FA Women's National League

The FA Women's National League is a pivotal component of the English women's football system, comprising six football divisions that occupy the third and fourth tiers of women's football in England. Originally established in 1991 as the WFA National League, it was initially managed by the Women's Football Association before the Football Association took over in 1994, subsequently rebranding it as the FA Women's Premier League.

Historical Evolution

Prior to the establishment of the National League, women's teams across England primarily competed in the WFA Cup since 1970. Additionally, there were numerous regional leagues but no regular nationwide competition. The introduction of the FA Women's National League marked the beginning of organized national competitions for women's clubs throughout the country.

With the advent of the Women's Super League, the National Division of the FA Women's National League was demoted to the second tier, while the Northern and Southern Divisions were classified into the third tier hierarchy. In a pivotal restructuring move in 2013, the National Division was replaced by the FA Women's Championship, and the Northern and Southern Divisions remained integral to the third tier. The fourth tier, known as the Combination Leagues, became part of the FA Women's Premier League in 2014 and was rebranded as Division One North, Midlands, South East, and South West.

Structure and Competitions

The FA Women's National League is divided into several key divisions, notably the Women's National League North and the Women's National League South. These divisions operate below the Women's Super League and the Women's Championship, following a traditional home-and-away format throughout the season.

Parallel to the league operations, the FA Women's National League Cup remains an annual highlight. Established in 1991 by the Women's Football Association, this competition provides an additional competitive platform for the teams within the league. A secondary cup competition, known as the FA Women's National League Plate, also runs alongside the Cup, offering teams further opportunities for silverware competition.

In recent years, the league has seen continuous evolution and growth, with the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons representing the 34th and 35th years of operation, respectively. This demonstrates the enduring appeal and importance of the league within the broader context of women's football in England.

Related Topics

• FA Women's Super League
• FA Women's Championship
• Women's FA Cup
• Football Association
• Women's Football Association

The FA Women's National League continues to be an integral aspect of the football landscape in England, fostering competitive play and providing a crucial platform for the development of women's football talent across the nation.