Page 30 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.19 2022-23

The upcoming 2023 season will be the first where professional players are permitted to play
in the NIFL Danske Bank Women’s Premiership, it has been confirmed.
The registration period for professional players opens on 6 February and closes on 30
April, and there will also be a mid-season registration window, from 1 July to 31 July.
Gerard Lawlor, Chief Executive of the NI Football League, said: “To finally reach the point
that our female clubs have the same protection and rights as their male colleagues is a
landmark milestone in the game and I’m delighted the NI Football League has played a big
part in making this happen.
“As we enter a new season with not only professionalism but an expanded 10-team
Premiership with licensing introduced in the women’s game, it provides further evidence of
the ongoing growth and strides being made by our clubs.”
Angela Platt, Director of Women’s Football at the Irish Football Association, said: “It is an
exciting period for the women’s and girls’ game.
“The fact that we’re now gearing up for the first transfer window which will permit
professionals to sign for our clubs just shows the positive direction of travel our women’s game
is heading in, with our NIFL clubs at the very forefront.”
Up until now the NIFL Women’s Premiership was only open to amateur players. This
move means clubs competing in the top flight can have a mix of professional and amateur
players going forward.
The 2023 season is due to get under way on Wednesday 19 April.
(irishfa.com)

Gloucestershire League
Bristol Rovers Development held on to their two point lead by running out 6-1 winners
over Dursley Town. Megan Bloomer was on target twice, with the others coming from
Helena Costa, Abigail Hughes, Zoe Foster and Jamie Leigh Worlock. Second placed
Gloucester City won 2-1 away to Cheltenham Saracens to stay on Rovers' heels, Kacie
Anderson and Zoe Gabb scoring for City, with Hannah Galpin replying. First half goals from
Tia Harris and Abbey Woodley-Marshall earned Bitton a 2-1 victory against Bristol &
West, who replied through Lucy Sharp, whilst Leonie Gough netted four times for Bishop's
Cleeve against Abbeymead Rovers, with Cora Bolton, Imogen O'Brien, Sophie Taylor and
Lucie Cummings all hitting hat-tricks, plus Saffron O'Brien (2), Lara Owens, Ella Sharpe,
Lottie Winter and Beth Morgan.
Division Two leaders Cheltenham Civil Service were 3-0 winners over Red Falcon
Women, who started the day in second place, courtesy of goals from Jessica Brown, Gemma
Riley and Annabel Whitbury. AEK Boco Res were 4-2 victors away to Gloucester City
Development and this has taken them into second, Shania Powell netting a brace along with
Shelby Lacey and Courtney Smith. Emily Jacklin was on target for Bradley Stoke in their 1-1
draw against Whitchurch & Bristol, who netted through Faith Constable, whilst
Downend Flyers Res won 2-1 away to City of Gloucester.
Southmead Community Sport kept hold of their three point lead in Division Three,
after a first half goal from Jordan Scowen earned them a 1-0 win away to Mitcheldean SC.
Stoke Lane Athletic netted seven times without reply past Andoversford to stay second,
whilst SGS Olveston Utd Res continued their climb up the table, a 2-1 victory over
Ellwood Ladies taking them into third. Jemimah Green and Ellie Williamson both scored
for Olveston, with Hayley Layton replying. Charlotte Coles (2), Thalia Worsley and Charlotte
Lewis were all on the scoresheet as Bristol Ladies Union stepped up their challenge by
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