OXFORD United Women are understood to have applied for a place in the FA Women's Championship ahead of today's deadline.

Clubs in tiers three to six have until midday to state their case for 'upward club movement' next season.

The U's compete in FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division, the third level of the pyramid.

They were second in the table before the season was curtailed due to coronavirus, while they reached the fourth round of the Vitality Women's FA Cup.

Teams cannot climb more than one division under the process of upward club movement, with applications judged against on-field and off-field requirements.

On-pitch factors including points per game, cup performances and goal difference across the last two seasons - this comprises 75 per cent of the criteria.

Club structure, workforce and facilities are among the off-field matters that make up the other 25 per cent.

Teams that meet the requirements will be ranked against other clubs in their division and the one with the highest score will gain a place in the league above.

The FA hopes to reveal the decisions by the start of next month.