Friday, 27 February 2009.
The FA is pleased to announce that the application process for joining The FA Women’s Super League is now officially open. Packs with all relevant application information have now been released.
Documents for clubs:
FA Chairman Lord Triesman said “The launch of The FA Women’s Super League will help us take female football to a new and unprecedented level, increasing overall participation in what is now officially the most popular female team sport in the country.”
“The new league will help support and strengthen the commercial viability and sustainability of women’s football clubs and the overall hope is that it will help define a clear player pathway.”
Lord Triesman added, “This is a wonderful chance to do something new and different, and I believe a fantastic opportunity awaits women’s football in England. The game stands on the threshold of a new era, supported by a wide-ranging four-year strategy for the game at all levels. We’re looking forward to receiving membership applications and then working together to create a dynamic league which can grow and innovate over the years ahead.”
Clubs who are successful in their application will be awarded a two- year licence for the 2010 and 2011 seasons in which time the league will be closed to new entrants. The league will be semi-professional and will ideally operate, initially, with eight clubs, though the objective is to expand the league to a maximum of 12 by 2014.
Clubs who successfully apply for membership to The FA Women’s Super League will be able to apply for funding from The FA to support club development activities in specified areas thereby promoting sustainability. A maximum of £70,000 per season per club will be available.
Ensuring a competitive league is one of the FA’s main priorities. The FA believes that the creation of paid career opportunities for players alongside a salary cap will be key to ensuring that clubs are evenly matched.
The application process is open and transparent and any new or existing club can apply, provided they are affiliated to an English County FA. Clubs are required to submit their application in the form of a Club Development Plan.
Deadline for applications is Friday 24 April and the successful clubs will be announced in June.
