With the deadline for WSL clubs to submit application bids for The FA’s Tier One in the new round of FA WSL licensing at 12.30pm today (10th Nov, 2017), current WSL1 side Sunderland announced on their website last evening that they would not be partaking in the process:
Sunderland AFC has today confirmed that the club will not be applying for an FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL) Licence in the first wave of applications. Instead, the club will focus on a joint bid for a Tier One licence in March.
Applications are currently open to existing FA WSL clubs, but due to the collaborative nature of Sunderland’s intended bid it would not be appropriate for the club to apply at this stage.
A club spokesperson said: “Sunderland AFC are committed to supporting women’s football and a joint approach, with combined resources, makes for a better and more sustainable model.
“We have been working with our partners to ensure that we continue to provide the opportunity for elite female footballers in the North East to compete at the top level.”
If the 14 places available in Tier One are not filled by March (The FA will review and decide on successful bids in December) then there will be an opportunity for clubs outside of the WSL to apply in March.
