Ladies Awarded WSL Tier 1 Licence

Everton Ladies have been awarded a Tier 1 WSL Licence by the FA Women’s Football Board.

The FA announced in September that the highest tiers of the women’s football pyramid would be restructured, with each participating club required to meet more stringent licensing criteria.

The changes, implemented following a detailed review of women’s and girls’ football competitions in this country, are designed to build a sustainable and successful high-performance system, through consultation with all 20 FA Women’s Super League clubs.

Clubs applying for Tier 1 are required to commit to having full-time professional playing staff and delivering a minimum of 16 hours daytime contact per week (plus matches), increasing to 20 hours by the 2021/22 season.

In August this season, Everton Ladies transitioned into a full-time model, with players receiving the best coaching, facilities and support Everton can offer, which has enabled to Club to gain a Tier 1 WSL Licence.

“I would like to thank all Club staff who have helped put together our application,” said Ladies General Manager Aaron Little. “The ‘one-club’ philosophy continues to go from strength to strength at Everton and, with the Club’s continued support, we can look forward to an exciting future for Everton Ladies.

“We applied for a Tier 1 Licence with a four-year business plan, in line with our philosophy as a Club. It is vitally important we continue to build as a Club, in order to compete with the very best in the country. And to build in the right manner, showing the values that are at the very core of our Club.

“We trust in young players and our plan will allow us to grow season on season, giving them the platform to perform to their potential. The way we have started the current campaign shows that we are more than capable of competing in this league on footballing merit and achieving this Tier 1 Licence not only recognises that, but gives us the opportunity to strengthen our foundations as a Club.

“Knowing that we have the backing of Everton, be that through financial support, the world-class facilities at USM Finch Farm or the expertise of the performance and support staff at the Club, means it is an exciting time for Everton Ladies.”

Tier 1 clubs:
Arsenal Women
Birmingham City Ladies
Brighton & Hove Albion Women
Bristol City Women
Chelsea Ladies
Everton Ladies
Liverpool Ladies
Manchester City Women
Reading Women
Yeovil Town Ladies

Tier 2 clubs:
Aston Villa Ladies
Doncaster Rovers Belles
Durham Women
London Bees
Millwall Lionesses
Sheffield FC Ladies
Tottenham Hotspur Ladies