WSL to introduce academy contracts for next season.
Young players at WSL and WSL2 clubs will be introduced from the start of the 2026-27 season.
Current rules prohibit English women’s professional teams from contracting a 16-year-old player to a full-time contract.
The club will be able to offer players up to a two-year deal.
But this will not be mandatory, and clubs can continue to offer scholarships to promising young players.
Though says introducing the new contracts will give greater security to both players and clubs.
This introduction aims to prevent WSL teams from cherry-picking top academy talent from clubs lower down the pyramid without adequately compensating smaller clubs.
This will allow young players to stay in mainstream schools more easily. Meaning they can be in full-time education, taking their exams alongside football.
"Hopefully this provides a long-term sustainability plan for the pathway, and gives clarity to players," a WSL spokesperson said.
Players aged 16 or under may be subject to a seven-day approach. Clubs looking to sign a player must notify their current club, who then have a week to convince them to stay; otherwise, they are free to move.
The WSL also says the new academy contracts will have a rate of pay in line with youngsters at men’s Premier League clubs, while also adhering to minimum wage laws.
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