Academy contracts to be introduced to WSL and WSL 2 from next season | OneFootball

Lexi Potter (pictured during loan at Crystal Palace) signed a professional deal at the age of 17 with Chelsea in 2023

The Women’s Super League (WSL) will introduce academy contracts in the top two tiers of English women’s football from the start of next season.

WSL to introduce academy contracts

As reported by the BBC, this will allow clubs in the WSL and WSL 2 to offer contracts to 16-year-old academy players.

Unlike in men’s football, teams are currently unable to offer a contract to 16-year-old players.

The majority of players sign their first contract when they turn 18. However, Lexi Potter is one notable exception, after she signed a professional deal with Chelsea at the age of 17.

Under the new guidelines, clubs can offer players an academy contract at the age of 15 or 16. However, the deal would not be allowed to start until they turn 16.

A WSL spokesperson said: “We’ve been working for a number of years on what is the right regulatory framework for the girls’ and women’s game.

“The clubs are aware and in favour of them. We want to put the player at the heart of these decisions and for them to make their own choices on their education pathway.”

The WSL also stated that the new academy contracts will have a rate of pay in line with youngsters at men’s Premier League clubs, and will adhere to minimum wage laws.

What does the change mean to clubs and players?

The WSL believes that by introducing academy contracts, it will stop top WSL teams from being able to pick off players from other clubs.

It will also allow clubs to be better compensated if they do lose a player under an academy contract.

The Athletic report that it will also allow players access to state-funded education and take their exams alongside football.

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

WSL and WSL 2 clubs will be able to offer academy players contracts of up to two-years. Pay will be equal among age groups, meaning players in the WSL will be paid at the same rate as those in WSL 2.

The contracts will be permitted to 28 clubs from next season, as both the WSL and WSL 2 are expanding to 14 clubs.