Finn Harps FC are delighted to announce a new partnership with both the Donegal Women’s League and the Inishowen Women’s League. The agreement will see the club enter teams in the EA Sports Women’s U17 and U19 National Leagues from 2023.
The partnership was announced at a press conference on Tuesday evening, with delegates from Finn Harps, the Finn Harps Academy, Inishowen Women’s League, Donegal Women’s League and the FAI in attendance.
Speaking at the conference, Director of Academy Finn Harps FC, Kevin Mc Hugh told attendees that the agreement was a “landmark moment” for women’s football in the county: “We are absolutely delighted to be in a position to announce this exciting partnership between the Donegal Women’s Soccer League, the Inishowen Women’s league and Finn Harps FC.
It is a landmark moment for the girls/women’s game in Donegal and I have no doubt with all parties working together for the benefit of the players, we can provide a sustainable pathway and opportunities to help each and every girl reach their potential.
This 3 way partnership will no doubt add to the already brilliant work done by both Donegal and Inishowen women’s leagues and we at Finn Harps FC look forward to working with and alongside both leagues and their members.
We would like to thank both Donegal Women’s League members and Inishowen Women’s League members for being both open minded and progressive in their approach to this partnership, in particular Brid and Helena of the DWL and Sadi, Denis and John at the IWL.
We would also like to thank Mark Scanlon for his help in delivering this, the women’s game in Ireland has taken huge strides recently and as a club, we want to be part of this.
The work begins now and Paddy will begin the process to prepare Under 17 and Under 19 squads ahead of 2023”.
The partnership is recognition of the stellar work carried out by both the Inishowen Women’s League and Donegal Women’s League and is a major step towards Finn Harps’ ambition of competing in the Women’s National League in the near future. Paddy McDaid has been appointed Head of Women’s Development at Finn Harps FC.
League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon welcomed the announcement: “It’s extremely exciting and encouraging to see this new partnership between the Donegal Women’s League, Inishowen Women’s League and Finn Harps FC that will no doubt enhance the opportunities available to all young female players in the region. The partnership demonstrates great collaboration, ambition and places player development at its heart while paving a pathway for female players in Donegal right up to the highest level.
There are incredibly talented players already in the league and this agreement will ensure the future growth and sustainability of women’s football in Donegal. I would like to thank all at the Donegal Women’s League, Inishowen Women’s League and Finn Harps for their work on this and we look forward to continuing to work together.”