READING FC Women have had their Tier One Licence approved by the Football Association.

Reading’s position in the top tier of women’s football, the Women's Super League, has now been secured for the future ahead of a restructure of the top divisions.

Any club wishing to play in the top tier had to meet new full-time, professional criteria set down by the league.

Already operating above license requirements, Reading FC Women submitted their application on November 10.

The FA Women's board met earlier this week to review all applications and decide which clubs to award licences to.

There were between eight and 14 slots available for next season's top tier, plus room for between 10 and 12 teams in the part-time second tier.

Should any spaces be available after then process, teams from outside the WSL can apply to join before March 2018.

A delighted Reading FC Women manager, Kelly Chambers, beamed: “It’s great news for the club.

"The way we have developed over the last few years on and off the pitch, there was no doubt in my mind we would be tier one next season.

"Our staff and players have worked so hard to get us where we are today and the plans to continue to progress are exciting."

She added: "There are exciting plans and hard work going on behind the scenes.

"We are in the process of building a new training ground and the women are inclusive of this.

"This is just one thing that is happening that will help us excel on the pitch. We have come so far already and it’s exciting to see what more is to come."

Meanwhile, Reading’s trip to Yeovil Town Ladies was postponed on Sunday due to a waterlogged pitch and will be replayed at a later date.

Royals face a trip to Everton Ladies in the Continental Cup quarter finals this Saturday (6pm ko).