Following further communication/consultation with SWPL clubs, the Policy Working Group have revisited the proposed implementation of a Development League for season 2017 and beyond. With the majority of SWPL clubs having expressed some discontent with the format and structure, the Policy Working Group agreed that there is not enough support from clubs to ensure that the Development League will be competitive and successful. The Policy Working Group will propose at the EGM to withdraw the Development League from the Competition structure and that the 2017 season will run as per the 2016 season.
Any newly formed ‘Development League’ teams will enter SWFL 2 – if affiliation process has already been completed, the reduced Development League fee will still apply.
Existing ‘2nd/development/reserve teams’ from season 2016, will retain their position in the SWFL structure. If already affiliated as a ‘Development League’ team, the reduced fee will still apply.