New women’s league small but perfectly formed
There was a palpable sense of history in the making at the Aviva Stadium yesterday as the League was launched. Manager of the senior Irish team, Sue Ronan, was among those in attendance, noting that the first failed effort at a national women’s league in Ireland had been attempted as far back as 1973.
Better late than never, that day has finally dawned, even if the inaugural league is of modest proportions with just six clubs taking part. Games will be played from November through to April on Sunday afternoons with the opening day’s fixtures, on November 13 (kick-off 2pm), pitting Cork Women’s FC against Peamount United at Turner’s Cross, Shamrock Rovers against Raheny United at Tallaght Stadium and Wexford Youths against Castlebar Celtic at Ferrycarrig Park.
But the league has huge potential for further development, Ronan believes and, naturally, she also hopes it will act as a feeder to the international teams and, ultimately, the senior side.
“A national league has been the biggest missing link on our player pathway,” she said, “and filling that gap means our players will now experience playing in a top-level competition at home, rather than having to go abroad to experience this.”
Fran Gavin, the Airtricity League director who will operate in the same role for the women’s league, described the initiative as “a new era for women’s football in Ireland”.
He added: “The hope is that the league will help nurture the best players at home, in good facilities, week in and week out, and develop officials and coaches who are also key to the progress of the women’s game in this country. And I can assure everyone that it will be given the same focus and priority as the men’s league.”
The FAI was one of four member associations to benefit from the support of UEFA women’s football development pilot phase in 2010/11, the others being Italy, Portugal and Slovakia.
“Starting a national league is an essential step for women’s football development in the Republic of Ireland,” said Steffi Jones, UEFA’s women’s football development programme ambassador.
“Playing in club competitions is the gateway to A-team football and ensures a stable future for women’s football, as well as acting as an incentive for girls all around the country,” she said.
This event in Dublin marked Jones’ first official appearance in her new role and the affable ambassador, a now retired international player who was capped 111 times for Germany, took the opportunity to good-humouredly warn Minister Michael Ring, who opened the event: “Minister, keep up your support for women’s football because, if not, I’ll come back. And I’m a big girl.”
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