Under the new guidelines, WSL and WSL2 clubs will be permitted to offer academy contracts to players during their under-16 season, at the age of 15 or 16. However, any contract offered will not formally begin until the player turns 16, typically during their under-17 season.

The academy contracts will not be mandatory. Clubs will still be able to offer scholarships, and not every young player is expected to move onto an academy contract as part of the new system.

Standardised pay introduced across WSL and WSL2 age groups

A central element of the framework is the introduction of standardized pay by age group across both WSL and WSL2. This means players of the same age will receive equal compensation regardless of the league their club competes in. For example, an Arsenal academy player on a contract will earn the same as a Sunderland academy player of the same age in WSL2. The WSL has said this approach is intended to ensure consistent protections for young players and prevent financial disparities.

The new rules also aim to address long-standing concerns around talent retention and compensation. By formalising academy contracts, the WSL hopes to limit the ability of top clubs to recruit young players from lower-tier academies without appropriate recognition of development work.

Education remains a key pillar of the model. The WSL says the contracts will allow young players to remain in mainstream schooling, enabling them to pursue full-time education and sit exams alongside their football commitments.

A WSL spokesperson said the changes are intended to “provide a long-term sustainability plan for the pathway and give clarity to players.”

Changes designed to prevent uncompensated talent movement

Currently, players aged 16 or under can be approached by other clubs under a seven-day notice period, during which their current club must convince them to stay or risk losing them without compensation. The introduction of academy contracts is expected to reduce uncertainty within that system.

In addition, the WSL confirmed that academy contract pay will be aligned with rates offered to young players in men’s Premier League academies, while continuing to comply with minimum wage legislation.

The move represents a significant step in the professionalisation of youth development within women’s football in England.

This article was created with the assistance of AI and has been reviewed and edited by our editorial team.