Women’s Secretary, Peter Guise, takes a look at the state of play in the various tiers of the Women’s Football Pyramid. You will deduce from this article that Gillingham Ladies play in the equivalent tier as that of the club’s men’s team. Maidstone Utd are likely to achieve that for next year and Herne Bay currently play two tiers above their men’s team equivalent, although if Herne Bay Men get promotion through the play-offs this season, that scenario changes as well. Isn’t football wonderful? Anyway, enough about the men, let’s concentrate on what’s happening throughout the Women’s pyramid.

The FA Women’s Super League – Tier 1

Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are battling it out for the title with just one point between them. Bristol City currently occupy the single relegation spot although only on goal difference from Liverpool.

The FA Women’s Championship – Tier 2

Aston Villa currently head the table, only one gets promotion to the Super League with Charlton Athletic in the single relegation spot (the Division is currently running one short) although they have games in hand on the teams immediately above them, Crystal Palace, Coventry Utd and Lewes.

National League Southern Premier – Tier 3

This is the league that Gillingham play in at the moment, a bottom half finish is predicted for them. Watford and Crawley Wasps are locked in a tussle for the top spot and promotion. Chichester City and Hounslow are looking the likely candidates for relegation. City would drop to Div 1 South West and Hounslow to Div 1 South East

National League Div 1 South East – Tier 4

Tough to call who might be promoted to NL Southern Premier at the moment. Ipswich Town are the current leaders but AFC Wimbledon, Leyton Orient and Enfield Town are breathing down their necks.

Relegation is looking more clear cut with Kent Football United looking set for the drop back to the L&SERWFL

L&SERWFL Premier Division –Tier 5

Dulwich Hamlet and Queens Park Rangers are the two main contenders for the single promotion spot to NL Div 1 SE

Relegation is being fought out between Saltdean United, Aylesford and Eastbourne Town although Aylesford have games in hand. Two will go down, both to the SECWFL Premier Division, although see below for an explanation about reorganisation.

SECWFL Premier Division – Tier 6

This is the division that Herne Bay currently compete in and will become Division One (South) – although the suffix is yet to be decided – of the L&SERWFL next season (2020/21). There will be two geographic Division Ones with the Premier Division of the GLWFL forming the other Division. There might be some swaps between the two depending on the geographic split. Herne Bay are currently 4th.

Worthing are the odds on favourites for the title and promotion to the L&SERWFL Premier Division. New London Lionesses are looking favourites to be promoted from the GLWFL Premier Division.

Relegation to Division One is likely to be two Sussex sides so both will drop into Division One (West) although that will then become the Sussex Premier (or similar title). The Surrey sides would transfer to a Surrey Premier (or similar). Crawley Wasps DS are almost certain to go down along with one from Hassocks, Newhaven and Eastbourne United.

SECWFL Division One (East) – Tier 7

Maidstone United are the favourites to go up although Margate are still in touch. There is likely to be no relegation from this division this season as it is two short of its compliment after Anchorians and Thamesview both folded. This division will become the Kent Premier (or similar title)

SECWFL Division One (West) – Tier 7

Mole Valley are favourites to be promoted although Lancing are still capable of overhauling them. Milford & Witley are almost certain to be relegated.

Please note that the Tier 5 and below re-organisation has not yet been finalised and that the movements suggested in this article are simply the author’s interpretation of the likely scenario. Confirmation of the final reorganisation plans will be communicated once they are signed off.