National League clubs urge FA to end proposals

There are 72 clubs competing in the FA Women's National League structure [Getty Images] Fifty-two Women's National League clubs have signed a letter sent to the Football Association opposing proposals to introduce top tier academy teams into their system. The FA is planning structural changes that would allow four clubs from the Women's Super League to enter academy teams into the third tier from 2027. The letter sent on Thursday, and seen by BBC Sport, strongly objects the proposals and claims "board representatives did not consult their clubs". The clubs have formed what they call an "alliance" to challenge the board's decision and have requested a special general meeting (SGM) with the FA. They describe the proposals as "morally wrong" and say the FAWNL have shown a "complete lack of respect" for players and staff. There are currently 72 clubs in the FAWNL so the number of clubs involved in the letter passes the two-thirds majority needed to call for a meeting. No club with an FAWNL Club Representative member - elected officials on the board - have supported the request. BBC Sport has contacted the FA for a response. How WSL aims to bridge academy gap - and why it needs to What do clubs hope to resolve? The 52 clubs involved have outlined in the letter an agenda they hope to discuss at the meeting with the FA. Among the issues they raise are: Whether the process adopted by the board "complies" with the constitutional rights of the member clubs The use of "anonymous" surveys instead of a formal voting procedure The "incentive of financial distributions" to press for an agreement "Concerns" regarding the independence of decision-making on the board A need for "transparency and accountability" The letter asks that the FA is bound by a notice period to agree the meeting and confirm an agenda, which is believed to be between seven and 14 working days. Anthony Shaw, operations manager at Hashtag United FC, pulled the 52 clubs together and signed the letter on their behalf. All clubs were listed. Among them were Middlesbrough, Derby County, Halifax, Doncaster Belles and Hull City. Former Women's National League chair Carol West has strongly opposed the proposals, writing on social media: "The damage being done here should not be underestimated. I can't quite believe it's being allowed to happen. "The overriding issue with all of this is that the vast majority of clubs do not want PGA (Professional Game Academy) teams in their league but have repeatedly been denied their democratic right to vote to formalise this once and for all. "Instead, they've been told it's happening regardless which isn't right." Halifax FC women investing following relegation What is the view from WSL? Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor raised concerns over the gap between academy football and the WSL in April. She said: "The FA should reflect with the top clubs about the structure of the competitions in order for the young players to be able to bridge the gap. "Playing against senior players will make them progress a lot. You need to find a good balance for them to have a really good competition in order to develop them." There are now 22 academies across the WSL and WSL 2. West Ham and Charlton Athletic are the only WSL clubs without a category one academy - the highest-ranked environment for young players. WSL Football and the FA have been working on several major proposals regarding the structure of the domestic women's game. Sources say WSL Football's plans are centred around five key themes which include: Consistently producing world-class talent Creating an accessible route between grassroots and elite levels Personalised support systems for every player to develop on and off the pitch Building sustainable and 'investable' club environments Embedding high professional standards across all leagues The current dual registration system is expected to remain in place next season - allowing young players to represent their WSL parent club's academy, as well as play in the Women's National League. [BBC] New episodes of Women's Football Weekly podcast drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page