Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The FA Women's National League stands as a cornerstone of women's football in England, comprising six divisions with 72 teams competing across the country. The league serves as a crucial pathway in the women's football pyramid, with the winners of the Northern and Southern Premier divisions earning promotion to higher-tier competition. Originally known as the WFA National League and later the FA Women's Premier League, this competition has evolved significantly over the years while maintaining its importance in developing talent.
The 2024-25 season is currently underway, with teams battling for supremacy in their respective divisions. Each division contains 12 teams, creating a competitive environment where clubs from different regions showcase their skills and tactical prowess. The league structure provides a balanced competitive framework that helps elevate the standard of women's football throughout England.
Beyond mere competition, the FA Women's National League plays a vital role in growing the women's game, offering regular fixtures that build club identities and fan bases. Regular match days feature exciting contests that can be followed through comprehensive fixture lists and result updates, allowing supporters to track their favorite teams' progress throughout the season.
History
The FA Women's National League has roots dating back to 1991 when it was founded by the Women's Football Association. Originally established as the highest tier of women's football in England, the league underwent a significant change in the 1994-95 season when the Football Association took over its operation and renamed it the "Premier League."
In 1993, the FA formally assumed responsibility for running women's football in England, marking a pivotal moment for the women's game. This administrative change helped provide more structure and support for women's football across the country.
The league maintained its position as the top flight of women's football in England until 2010. That year marked another watershed moment when the FA Women's Super League (WSL) was established, replacing the FA Women's Premier League National Division as the highest level of competition.
The formation of the WSL represented part of a broader effort to professionalize women's football in England. Following this restructuring, the former Premier League continued to operate at a lower tier in the women's football pyramid.
Women's football in England has a rich history extending back to the late 19th century. The first recorded women's football match took place on May 7, 1881, when teams representing England and Scotland played at Easter Road in Edinburgh.
Today, the FA Women's National League continues to play an important role in the development of women's football, serving as a competitive platform for clubs throughout England.
Age Groups and Divisions
The FA Women's National League operates across multiple divisions that form the third and fourth tiers of the women's football pyramid in England. The league is structured with six divisions in total, creating a comprehensive competitive framework.
At the third tier level, the league features two premier divisions: the Northern Premier Division and the Southern Premier Division. These represent the highest level of competition within the National League structure.
The fourth tier consists of four regional divisions: Division One North, Division One Midlands, Division One South East, and Division One South West (though the latter isn't explicitly mentioned in the search results).
While the league primarily focuses on open-age (adult) women's football, the structure accommodates players across different competitive levels. This creates pathways for player development and progression through the women's football pyramid.
Teams are placed in divisions based on both geographical location and competitive merit. Promotion and relegation systems exist between the divisions, allowing clubs to move up to the Women's Championship (second tier) or down within the National League structure.
The FA Women's National League sits below the Women's Super League (WSL) and Women's Championship in the overall hierarchy of women's football in England. This positioning makes it a crucial stepping stone for players and clubs aspiring to reach the professional levels of the game.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The FA Women's National League is governed by a dedicated committee that oversees operations for Tiers 3 and 4 of the Women's Football Pyramid. The Women's National League Operational Committee includes several key figures who bring expertise to the organization.
Key Committee Members:
- Sue Hough MBE (FA Representative, Chair)
- Elaine Oram (FA Representative)
- Sue Campbell DBE (FA Representative)
- Sandi Dosanjh (Independent Non-Executive Director)
- Jessica (Committee Member)
A new board was recently formed to drive forward women's football specifically across Tiers 3 and 4. This restructuring demonstrates the FA's commitment to developing the women's game at these levels.
Sue Campbell DBE plays a significant role in the women's football governance structure. She chairs the Women's Football Board and serves on multiple committees including the FA Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship Board.
The League also offers development opportunities for coaches through their Placement Programme. This bespoke, individualized program allows coaches to gain valuable exposure to The FA Women's National League environment.
For specific inquiries, league officials can typically be contacted through the official FA channels or through club representatives participating in the league.
Teams
The FA Women's National League structure features multiple divisions across tiers 3 and 4 of women's football in England. Current standings show Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Stoke City leading in one of the divisions with 16-18 matches played.
Division One includes several established clubs such as Doncaster Rovers Belles, Lincoln City, and Peterborough United. Sheffield and Northampton Town also compete at this level, alongside Leafield Athletic, Leek Town, and Long Eaton United.
The league's southern regions feature teams like AFC Bournemouth, Cardiff City, and Exeter City. Other southern clubs include AFC St Austell, Keynsham Town, Larkhall Athletic, Maidenhead United, and Moneyfields.
In the FA Women's National League South specifically for the 2024-25 season, Billericay Town plays at New Lodge in Billericay. Cheltenham Town competes at Kayte Lane in Bishop's Cleeve, while Exeter City uses Coach Road in Newton Abbot as their home ground.
The teams represent a mix of independent women's clubs and those affiliated with established men's professional teams. This creates a diverse competitive environment spanning multiple regions across England and Wales.
Players
The FA Women's National League features numerous talented players who compete across its six divisions. These athletes range from emerging talents to established names who have made significant contributions to women's football in England.
Notable players who have competed in the FA Women's National League include Eniola Aluko, who later represented England at international level and played for top clubs including Chelsea and Juventus. Her career trajectory demonstrates how the league serves as a development pathway for talented players.
The league has also welcomed international talents such as Pernille Andersen, showcasing its appeal beyond domestic borders. Many players move between the various tiers of the women's football pyramid in England, with the National League often serving as a stepping stone.
Current rosters across the league's divisions include a mix of experienced professionals and young prospects working their way up through the ranks. Teams typically maintain squads of 20-25 players to manage the demands of the season.
Player development remains a key focus of the FA Women's National League, with many clubs establishing strong youth systems to nurture future talent. These developmental pathways help ensure sustainability and growth within women's football.
The league's alumni include numerous players who have progressed to the Women's Super League and Championship, England's top two divisions, highlighting its importance in the player development ecosystem.
