National League clubs urge FA to end academy teams proposal

National League clubs urge FA to end proposalsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, There are 72 clubs competing in the FA Women's National League structureByEmma SandersBBC Sport women’s football news reporterPublished2 minutes agoFifty-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 letter sent on Thursday, and seen by BBC Sport, strongly objects the proposals and claims "board representatives did not consult their clubs".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. BBC Sport has contacted the FA for a response.How WSL aims to bridge academy gap - and why it needs toPublished8 AprilWhat do clubs hope to resolve?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 clubsThe use of "anonymous" surveys instead of a formal voting procedureThe "incentive of financial distributions" to press for an agreement"Concerns" regarding the independence of decision-making on the boardA need for "transparency and accountability"The letter asks that...