As a sign of Northern Ireland Football League’s commitment to female inclusion in the game, we are delighted to announce a new partnership with Women in Football (WIF), which will strengthen professional networks and development for the country’s female workforce.
The link-up will see the highly acclaimed Women in Football Leadership Programme run in Northern Ireland for the first time. The programme will offer WIF members in the region an opportunity to enhance their skills, self-confidence and networks in a uniquely supportive environment.
WIF’s formal expansion into Northern Ireland follows recent events where the organisation offered meet-ups, networking and panel discussions in Scotland for the first time. Gerard Lawlor, CEO of Northern Ireland Football League, said: “The NI Football League is proud and excited to partner with Women in Football as we work together to champion opportunities, leadership, inclusion, and empowerment, not only among players and coaches, but across administration, governance, and board level within our clubs.
“The demand for female professionals continues to grow across the league and our clubs, and we’re committed to spreading that message and breaking down barriers. Our game is no longer just about participation for women; it’s about empowering them to lead, inspire, and shape the future of our league, on and off the pitch.
“Through this partnership, we aim to create meaningful opportunities and pathways for professional women in football, offering targeted support, key training, and personal development to help them thrive in all areas of the football world.”
Yvonne Harrison, CEO of Women in Football, said: “Women in Football’s partnership with NI Football League is great news for football in Northern Ireland and its female workforce. As well as being fairer for employees, diverse organisations perform more strongly, and we’re here to support that aim.
“We’re excited to be meeting new WIF members in Northern Ireland and taking our Leadership Programme to Belfast, and we’re looking forward immensely to working with our new friends at NIFL to attract more women to the sport and help football in the region achieve peak performance.”
Individual membership of Women in Football is free of charge and open to people of all genders who support equality in the football industry.
Join Women in Football for free and be among the first to hear more announcements about the new partnership.
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