WSL to introduce academy contracts for next season

Beginning with the 2026-27 season, new academy contracts will be offered to young players at the Women’s Super League (WSL) and WSL2 clubs.

English professional teams are unable to offer a 16-year-old player a full-time contract under current regulations.

With clubs having the option to offer players up to a two-year deal starting next season, this will change.

Clubs can continue to sponsor promising young players with scholarships even though they won’t be required to do so.

The WSL claims that both players and clubs will feel more secure after issuing the new contracts.

Additionally, it will make it easier for young football players to attend mainstream schools, giving them a full-time education, and allowing them to take exams while playing football.

A WSL spokesman said, “Hopefully this provides a long-term sustainability plan for the pathway and gives players clarity.”

Players under the age of 16 are currently subject to seven-day deadlines. Clubs that want to sign players must first notify their current clubs, who then have a week to persuade them to stay. Unless otherwise, they are free to leave.