England Championship. National League. Women
The Women's National League represents the fifth tier of England's women's football pyramid, featuring 24 competitive sides split into Northern and Southern Divisions. It acts as a crucial stepping stone, nurturing talent aspiring to climb into the Championship or even the Women's Super League.
History and foundation
Launched in 1991 as regional setups, the league was revamped in 2018 into its current national format. A pivotal moment came in the 2019/20 season, halted by COVID-19, with no champions crowned but promotions awarded to Port Vale and Sutton United. Notably, in 2022, Needham Market from the Southern Division tied a record with 18 draws, showcasing defensive resilience. Early careers of stars like Ellen White with Blackburn Rovers highlight its legacy.
Tournament format
Running from August to May, teams contest 38 double round-robin fixtures within their division. Division winners earn promotion to the third tier, while 15th to 21st-placed sides from each division vie in playoffs for a second spot. Bottom three in each drop to the sixth tier. Home games draw up to 1,000 fans for marquee clashes.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2 goals, peaking over 4 in rivalries. Top scorer Jessica Powell of Newcastle United WFC netted 32 in 2022/23. Standouts include Sophie Bright of Forest Green Rovers, a set-piece maestro, and Emma Coates of Hull City Ladies, assist queen. Known for physicality, pace, and stamina-driven play.