A couple of months before the start of the 2024 women’s domestic football season, the NI Football League was dealt a blow with the news that one of the top-flight’s best-performing clubs has withdrawn from the division.
On Monday, it was revealed that Sion Swifts Ladies, the fourth-placed finishers in the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership in 2023, would exit the league with immediate effect.
The Co Tyrone outfit, who had spent eight years in the top division and were, by consensus, the leading club from outside Belfast in Northern Ireland football, had enjoyed a successful time of it that included two major trophies, but this off-season has seen a plethora of their first-team panel depart and is viewed by some as the main reason for the Sion Mills side’s decision to drop into the NI Women’s Football Association (NIWFA).
With the management team led by Stephen Gray, who was appointed to succeed respected predecessor Tony McGinley, also standing down, there will be a changing of the guard on the touchline as part of a “rebuilding and strengthening” process beginning in the lower rungs of the women’s football pyramid.
In a statement, Sion Swifts explained: “This has been a very difficult decision for the club and while it is deeply regrettable, we believe it is in the best interests of the club, its players and supporters.
“We look forward to participating in the NIWFA and would like to reassure everyone associated with the Club that we remain committed to the continued development of this fantastic club by working with our grassroots to encourage positive co-operation of the sport.
“Everyone associated with Sion Swifts is determined to work collectively to strengthen and develop the team.
“Sion Swifts Ladies and Girls FC is committed to grow the club and continue with its important work to empower girls and young women to participate in the sport.
“We are very grateful to the support we have received to date and look forward to build on our existing fan base in our upcoming matches.”
Sion, who play their home matches at the Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane, have enjoyed documented success in an evolving climate.
In 2017, they hoisted aloft the IFA Women’s Challenge Cup – the only club from outside the capital to do so – and reached three consecutive Premiership League Cup Finals in the last three campaigns, defeating Cliftonville Ladies 2-0 to win it in 2022. They reached another Women’s Challenge Cup decider that same year, narrowly losing 2-1 to Glentoran at Windsor Park, and their departure on this occasion will leave a glaring void.
With highly-rated young stars such as Aimee Neal (Glentoran) and Cora Chambers (Linfield) headed for pastures new, as well as heroes like Kelly Crompton and Zoe McGlynn (both Sligo Rovers) who had served with such distinction over several years, Sion will try out new methods in their bid to return to the top-flight sooner rather than later.
NIFL revealed that they will proceed with a nine-team Premiership and “will meet with the clubs at the earliest opportunity to confirm the impact of this late withdrawal on the fixture schedule, participation in cup competitions and promotion and relegation.”
In the meantime, the very best wishes to Sion as the club opens a new chapter in their 14-year story.
Featured image from Irish FA.
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