Release Date: 04/02/2010

Author: By Natalie McCullough

MARCH 31 is without doubt, one of the most important dates in Northern Ireland senior women’s football.

For the first time, the national side will play at Windsor Park when they take on France in a 2011 World Cup Qualifier.

The senior women will play their French counterparts in a double header with the away game on the Saturday (March 27).  The return fixture at Windsor Park is a fantastic opportunity for the Northern Ireland Senior Women’s team to play in the national stadium.   “I’m delighted for the girls, for getting an opportunity like this and excited, about the prospect of playing at Windsor Park,” said National Women’s Coach, Alfie Wylie.  “There’s also an element of pride in it as an international coach, watching his side play in such a venue.”

In all previous outings, the squad has played their matches in other club grounds around Northern Ireland.  The reason for this is because their matches have often clashed with the senior men’s games, Linfield home fixtures and the various cup ties, played at Windsor Park.  However, careful planning at the start of the season has granted the women’s side this opportunity.

The games against France, mark the third and fourth, of Northern Ireland’s 10 World Cup qualifiers.  Winning away in Croatia and losing at home to Iceland, Alfie is confident about the upcoming matches.  “We can’t deny that this is a tough group.  

"Both France and Iceland are ranked in the top 10 in Europe. However, the average age of the teams we have played and will play, is between 26 and 30. The average age of our squad is just 20 years and six months.  The girls have so much they can learn from this campaign and we haven’t set the bar too high,” he said.

Despite the tough opposition, playing at Windsor Park is an indication of just how far women’s football in Northern Ireland is progressing.  Last month, the Northern Ireland Women’s FA secured a major new sponsorship deal; and now the Northern Ireland Senior Women’s squad has been given the chance to play in the national stadium – just two examples of things which will help to further raise the profile of the game.

“The girls are relishing this opportunity and irrespective of the result, it is a chance for us to measure ourselves against a top quality side like France. It also reflects the levels of interest in women’s football today. It shows that we can be taken seriously at international level, by hosting France in a venue like Windsor Park,” added Alfie.

As part of their preparation for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, the team will take on Wales on February 24 at the Oval, kick-off 4pm.

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