Bus Eireann sponsor Women's National League

The Football Association of Ireland today (September 28) announced Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national coach and bus service, as title sponsor of the Women’s National League.

Bus Éireann are delighted to be involved and support this new development in Women’s Football, and through this title sponsorship look forward to being involved in the growth of the Women’s National League in the long term.

Since the launch of the FAI’s Women’s Development Plan in 2006, the numbers of registered female players have doubled, coaching standards have improved nationwide, international rankings have increased at all age levels, a comprehensive emerging talent programme has been rolled out, and there are currently 31 women’s leagues operating throughout the country. The Women’s National League is a cornerstone in the Women’s Development plan, and aims to nurture and develop talent to a whole new level.

The league, containing seven clubs, will commence in November. The seven clubs who have been invited to compete in the league are: Bray Wanderers/ St Josephs, Castlebar Celtic FC, Cork Women’s FC, Peamount United, Raheny United, Shamrock Rovers, and Wexford Youths Women’s AFC.

Speaking today, Women’s Senior team head coach Sue Ronan said, “The Bus Éireann Women’s National League will be testament to the work that the FAI and the WFAI have been doing so tirelessly to grow the women’s game. Our grassroots and club programmes have been very successful in increasing participation, our emerging talent programmes have been very successful in identifying and nurturing our best talent which has in turn brought success for our international teams.

 I look forward to the Bus Éireann Women’s National League kicking off, and I thank everyone at Bus Éireann for their support and commitment to making this investment in the women’s game that will allow all of us to advance in partnership together, going from strength to strength.”

Andrew McLindon, Media and PR Manager with Bus Éireann said, “Bus Éireann is delighted to sponsor the Women’s National League. Like the FAI, Bus Éireann is at the heart of communities throughout the country and the League will further the great work that has already been done to promote the game among girls and women at a grassroots level. The Bus Éireann Women’s National League is another exciting chapter for women’s football in this country and we look forward to being part of what is sure to be a thrilling journey for the fans and the players,”

League Director, Fran Gavin added, “Today is a really important day for the future of women’s football in Ireland. It is fitting that this partnership with Bus Éireann is being made on the same day that  Peamount Utd are creating history by becoming the first ever Irish Women’s club to emerge from the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying phase and entering the last 32 of the competition.

Having a strong title partner like Bus Éireann for our Women’s National League was a vital part of being able to make this step change for Irish Women’s football. On behalf of the FAI’s League department, we look forward to lending our assistance to this exciting new development that will give us all reason to look forward to further successes for women’s football in the years to come.”