Step in the right direction for women’s football
Labour sports spokesperson Mark Wall said the announcement of professional contracts for players in the Women’s National League is a step in the right direction for the game.
Commenting on the news today, Senator Wall said the FAI must work with government to ensure that all clubs can sustain this transition successful.
Senator Wall said:
“The announcement of professional contracts for the women’s league is a step in the right direction for the game. It is hugely welcome that home-based players will now be playing in a professional league, particularly in the run up to the World Cup in July 2023.
“It should be noted that many clubs preferred a date of 2024 for the announcement of the professional league. Government must commit to working with the FAI working to ensure that all clubs can sustain this transition. We should have the ambition for Ireland to have one of the best women’s soccer leagues in Europe.
“It is crucial now for the Department of Sport to proactively engage with the FAI for centralised contracts for the women’s professional game. We should aim for approx. 40 contracts evenly distributed around league of Ireland clubs to ensure our elite women’s football players can remain playing the game here in Ireland.
“Today is a step in the right direction and we look forward to engaging with all parties to see the continued growth and success of women’s football in Ireland.”