Ladies looking up

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 28th September 2017

West Ham United Ladies have applied to join the restructured FA Women's Super League.

It was announced on Wednesday that, from the beginning of the 2018/19 season, the FAWSL would comprose of a two tier system containing a total of 26 teams - 14 pro clubs in the upper level and a further 12 clubs in a semi-pro, second level.

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And West Ham have confrimed that they will be applying to take one of the full pro spots in the higher tier, when clubs not currently involved in the FAWSL are invited to register next March.

“As an ambitious club, we want West Ham United to be at the very top of this new-look league structure," said Ladies MD Jack SUllivan. "We will be doing everything we can to make sure our application is successful.

"Now West Ham United Ladies are fully integrated into the club, the facilities and infrastructure that we are currently able to offer the squad - with the help and support of all departments at West Ham - is befitting of a professional team and we intend to make that a reality."

The announcement followed a detailed review of ladies' football competitions conducted by Wharton Consulting on behalf of the FA. In addition to the two top divisions, plans are in place for two further FAWSL leagues - tiers three and four - that will be divided regionally.

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The FA's Head of Women's Leagues, Katie Brazier, insisted that the new arrangements would benefit the game as a whole. "The changes will continue our journey to transform key elements of the women’s game," she added.

"Providing an elite performance environment will produce better players, increase the interest and excitement via a more competitive league, attract a greater number of fans and in turn deliver improved commercial viability for clubs and the leagues.

"The decision was made following a full review of women's football competitions and extensive and valuable dialogue with the clubs, who have been really supportive of the changes being introduced."

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