WSL and Championship academy teams to compete in FAWNL Plate | OneFootball

It has been revealed that Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship academy teams will be invited to play in the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Plate competition.

The FAWNL says it is forming a new relationship with the Professional Game Academy (PGA) for the new season. The move hopes to boost match opportunities for youth players. It is somewhat reminiscent of when the men’s EFL Trophy started inviting men’s Premier League U21 sides. The decision has received a mixed reception.

For the first time, sides participating in the Cup and Plate competitions will be competing for prize money. However, (PGA) teams will not be eligible for prize money. These investments are “a reflection of the growth of the FAWNL over the last few seasons in parallel with the wider women’s game, and will ensure the league’s member clubs can continue to invest in their development.”

Why could it be a problem?

The former chair of the FAWNL took to X to share her thoughts on the development. Carol West said it was coming “at the potential cost of denying FAWNL clubs/players opportunity to reach a national final in their own competition to prioritise external players’ gaining ‘meaningful minutes’.”

She continued: “Because the PGA setup is ineffective, the problem is passed to others to try and sort out.”

The academy structure in the women’s game is not yet equal to that of its male counterpart, where there are U18 and U21 league set-ups. While this new angle provides additional game time and exposure for young footballers, it is far from perfect.

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The continued focus on the very top levels of domestic women’s football in England has brought about some frustration. Seemingly prioritising the growth of already established women’s teams at times feels neglectful of lower-tier clubs. Ultimately, the progression of women’s football at all levels is crucial to the overall sustainability and development at the top.

What is the FAWNL Plate?

The FAWNL Plate is an association football tournament. It is the Women’s National League’s second League Cup competition, and is played alongside the National League Cup. It is a single-elimination knock-out tournament. Winners of the determining round will enter the League Cup competition, while losing sides enter the League Plate.

The fixtures will be played the week commencing 26th August 2024, midweek in order to limit disruption to league fixtures, and with minimising travel a priority. The FAWNL asserts that these changes “will further strengthen tiers three and four of the women’s football pyramid.” Many football fans await proof of this over the coming months.

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