The FA Women’s National League has launched a new strategy with an ambition to strengthen the third and fourth tiers of women’s football in England.
The strategy, titled Empowering For Success, is backed by a £1 million ($1.7 million AUD) investment per season for the next three years from the Premier League.
The strategy aims to ensure the advancements in quality across the professional game are also harnessed throughout Tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid.
Empowering For Success is focused across eight priority areas – each with their own strategic goal – ultimately enabling FA WNL clubs to flourish both on and off the pitch through the development of players, workforce, and infrastructure.
The eight priority areas are:
- Players: Developing the training, playing and overall environment players experience so they can be the best they can be, on and off the pitch.
- Coaches and Leaders: Developing coaches to be exceptional across The FA WNL, ensuring they are representative of society.
- Referees: Driving upwards the standard of refereeing alongside improving the opportunity and experience of match officials in The FA WNL.
- Club Development: Creating an inclusive, player-centered and sustainable club network.
- League Development: Ensuring The FA WNL keeps pace with the growth of the women’s game and offers the best-possible development opportunities to member clubs.
- Facilities: Ensuring FA WNL and clubs have access to the required infrastructure on matchdays, at training venues and off-field.
- Commercial: Defining The FA WNL’s commercial value and engaging with partners to grow revenues and inward investment.
- Marketing and Communications: Growing the reach and appeal of The FA WNL by increasing exposure and awareness through matchday activity and league channels, driving bigger attendances and league following.
Baroness Sue Campbell, The FA’s Director of Women’s Football, said in a statement:
“The launch of this strategy is game-changing for the women’s football pyramid. It will ensure The FA WNL can maintain pace with the wider growth of the women’s game, and the clubs and their players can thrive both on and off the pitch.
“We want to say a huge thank you to the Premier League for their support, without which none of this would be possible. The money they are investing will transform the experience of everyone who plays in the third and fourth tiers of women’s football.”
The Premier League has also announced additional support for clubs in Tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid through the Premier League Stadium Fund. Eligible clubs can apply for grants of up to £20,000 ($35,000 AUD) to support the improvement of their stadium facilities, making grounds more welcoming for all and enhancing the playing and spectating experience within women’s football.
