Big Changes Proposed For Tiers 3–6 In Women’s Football Pyramid

Exeter CIty lift the FA WNL Divison One South West. Photo: Neill Richardson (Falselights)

This morning, the news was broken by Tom Garry (Guardian Sport) concerning the much anticipated and much needed change in the league structure for tiers three to six in the women’s football pyramid.

Focusing on the FA Women’s National League, a measure that will hopefully be widely supported in the game is that there will be an increase in the number of teams competing within the six divisions from the 2026/27 season. In addition, there would also be play-offs introduced.

This proposed restructure is said to be aimed at “narrowing the gap from youth to senior football” and ensuring the pyramid helps develop young talent, according to the document.

It is expected it will remain that the FA WNL Northern and Southern Premier winners will be the only two clubs promoted to the Championship, with two teams dropping down.

A 27-page proposal has been shared with relevant clubs, and they now move into a consultation phase. It proposes that Professional Game Academies (PGA) or B teams could enter anywhere between tier four and six but that there would be a promotion ceiling limiting them from progressing higher than tier three. No PGA or B team would be able to play higher than two tiers below their first team.

A current example is fourth-tier Bournemouth Sports, whose reserve side competes two tiers lower in the Southern Region Women’s Football League Division One South. Under the proposed rules, reserve sides like theirs would be ineligible for promotion, even if they win their division. On that note, wouldn’t it be great to simplify some of these league titles?

While there is no mention of expansions to the Women’s Super League (WSL) I am sure that the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) are well on top of that. And let’s hope that it isn’t the introduction of Celtic and Rangers into the division. On that topic, please listen to the latest episode of the Expected Goals podcast for some insightful thoughts on it from Maggie Murphy.

Emma Jones is embraced by her Portsmouth teammates during their title-winning run in 2023/24. Photo: Jason Brown

There is space for 366 teams in tiers three to six, divided regionally, but this could rise to 420 if the proposals go ahead.

Much like the introduction of the PGA teams into the FA WNL Plate, there is no guarantee that they will take up that option. However, it is widely accepted that the PGA and FA WNL reserve competitions are not fit for purpose, so I imagine that this will be an appealing prospect for most, if not all.

I understand why the FA has set out this proposal, and for the most part, it makes a lot of sense. Increasing the divisions will raise the level of competition as there are many examples of teams who look at the league above and feel that if they were given the opportunity they would excel at that level.

Fifth-tier Fulham is a prime example. Arguably, their infrastructure surpasses that of some current third-tier clubs, but their progress is hampered by the current system. That and their league is also a fiercely competitive division, one which would be a perfect candidate for a play off match. While defeat can be cruel, victory can be more exciting than winning a league. With the FA WNL struggling to get live coverage anywhere, these games would hopefully be streamed live somewhere. My vote would be YouTube.

Anna Morphey takes aim in a match between Wolves Women vs Huddersfield Women played 05-02-2023 at The New Bucks Head Photo. Photo by Ashley Griffiths / Grifftersworld Photography,

That being said, it doesn’t sit well with me that PGA or B teams could enter the division. I agree that the players can and should be competing at this level but I would prefer to see more dual registrations between PGA teams and high-ranked clubs within a similar area. All this encourages is a further stockpiling of talent at Premier League backed clubs. These are the same clubs that are likely to prioritise signing experienced players from leagues abroad, limiting that pathway for these players, but that is a topic for another day.

Just browsing social media responses it seems like the news has been greeted with a mixed response. The consensus on the proposed addition of the PGA teams is that it is not welcomed. It overcomplicates the structure of the competition and it only serves to benefit WSL and Championship clubs. 

Speaking to Gareth Townsend from YouTube channel All For WoSo, he shares my views. He told me, “I think there’s an awful lot of positive changes being put forward. I think there’s so much quality in our Regional Leagues that the expansion of the leagues, and the increase in promotion spots available is a welcome change.

“I do however have huge concerns regarding PGA teams being included in the pyramid. It’s already common place in the men’s game that the top flight use competitions such as the EFL Cup and the new National League Cup to give their youth players experience. I didn’t like it when the WNL opened up the Plate to PGA teams (and some of them didn’t even bother to play with multiple walkovers being given out).

“Teams that have built over the course of several seasons towards playing at National League level should not be overlooked in favour of a PGA team. The lower leagues of the pyramid are not the play thing of WSL/Championship clubs to help their youth players prepare for senior football. This feels like another move on a slippery slope.”

Whatever happens, there needs to be a league sponsor brought in and prize money invested into these divisions so clubs can attempt to keep pace with those at the summit of the pyramid. Although that horse may well have bolted.

I’d love to hear your views on this format. Will there be more winners or losers if this goes ahead?

 

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