The Football Association have today confirmed that FA Women’s National League clubs Watford and Sunderland have successfully applied to be part of the FA Women’s Championship for the 2021/2022 season.
FAWSL Full-Time learnt of the news via an official press release issued by The Football Association earlier this afternoon.
The two teams beat off some stiff competition to obtain their licences for the FA Women’s Championship which expands from 11 teams to 12 teams next season following the relegation of London Bees to the FA Women’s National League South.
Watford have been within touching distance of promotion to the FA Women’s Championship for two years, however, they have cruelly seen their chances dashed when their seasons were brought to an unplanned halt as a consequence of the pandemic.
Sunderland have a rich history in the women’s game having won the old FA Women’s Premier League National Division in 2011, 2012 and 2013 before then claiming the FA Women’s Super League 2 title in 2014, on top of winning the FA Women’s Premier League Cup back in 2012. The Lady Black Cats have also produced a plethora of world class talent with England internationals Lucy Bronze, Jill Scott, Demi Stokes and Lionesses captain Steph Houghton all having began their careers with the Wearside club.
Today’s announcement is sure to delight head coaches Clinton Lancaster (Watford) and Mel Reay (Sunderland) as they look to lead their teams out against the likes of Durham, Liverpool and Sheffield United next season. Both clubs will want to avoid a relegation battle in their first year back in the second tier, however, the professionalism of the league has increased significantly since their time away and they will undoubtedly need to strengthen.
A release date for next season’s FA Women’s Championship fixtures is yet to be confirmed, however, this could be in July or early August.