WSL academy teams to play in third tier after FA approves controversial plan

• Four WSL academy teams will play in WNL from 2027-28

• FA says move will raise standards and help young players

Four Women’s Super League academy sides will play in tier three of the pyramid from the 2027-28 season after the controversial proposal was approved by the Football Association’s board.

The change forms part of what the FA described as a package of reforms to the Women’s National League “designed to strengthen the women’s football pyramid, raise standards across the league, and improve the development pathway for young players”.