Statement on postponement of 14s YPL

Due to teams withdrawing after fixtures had been sent out, the 14s tier of the new Youth Performance League has been postponed until next season.

SWF believes that talented developing youngsters should be playing at a level that tests them, and the YPL is designed to provide that challenge for teams that have dominated at regional level. It is therefore disappointing to see clubs withdraw just weeks before kick-off, and this postponement will be particularly disappointing to those players and their parents who have been preparing for performance-level football.

The remaining teams signed up to the 14s YPL will now be integrated back into the regional system for the current season, where teams are currently undergoing grading games.

It is vital when planning to ensure girls are playing at a level that will help them develop and enjoy their football. Particularly at 14s, this does not necessarily mean placing them at a level where the club is most likely to win silverware.

SWF will encourage clubs who perform strongly in regional leagues this season to be bolder and take the opportunity to further test their girls at a national level next year.

The 16s YPL will proceed as normal.