Women's football in the Republic of Ireland: Past events and future prospects

Abstract

This study provides a brief outline of the history of women's football in Ireland, the pivotal event being the formation of the Ladies Football Association of Ireland (LFAI) in 1973. In the United States, association football has been promoted mainly via the national teams (men's and women's), instead of having the domestic game produce the national team as happens in virtually every other country. This situation is somewhat similar to that pertaining to women's football in Ireland. While there are 16 Senior and Schoolgirls Leagues affiliated to the LFAI, the greater proportion of resources is devoted to improving the fortunes of the national team. The interdependent ties between the interlocked groups of coaches, players, trainers, managers, medical teams, parents and various organizations including FAI, UEFA, LFAI, FIFA, Provincial Councils, media, and schools that influence women's football are discussed and illustrated using Clark's football figuration. The study concludes by identifying the key factors that have both advanced and constrained the development of women's football in Ireland and includes recommendations for the future development of the game.