Women's Super League: Sheffield FC Ladies promotion confirmed

Sheffield FC Ladies will play their first match in Women's Super League Two in the spring of 2016

Sheffield FC Ladies will play in Women's Super League Two in 2016 after being granted a licence by the Football Association to endorse their promotion.

An FA statement confirmed that the club had met the necessary requirements to join WSL 2 next year.

After winning the Women's Premier League Northern Division, Sheffield beat Southern champions Portsmouth 1-0 in last month's play-off.

Sheffield are the first team to win promotion to the WSL.

FA head of women's leagues and competitions Katie Brazier said: "We're absolutely delighted for Sheffield FC.

"Not only have they proved themselves on the pitch, but the club have worked really hard to ensure they are ready for the challenges of The FA WSL from the administration side too."

Helen Mitchell's side, formed only 12 years ago, have won six league titles in the last eight seasons.

Their promotion comes as part of a two-year process to expand the WSL to 20 teams by 2017.

The number of teams in WSL 1 will increase from eight to 10 by 2017, while there will continue to be 10 sides in WSL 2.

While making the transition from a winter season to the WSL's summer calendar, Sheffield will now play in the WSL Development League for reserve teams, starting in August.