Waterford will apply to join Women’s Premier Division

Waterford FC have confirmed that they will be applying for a licence to compete in next season’s SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.

It comes as the League of Ireland and FAI announced that they have invited the Blues to submit a licencing application that would pave the way for their women’s senior section to join the league.

The top flight currently has 11 clubs following the return of Shamrock Rovers at the start of the 2023 season.

But with the LOI’s National League Committee determining that 12 teams will be invited to take part in next season’s league, the door has been opened for Waterford to fill the extra slot, something which the club intends to do.

“Waterford FC can confirm that the club will be applying for a licence to compete in the 2025 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division following an invite from the FAI,” the club said on Wednesday.

“Waterford FC is extremely committed to bring senior women’s football to the city and county of Waterford, and is a central vision off the club’s long-term plans.

“After introducing a WU17 academy side in 2021, and now an WU19 side at the beginning of this year, we are focused on continuing to grow all aspects of our club.

“With our women’s academy structure now strongly in-place, the club is hopeful of entering a senior women’s team into the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division next season, subject to a successful licencing application to the FAI over the coming months.”

The League of Ireland said that they and the FAI “can confirm that Waterford FC have been invited to enter the Club Licensing process for the 2025 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.

“The National League Committee have determined that 12 teams will be invited to compete in next season’s SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division and all clubs will now enter the process for the three League of Ireland senior Divisions with final Licences to be confirmed in November.”

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