The Premier League’s backing for The FA Women’s National League (WNL) has been described as “huge” by the competition’s chairperson Sandi Dosanjh.
Support of £1million per season is provided by the Premier League for the WNL, which covers tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid. This funding has helped to finance the League’s “Empowering For Success” strategy, which launched at the start of the 2022/23 season.
“The Premier League investment has been huge,” said Dosanjh. “But it’s also the level of engagement we’ve had from the Premier League.
“With The FA, Women’s National League and Premier League working together in lockstep, it has allowed us to really think about strategic ways to move the game forward. It has absolutely been a game changer for us.”
'We want to help clubs grow'
The "Empowering For Success" strategy focuses on eight key areas intended to improve all aspects of the game for clubs, players and fans from coaching to commercial activities.
Baroness Sue Campbell, Director of Women’s Football at the FA explains: “We want to help clubs grow – with better players on the field of play – but also become more sustainable and much stronger.”
The WNL has 72 member clubs competing across six divisions, the levels immediately below the Women's Championship.
Anna Deignan, Director of Fans and Development at the Premier League, has described the WNL Strategy as “transformational” and reiterated the League’s commitment to supporting the Women’s Game.
Wider investment
In addition to the support provided to the WNL, the Premier League also provides funding to the top four tiers of the women’s pyramid via the Premier League Stadium Fund. Third and fourth-tier clubs can apply for grants of up to £20,000 for ground improvements to improve matchday experiences.
This funding by the Premier League is part of a wider investment in the women and girls' game.
The Premier League has committed to an additional £21m over the next three years to help develop women's and girls' football. This investment includes £10.5m for the Women's Super League and the Women's Championship, alongside £10.5m for the grassroots game.
Furthermore, a new network of 67 Girls' Emerging Talent Centres has been created thanks to Premier League investment of £5.25m.
Details on Premier League funding for women and girls' football