WSL to introduce academy contracts for next season

Academy contracts for young players at Women's Super League (WSL) and WSL2 clubs will be introduced for the first time 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.

This will change from next season, with clubs able to offer players up to a two-year deal.

They will not be mandatory, and clubs can continue to offer scholarships to promising young players.

However, the WSL says introducing the new contracts will give greater security to both players and clubs.

It is hoped the rules will stop top WSL teams being able to freely cherry-pick top academy talent from clubs lower down the pyramid without smaller clubs being compensated adequately.

It will also allow young players to stay in mainstream schools more easily, allowing them full-time education and the ability to take exams alongside their football.

"Hopefully this provides a long-term sustainability plan for the pathway, and gives clarity to players," a WSL spokesperson said.

Currently, players aged 16 or under can be subject to seven-day approaches. 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 say the new academy contracts will have a rate of pay in line with youngsters at men's Premier League clubs, as well as adhering to minimum wage laws.