An Introduction to the FA Women's National League

The FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) consists of 72 teams across the 3rd and 4th tiers of Women’s football in England, although it’s not entirely that simple.

Unlike the Women’s Super League and Championship there isn’t one singular division, as each tier is made up of many different tiers.

First of all, tier 3 is made up of the Northern and Southern Prem, each of these consist of 12 teams.

All of which have the chance of being promoted to the Barclays Women’s Championship upon winning the league and securing the 1 available promotion spot in each.

However, they both have two relegation spots with the teams coming in 11th and 12th place being relegated to the 4th tier.

Next there is the 4th tier which is made up of 4 division of 12 teams Division 1: North, Southwest, Southeast and Midlands.

Each division has one available promotion spot, and two relegation spots.

The winning teams being promoted to either the Northern or Southern Prem based on the location of the club.

Those who are relegated go into the Regional League again based on location of the team.

What happens if two teams are promoted or relegated in the same location?

This has recently happened with Lewes and Watford being moved to the Southern Prem after facing relegation in the Championship.

Both teams are based in the South of England meaning that the team that was most Northern, Rugby Borough, had to move to the Northern Prem.

What other competitions happen within the League?

Teams have an opportunity to play in the FA WNL Cup, FA Women’s National League Cup.

At first all teams are drawn against each other in the determining round.

The winning teams then are drawn into either a preliminary round or directly into the first round of the cup.

32 teams then go onto play in the first round.

The current title holders Hashtag United play in the Northern Prem and finished second in their league the previous season.

Those who fail to qualify for the Cup, play in the FA WNL Plate with the current holders being Derby County who beat Cambridge United 0-3.

Although the FAWNL, consists of the lower tiers of English football, the league has produced many stars through the years.

England and Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating played for AFC Flyde on loan from City in 2021.

As well as Rachel Daly, Millie Bright, Steph Houghton and many more of our favourites!

Featured Image Courtesy Of FAWNL via Flickr No changes have been made to the image.