Maidenhead United Women are one of 52 FA Women's National League clubs who have signed a letter sent to the Football Association raising concerns at proposals to introduce top tier Professional Game Academy (PGA) teams into their system.
The clubs involved have requested a special general meeting with the FA, who are planning structural changes that would allow four clubs from the Women's Super League to enter academy teams into the FAWNL at Tier 3 from 2027. The FAWNL is made up of 72 clubs, with two regional divisions at Tier 3 and a further four regional divisions at Tier 4 – which includes the Magpies in Division 1 South West where they have just enjoyed their highest ever league finish in season 2026/27.
Magpies manager Dave Kitson said: “We are concerned at the consultation process in this emotive matter. A league competition surely exists to best serve its members and the limited information we’ve received hasn't really presented any tangible benefits to us as FAWNL clubs"
"The argument that elite young players need game time in adult football is a moot point. For one thing, FIFA have actually recommended that additional training benefits young players over extra matches. This is a view shared by Arsene Wenger no less. Over the last handful of seasons we as a club have engaged with bigger clubs higher up the pyramid and successfully loaned or dual-registered some outstanding young talent. Loan opportunities also exist in men's football, where – to add some context - the introduction of EPL 'B' teams into EFL League 1 simply would not be tolerated."
"It is also worth noting that the FAWNL Cup has already been expanded to allow PGA teams to enter. We are not against this, we are not against innovation. But it seems reasonable to expect that FAWNL should have the thoughts of their member clubs at the forefront of all they do."
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