Last updated on .From the section Women's Football

West Ham United Ladies are currently 10th in the Women's Premier League South table

West Ham United Ladies will bid for a licence to play in next season's restructured Women's Super League.

Plans have been approved for the top tier of women's football to become a full-time league from 2018-19 with eight to 14 teams in the division.

West Ham Ladies currently play in the third-tier Women's Premier League Southern Division.

"We want West Ham to be at the very top of this new-look league structure," said managing director Jack Sullivan. external-link

"Now West Ham United Ladies are fully integrated into the club, the facilities and infrastructure that we are currently able to offer the squad - with the help and support of all departments at West Ham - is certainly befitting of a professional team."

All current Women's Super League clubs have until 10 November to re-apply to keep their places in the top flight, while sides outside the WSL can apply for a licence in March 2018

The criteria for a successful licence application includes full-time players, at least 16 contact hours a week for players - rising to 20 hours per week by 2020-21 - a minimum level of financial investment and an academy system in place at each club.

Yeovil Town, currently in the top tier, estimate they will need to find £350,000 to stay in the league next season.

You can now add WSL 1 notifications for line-ups, goals, kick-off, half-time and results in the BBC Sport app. Visit this page to find out how to sign-up.