Bus Éireann Women’s National League 2012 season launched today

The FAI and Bus Éireann today launched the 2012/13 season of the Bus Éireann Women's National League which kicks off this weekend. Representatives from all of the clubs, Castlebar, Cork, Peamount, Raheney, Shamrock Rovers and Wexford Youths were present at Aviva Stadium for the launch as well as the latest addition to the League, DLR Waves which is being set up with the support of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council.

Going into its second year, the league has established itself as the cornerstone of women's football in this country, enabling so many of Ireland's top female players to improve their performance at home by competing at the highest level.
Since the launch of the FAI's Women's Development plan in 2006, major inroads have been made in the national development of the women's game. Registered numbers of female players have doubled, coaching and standards have improved nationwide and there are now 31 women's leagues operating throughout the country.

Welcoming the new season, FAI League Director Fran Gavin said "The Bus Éireann Women’s National League enjoyed a tremendous first season which saw Peamount do the double, closely challenged by Raheny for the League title and Shamrock Rovers for the Cup. The level of competition and the noticeable improvements during the season showed how important this League will continue to be for the development of the women’s game in Ireland.  The addition of a new club DLR Waves is very positive and I would like to thank all involved for their commitment to developing the elite women’s player pathway in Ireland.”

Senior Women’s Republic of Ireland Head Coach, Sue Ronan welcomed the arrival of DLR Waves saying “Continued growth of the Bus Éireann Women’s National League bodes well for the coming season and for our longer term future on the international front. The League is playing a vital role in retaining and developing our most talented players for international teams.”

Bus Éireann’s CEO Martin Nolan commented "The Bus Éireann Women's National League enjoyed a very successful first season and we look forward to continuing to support this important and exciting journey. We wish all of the clubs involved a very successful 2012/13 season.”

Tuesday, 21st August, 2012