Burnley FC have announced that their women's team will be a full-time professional side from next season.

The move marks a new era for the Clarets, who integrated their women's team into the club in 2021 and have previously operated under its community branch. At the time, it was a decision made in a long-term plan to become professional, an aim that has now been achieved.

Last season saw the club adopt a hybrid model, in which several players were employed full-time while others worked or studied alongside playing for the club. Now, however, every player who pulls on the shirt will do so as a full-time pro, overseen by Head of Women's Football Lola Ogunbote.

Burnley follow in the footsteps of other women's teams such as Newcastle United, who turned professional in 2023 following their promotion to the third tier — the level the Clarets currently play at. And, with the Magpies recently finishing fifth in the FA Women's Championship (now WSL2), it could well be a sign of things to come.

However, there are talks of the club jumping ahead, with confirmation that interest has been expressed to WSL Football — the newly named governing body in England — about filling Blackburn Rovers' spot in the division following their withdrawal earlier this week. Not only would this help the club accelerate their journey, but it would also spotlight the failures of their local rivals' ownership. A reflection of the fragile league structures and rigid licensing systems currently in place that affect the sustainable growth of English women's football.

Though nothing is confirmed on the club's position in next season's pyramid, turning professional will have an incredible impact not only on the team but also on the wider fanbase and community. Huge respect for Burnley for seeing and investing in the potential of women's football here's hoping more clubs follow suit.