The FA Women’s National League – which runs women’s football at Tier 3 and Tier 4 and is home to Tier 4 Berkshire sides Ascot United Women and Maidenhead United Women – has announced that it is pressing on with plans to insert WSL PGA (Professional Game Academy) teams into Tier 3 from 2027/28.
A statement released today by FAWNL read: “The FA Board has approved a package of reforms to the FA Women’s National League (WNL) from the 2027/28 season, designed to strengthen the women’s football pyramid, raise standards across the league, and improve the development pathway for young players.”
“The reforms are part of The FA’s long-term ambition to futureproof the women’s game by increasing investment into the FA WNL, better preparing clubs to compete in the professional game, and creating more opportunities for talented young players to develop in senior football.”
“The changes will see FA WNL clubs receive central funding for the first time, alongside the introduction of WNL club academies and enhancements to the loan market to encourage clubs from the professional game to loan their players to clubs in Tiers 3 and 4. Four Professional Game Academy (PGA) sides will also be given the opportunity to compete in Tier 3 without eligibility for promotion. The chosen PGAs will be assessed against clear criteria which will be developed over the coming months with key stakeholders. The model will be reviewed annually to ensure it is delivering against its objectives and the impact is monitored.”
“The reforms follow an extensive consultation process with clubs and stakeholders and comes as data continues to show that young English players receive significantly fewer competitive minutes than their counterparts across Europe’s leading leagues. The reforms are intended to address this challenge while simultaneously strengthening the competitiveness, quality and sustainability of the Women’s National League.”
Sue Day, Director of Women’s Football at The FA, said: “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. 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. 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. We’d like to thank the clubs and stakeholders for their engagement throughout the consultation process, and we look forward to continuing to work together as these changes are implemented.”
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However, a number of the FAWNL’s 72 member clubs have expressed concern regarding the proposals – as well as the consultation process – and Anthony Shaw, Football Operations Manager at Tier 3 side Hashtag United, released the following statement: “The (FAWNL) announcement comes as no surprise; it’s been obvious from the point at which the plan was announced it was a forgone conclusion that it would be implemented despite the many concerns raised.”
“The consultation has been a farce and other than the withdrawal of the quite ludicrous splitting of the league at the seasons halfway point clubs haven’t been listened to, they’ve been treated with contempt and as they’re unable to get their own house in order, the FAWNL is now a WSL training facility.”
“In one fell swoop you’ve destroyed the integrity of the competition with this ill-conceived idea and to suggest money will be made available to clubs on acceptance of the plan is nothing more than financial inducement.”
“Other than one club (divisional) representative that was prepared to listen to their clubs’ concerns and despite evidence from their respective clubs opposed to the proposal, others have done little other than tow the company line.”
“Finally, I would add that this whole process has been badly handled and overseen by the chair. Given the ill feeling a great many clubs have towards the league, will they take this opportunity to seriously consider their position having lost the confidence of several clubs they’re reported to responsible for.”
For the second season running in 2026/27, PGA clubs will enter the FAWNL Cup competition, the group stage of which starts this week with PGA teams from Bristol City, Chelsea, Southampton, London City Lionesses, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Sheffield United, Manchester United and Sunderland. Maidenhead United will face Chelsea in their group for the second consecutive season, Ascot United – as last season – will not face PGA opponents in their group.
FAWNL clubs are able to loan PGA players. In recent seasons, Emily McMaster – now with Tier 3 side Loughborough Lightning – enjoyed a hugely successful loan at Maidenhead United from Tottenham Hotspur PGA.
