The FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) is split into a Northern and a Southern
division. Almost a month into the 2024/25 season, teams are starting to prove
themselves worthy of a top-half finish.
Last season, it was Newcastle United FC and Portsmouth FC who took the league
by storm to gain promotion to the Barclay’s Women’s Championship. The league is
more competitive now than ever, as the tier difference in women’s football is
reducing.
There are some tough clashes upcoming in the FAWNL that will impact the table as it
stands. So, who are the players to watch in this competitive league? And who could
be in with a chance of promotion at the end of the season?
Upcoming fixtures
In the Northern division, there are some top-of-the-table clashes upcoming in the
following weeks. On the 25 th of September, Nottingham Forest will face Rugby
Borough. Currently Forest are in the top spot, with Borough and Wolverhampton
Wanderers only one point behind. Burnley are set to play Liverpool Feds, currently in
fifth place. Therefore, it could be Wolves who secure themselves a promotion zone
position over the next few weeks, as they aim to beat Sporting Khalsa; they are yet
to score points this season but should not be underestimated.
The league is currently wide open: only time will tell who will be on top heading into October.
For the Southern teams, several teams are level on ten points: Ipswich Town, Exeter
City, Hashtag United, and Oxford United. Although Ipswich Town have a game in
hand, this division is certainly full of competition with an uncertain outcome thus far.
Next weekend, both Hashtag and Oxford United face teams determined to exit the
relegation zone, Milton Keynes Dons and Lewes. Whereas Ipswich and Exeter have
tougher clashes against Gwalia United and AFC Wimbledon. Therefore, there is all
to play for in the Southern division. Will a gap between the top and bottom half of the
table appear in the upcoming month or can lower ranked clubs shake things up to
travel outside the relegation territory.
Ones to watch
Firstly, Nottingham Forest women are aiming to take the FAWNL North by storm after
a successful summer transfer window. One player in particular who sparked a buzz
around the City Ground is Kate Longhurst. Having played for many renowned clubs:
including West Ham United, Liverpool FC and Charlton Athletic, her experience and
knowledge of the game is a huge boost to Forest’s squad. In fact, she won back-to-
back Women’s Super League (WSL) titles during her time in Merseyside. Already
she has proved her versatility, playing in both the midfield and wing-back position for
the Reds. There is no doubt many will have their eyes on her from the stands.
Burnley FC have also made some standout signings during the break, including
striker Claudia Walker. Joining the Clarets from Birmingham City FC, Walker had a
dream start with two assists and a goal. The depth in the matchday squad is boosted
with her forward thinking and high press from the front. With a double figure goal
difference already, Walker will undoubtedly be netting more to increase the number
of goals slotted home this season.
Another player leading by example is Hashtag United captain Grace Gillard. She had
nothing but praise for her team following two cup wins last season and hopes to
continue the positive form into the FAWNL this year. With over one hundred
appearances for her club, she is a solid defender who creates challenges for the
opposition on the attack. Gillard is consistent on and off the pitch, and never fails to
set a strong intensity and tempo for her teammates.
In the Southern division, young talent Elkie Bowyer is a rising star of the game. On
loan from Tottenham Hotspur FC, the youngster has a point to prove at Watford.
Being connected to a WSL club in the early years of career is a huge opportunity.
Recently, she scored her first Watford goal from an insane strike outside the 16-yard
box. Her modesty in the post-match interview reflects her composure on the ball and
potential she has to become a top player.
The future of the FAWNL
Already, the FAWNL is seeming more competitive than ever this season. With more
teams being formed from grassroots level, the women’s game is expanding; this
means the level of competition is also rising. Both the FAWNL North and South are
placed in tier three of the women’s football pyramid, sitting below the Barclays
Women’s Super League (WSL) and the Barclays Women’s Championship.
At this time of such progression in the women’s game, it is important that fans of the
sport are following the ‘lower’ leagues and recognise the teams that participate.
These clubs are shaping the future of women’s football by inspiring the next
generation of girls with a dream of making it professional.
There are bigger and better things coming for the FAWNL. As the fanbase and
audience of the teams grow, more opportunities will occur to develop the league
further.
For example, Nottingham Forest recently announced the women’s side will follow a
fully professional set-up from the 2025/26 season. This is a huge step in the right
direction. If they can pledge to dedicate more time and funding into the women’s
team, more football clubs will follow in their footsteps. Women’s football is growing
more and more every day: the FAWNL has huge potential to be a well-recognised
and highly competitive league.
Another way this positive development could occur is through an increase in
coverage. Whether this be on social media or via live broadcasts of fixtures, this
could spark attention to tier three and attract fans on a larger scale. When better
infrastructures are in place, the FAWNL will only thrive and gain more recognition.
By Charlotte Davey
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