The Expansion of the FAWSL

Abstract

In 2014, the FAWSL was expanded to include a second division, allowing for promotion and relegation between the top two leagues of women’s football (but remaining closed off from the rest of the sport in England). This chapter looks at the rollout of the second division of the FAWSL, new for 2014, which has introduced an element of promotion and relegation to this elite competition. It explores the FA’s public reasoning behind this expansion, and the minimum requirements specified for licence applications, using their documentation; and examines the effect of the FAWSL’s expansion on players, offering greater opportunities for professionalisation and improved contract details and the suggested impact on the England team. The increased obligation for female clubs to build relationships with male football clubs is focussed on in particular detail, as this trend is having (and has historically had) a significant impact on women’s teams.