Women’s National League clubs, Football Association, Women’s Super League
11 June 2026
Fifty-two Women’s National League clubs have written to the Football Association opposing plans to introduce Women’s Super League academy teams into the third tier from 2027. The clubs argue the proposal threatens competition balance and independent pathways.
The letter says academy sides entering senior leagues could damage club sustainability, promotion routes and local identity. The FA wants to improve elite youth development, but the scale of opposition shows a serious governance fight in the women’s game.