the board’s decision and have requested a special general meeting (SGM) with the FA. They describe the proposals as “morally wrong” and say the FAWNL have shown a “complete lack of respect” for players and staff.
There are currently 72 clubs in the FAWNL so the number of clubs involved in the letter passes the two-thirds majority needed to call for a meeting. The 72 clubs are made up of two regional divisions at Tier 3 and a further four regional divisions at Tier 4 – which includes the Yellas and the Magpies in Division 1 South West who have both just enjoyed their highest ever league finish in season 2026/27.
Maidenhead United manager Dave Kitson said: “We are concerned at the consultation process in this emotive matter. A league competition surely exists to best serve its members and the limited information we’ve received hasn’t really presented any tangible benefits to us as FAWNL clubs”
“The argument that elite young players need game time in adult football is a moot point. For one thing, FIFA have actually recommended that additional training benefits young players over extra matches. This is a view shared by Arsene Wenger no less. Over the last handful of seasons we as a club have engaged with bigger clubs higher up the pyramid and successfully loaned or dual-registered some outstanding young talent. Loan opportunities also exist in men’s football, where – to add some context – the introduction of EPL ‘B’ teams into EFL League 1 simply would not be tolerated.”
“It is also worth noting that the FAWNL Cup has already been expanded to allow PGA teams to enter. We are not against this, we are not against innovation. But it seems reasonable to expect that FAWNL should have the thoughts of their member clubs at the forefront of all they do.”
