Fifty two Women's National League clubs have signed a letter sent to the Football Association opposing proposals to introduce top-tier academy teams into their system.

The FA is planning structural changes that would allow four clubs from the Women's Super League to enter academy teams into the third tier from 2027.

The clubs have formed what they call an "alliance" to challenge the board's decision and have requested a special general meeting (SGM) with the FA.

They describe the proposals as "morally wrong" and say the FAWNL have shown a "complete lack of respect" for players and staff.

There are currently 72 clubs in the FAWNL so the number of clubs involved in the letter passes the two-thirds majority needed to call for a meeting.

No club with an FAWNL Club Representative member – elected officials on the board – have supported the request.

"We believe that these proposals have the potential to grow the Women's National League sustainably, strengthen player development pathways, and help to raise standards across the game.

"Extensive engagement with clubs throughout this process has already informed the development of these proposals, and we will continue to work collaboratively with them and other stakeholders to support the long-term future of women's football."

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The 52 clubs involved have outlined in the letter an agenda they hope to discuss at the meeting with the FA.

Among the issues they raise are:

Whether the process adopted by the board "complies" with the constitutional rights of the member clubs

The use of "anonymous" surveys instead of a formal voting procedure

The "incentive of financial distributions" to press for an agreement

"Concerns" regarding the independence of decision-making on the board

A need for "transparency and accountability"

The letter asks that the FA is bound by a notice period to agree the meeting and confirm an agenda, which is believed to be between seven and 14 working days.

All 52 clubs were listed. Among them were Hashtag United, Middlesbrough, Derby County, Halifax, Doncaster Belles and Hull City.

Sources at the FA insist they have had dialogue with several Women's National League clubs, included many involved in the letter.

Former Women's National League chair Carol West has strongly opposed the proposals, writing on social media: "The damage being done here should not be underestimated. I can't quite believe it's being allowed to happen.

"The overriding issue with all of this is that the vast majority of clubs do not want PGA [Professional Game Academy] teams in their league but have repeatedly been denied their democratic right to vote to formalise this once and for all.

"Instead, they've been told it's happening regardless which isn't right."

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Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor raised concerns over the gap between academy football and the WSL in April.

She said: "The FA should reflect with the top clubs about the structure of the competitions in order for the young players to be able to bridge the gap.

"Playing against senior players will make them progress a lot. You need to find a good balance for them to have a really good competition in order to develop them."

There are now 22 academies across the WSL and WSL 2.

West Ham and Charlton Athletic are the only WSL clubs without a category one academy – the highest-ranked environment for young players.

WSL Football and the FA have been working on several major proposals regarding the structure of the domestic women's game.

Sources say WSL Football's plans are centred around five key themes which include:

Consistently producing world-class talent

Creating an accessible route between grassroots and elite levels

Personalised support systems for every player to develop on and off the pitch

Building sustainable and 'investable' club environments

Embedding high professional standards across all leagues

The current dual registration system is expected to remain in place next season – allowing young players to represent their WSL parent club's academy, as well as play in the Women's National League.

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