Electric Ireland and the Irish FA announced a further expansion to their partnership in a media event in the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park this week.
The expanded tie-up will sees the energy provider – who already sponsor female club competitions – become the title sponsor of Northern Ireland women’s and girls’ teams, as well as for the elite pathway.
Manchester United Women’s coach Casey Stoney, who was the special guest at the event in Belfast, said: “The women’s game is now in a fantastic place globally. The growth of the game in Northern Ireland comes from the dedication of those involved from grassroots right up to the highest level.
“Only with a complete and integrated approach to women’s football will we see it continue to make the significant strides it has made in recent years and it’s fantastic to see the comprehensive structures now in place to see that hope become a reality.”
In Northern Ireland participation rates have grown exponentially over the last few years with 10,000 girls and women now playing football every week and that figure has risen by 25% over the last two years alone.
Clare McAllister of Electric Ireland said: “Adding the Northern Ireland senior women’s team to our partnership with the Irish FA is a significant milestone for women’s football in Northern Ireland and completes a game-changing player pathway that starts at age four and is now supported at every level, culminating at the highest possible level.”
Irish FA President David Martin said: “We have made significant steps in recent years to get the women’s game here to a place where it is competitive on an international stage.
“The benefit of having a sponsor willing to commit to a broad range of support across women’s football in Northern Ireland cannot be underestimated and we will continue to work with Electric Ireland to grow the game further in the years to come.”
Kenny Shiels, senior women’s team manager, noted: “The development of the women’s game in Northern Ireland has been remarkable over the last 10 years.
“The quality of players and coaches alike is increasing year-on-year and the interest in the game will only continue to grow, inspiring the next generation of young players.”
