Football SA is pleased to announce the expansion of the Women’s National Premier League and Women’s State League to 10-team competitions as of the 2022 Season.
The Women’s State League (WSL) was reintroduced in 2021 and has complemented Football SA’s elite female pathway with the Women’s National Premier League (WNPL). These two elite women’s competitions now create increased opportunities for senior women to participate at the highest level in South Australia.
In the lead up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 World Cup the sport will continue to experience rapid growth in participation amongst girls and women. Football SA is committed to increasing pathway opportunities for females in South Australia to play at the elite level.
The success of the WSL in 2021 has garnered interest from four established local clubs to enter the competition in 2022. Adelaide Hill Hawks, Campbelltown City, Elizabeth Grove and Sturt Lions have all nominated for the WSL and following a review of structures and their commitment to the growth and development of girl’s and women’s football, Football SA have accepted entrance to the WSL for the 2022 Season.
To accommodate the expansion of the elite competitions, Football SA will expand both the WNPL and WSL competitions to ten teams. No teams will be relegated from WNPL in 2021 with both Modbury Vista and WT Birkalla being promoted to the WNPL for 2022.
Further details will be provided to all clubs in relation to the scheduling of the competition for 2022 including the structure of any final series.
“Football SA is excited to welcome two new teams to the WNPL competition in 2022. Both Modbury Vista and WT Birkalla continue to invest in women and girls’ football and they are rewarded for doing so. The future of the game as we head towards hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 is in great shape.”
Stated Michael Carter, CEO of Football SA.