Galway United 'committed' to the continuation of women's football

It comes after Galway WFC announced they would not be seeking a licence to play in next season's Women's National League

COMMITTED: Galway United say they are 'committed' to the continuation of women's football in the region after Galway WFC decided not to apply for a licence for next season. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Galway United say they are 'committed to the development and growth of women's football in Galway'. It comes after Galway WFC announced they wouldn't be applying for a licence to play in next season's Women's National League.

Galway WFC cited the "additional costs involved in running a successful club" in their announcement.

They finished their statement by stressing the importance of women's football remaining in the west next season.

"It is imperative that elite women’s football remains in the region next season and we hope that other individuals or entities will take up the mantle to continue the tradition of senior and underage women’s football in Galway in 2023.”

In a statement released today, Galway Utd said they were 'saddened' by the news that Galway WFC were to cease operations. They said they would now bein the process of 'dialogue' with all interested stakeholders.

It remains to be seen what, if any, solution can be found for the continuation of women's soccer in the region.

Galway United statement in full

All of us involved in Galway United are saddened by the disappointing news that Galway WFC (GWFC) have made the difficult decision to cease operations and withdraw from the Women's National League after ten seasons.

Galway United and indeed all clubs in League of Ireland football can fully understand the significant challenges, both financial and operational, associated with fielding senior and underage squads on a national level.

The resources and logistics involved in running three more teams at national level is hugely significant and, as such, would be unmanageable with our current staffing levels and volunteer pool. Since the announcement, both Galway United and Galway United Friends Co-op members have been contacted by several parties asking if Galway United could step in and build on the great work done by GWFC over the last number of years.

Galway United are committed to the development and growth of women’s football in Galway. In addition, Luke Comer and Comer Group have expressed their commitment to support the continuation of women’s football at both senior & underage levels in Galway.

We will now begin the process of dialogue with all interested stakeholders, which will require the co-operation of all those in Galway who wish to see elite women’s football thrive in the West.

Galway United is an all-inclusive football club, a club for all of us, and we will be united.

We thank all involved in Galway WFC for the significant contribution they have made over the years, and we prepare for a new chapter of men's and women’s football in Galway.