Women's Super League (WSL) academy sides will play in tier three from the 2027-28 season after the divisive proposal was approved by the Football Association.
Four professional game academy (PGA) sides will be given the opportunity to compete without eligibility for promotion as part of reforms to the Women's National League (WNL) which are "designed to strengthen the women's football pyramid, raise standards across the league, and improve the development pathway for young players".
Fifty two of the 72 WNL clubs - though this number was later disputed by the FA following confirmation with individual clubs - signed a letter opposing the proposal to introduce top-tier academy teams in their system in June 2026, describing it as "morally wrong" and claiming "board representatives did not consult their clubs".
However, the FA has gone ahead with the plan following an "extensive consultation process with clubs and stakeholders", with the reform addressing the lack of competitive minutes young English players receive compared with their counterparts across Europe.
Criteria for selecting the four PGAs involved will be developed "over the coming months", with the model set for annual review to monitor its impact.
Other reforms will see WNL clubs receiving central funding for the first time, the introduction of WNL club academies, and changes in the loan market to encourage clubs from the professional game to loan their players to sides in tiers three and four.
"The women's game has reached an important moment in its development, and these changes are about ensuring it continues to thrive for decades to come," said Sue Day, director of women's football at the FA.
"We need to take proactive action now to address some of the key challenges we're facing. For the game to continue moving forward, the FA Women's National League must evolve alongside the professional game, and we need to create more opportunities for talented young English players to develop in senior football.
"Getting that balance right is essential to the long-term success of the national team, which in turn fuels the growth and visibility of the game at every level.
"The FA Women's National League sits at the heart of the women's football pyramid and has a unique identity that we value enormously."
Following the announcement, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed that they intend to enter an academy side in the third tier.
Bompastor suggested these changes were made last season having overseen development of youth during her time at former club Lyon.
In March, Bompastor urged the FA to "reflect with the top clubs" on the structure of the domestic leagues in order to help the development of youth players.
"I think it's a great decision. It's the best way you can help young players develop in this country," said Bompastor.
"It’s right for this country to think about how they best develop their young players. They are the future of the game here in England.
"Coming from a country where the academies are big and from a club where the academy was big also, I think it's a really good decision.
"Of course with Chelsea, we will make sure we are playing in that division with the young players for them to develop as strong as possible."
Chelsea and England defender Lucy Bronze also backs the changes, saying her experience playing in France and Spain has highlighted the differences in youth development structures across Europe.
"I played in Lyon and in Spain where similar things are put in place and you can really notice the difference when those players step up into the first team," said Bronze.
"It doesn't feel as big a step for those younger players who are playing more competitively and regularly against fully grown women. It’s better for their development.
"I see it being so successful in other countries. We want to make sure the youth today has a place where they can develop and compete.
"Women's football is still growing so there are not so many teams all over the world where they can just go and play at the highest level. It's nice for players at Chelsea to be involved in the first team but still play really competitive games on the weekend."
