The Football Association has approved a proposal for Women's Super League (WSL) academy teams to compete in tier three of the women's football pyramid starting from the 2027-28 season. The decision, announced on Tuesday, will see four academy sides enter the National League system, with criteria for their selection to be developed over the coming months. The move is part of a broader reform package that includes central funding for WNL clubs, the introduction of WNL academies, and changes to the loan market to encourage player movement between tiers.

Sue Day, the FA's director of women's football, hailed the decision as a crucial step for the sport's growth. "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," she said. Day emphasized the need for proactive action to address challenges and create more opportunities for young English players to develop in senior football.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, who previously worked with Lyon's academy, expressed strong support for the initiative. She noted that her experience in France and Spain showed how academy teams competing at senior levels benefit player development. "I think it's a great decision," Bompastor said, adding that it would help bridge the gap between youth and professional football.

England defender Lucy Bronze echoed these sentiments, drawing on her time playing in France and Spain. She highlighted how regular competitive matches against senior opposition helped young players transition more smoothly. "It doesn't feel as big a step for those younger players who are playing more competitively and regularly against fully grown women," Bronze explained, emphasizing the positive impact on the national team's long-term prospects.