The FA WNL has released their new three-year strategy with the direct aim to shape the future of women’s football within the Women’s National League. It is outlined through four key strategies to support the development of the league as well as the wider perspectives of the women’s football pyramid.
The distinct focus for the next three years is to build upon those successes created from the previous strategy ‘Empowering for Success’. This previous strategy helped contribute to a 100% increase in average match attendances, since 2021, as well as the introduction of minimum standards across the league. The newly presented strategy explores an overarching vision of championing growth, elevating performance and building identity.
The four key strategic priorities have been identified as the following:
1. Environment – Elevate the football environment to foster excellence both on and off the pitch. There will be a focus on propelling club standards, protecting and enhancing positive culture and behaviour, and enhancing league delivery.
2. People – Champion progressive pathways, nurture diversity and unlock potential. This will establish a system that supports players, referees, coaches, and club staff in achieving their goals, fosters inclusive and welcoming experiences throughout the WNL, and ensures access to top-quality facilities that enable everyone to thrive.
3. Impact – Build visibility, engage diverse audiences, and leverage the power of community to grow the league’s profile and reach. There will be a focus on raising the profile of the WNL through innovative storytelling, supporting clubs to become the heart of their communities, and educating and influencing key football stakeholders to support the growth and development of the WNL.
4. Commercial – Advance commercial focus, attract and collaborate with partners and clubs to increase the sustainability of the WNL. This will include driving commercial readiness across the competition, establishing meaningful partnerships across the WNL, and providing tailored club support to promote financial sustainability.
Throughout each strategy, key threads will be acknowledged and appreciated throughout. These include: diversity and inclusion, facilities, female health and wellbeing, safeguarding, and technology and data. Each of these threads are key for success across the next three years.
Nick Frith, Head of the Women’s Football Pyramid at The FA, explains:
“Strategic success relies on collaboration between our clubs, The FA, and partners such as the Football Foundation, Premier League, WSL Football and the Football Supporters’ Association. Their insights and commitment will be instrumental in shaping a plan that is ambitious yet grounded in the realities of our game. Together, we will ensure the WNL is not only a vital part of the women’s football ecosystem but a leader in innovation, inclusion, and impact.”
This strategy holds a vision and a map of a journey that will shape the future of our league and the wider world of women’s football. It holds a commitment to complete action with a dedicated target of enhanced performance and establishing a distinct identity to create a sustainable future for women’s football.
