52 Women's National League Clubs Call Special Meeting to Oppose FA Academy Team Plan

Fifty-two Women's National League clubs sent a letter to the Football Association on Thursday opposing plans to allow four Women's Super League academy teams to enter the third tier from 2027. The clubs formed an alliance and requested a special general meeting, citing a lack of consultation by board representatives.

They described the proposals as morally wrong and said the FAWNL had shown a complete lack of respect for players and staff.

There are 72 clubs in the FAWNL, so the 52 signatories meet the two-thirds majority required to call the meeting. No club with an elected FAWNL Club Representative on the board supported the request. The letter sets out an agenda covering whether the board's process complies with member clubs' constitutional rights, the use of anonymous surveys instead of formal votes, the incentive of financial distributions to secure agreement, concerns over board independence, and the need for transparency and accountability.

It asks the FA to confirm the meeting and agenda within seven to 14 working days. Anthony Shaw, operations manager at Hashtag United FC, coordinated the clubs and signed the letter on their behalf. All 52 clubs were listed, including Middlesbrough, Derby County, Halifax, Doncaster Belles and Hull City.

Former Women's National League chair Carol West wrote on social media that the vast majority of clubs do not want Professional Game Academy teams in the league but have been denied a formal vote. She said the clubs had been told the change was happening regardless.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said in April that the FA should reflect with top clubs on competition structures so young players can bridge the gap to senior football.