Spanish Championship. Third Division. Women
The Spanish Women's Third Division Championship (Tercera División Femenina) is a pivotal tier in Spain's women's football pyramid. It brings together over 120 teams from across the country, fostering talent development and grassroots growth in women's soccer. Relaunched in its current form in 2019, it replaced the former Segunda División B Femenina, aligning with the surge in women's football popularity post-Spain's 2019 World Cup success.
History and foundation
Women's football in Spain traces back to the 1980s, but the Third Division solidified in the late 2010s amid structural reforms. The 2019 revamp responded to booming interest. A notable event: the 2020 season halt due to COVID-19, resumed under strict protocols testing club resilience. Group winners promote to Segunda División, while bottom teams face relegation. Standouts include CD Basconia and Pozoalbense's climbs from this level.
Tournament format
The league features 6-7 regional groups of 16-20 teams each. Teams play a double round-robin within groups. Top three per group advance to promotion playoffs; lower ranks risk drop to regional leagues. Season runs September to May with a winter break. The 2023/24 edition boasted 142 teams in seven groups—a record underscoring women's football's rise.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2 goals, favoring attacking play. Top scorers last season: Aisha Falcon (18 for Santa Teresa) and Carla Martin (16 for Alhama). Stars who've risen from here: Jessica Silva (now Real Madrid) and Clara Marquez (Barcelona B). Academies from Levante and Sevilla nurture prodigies. Known for physicality and tactical depth, it prepares players for higher tiers.