NORTHERN Ireland Women’s Football Association has delightedly announced that its leagues will receive annual investment after joining the Barclays Football family.
Barclays was and is the first title sponsor of the Barclays Women’s Super League and Barclays Women’s Championship in England and also sponsors the Scottish Women’s Championship and Barclay’s Scottish Women’s League One, the third and fourth tier of women’s football in Scotland, so the NIWFA are delighted to see this support extended to Northern Ireland.
The NIWFA leagues play a crucial role in the NI women’s football pyramid, representing the bridge between regional grassroots football and the Northern Ireland Women’s Premier League (NIFL).
The leagues represent teams from communities across Northern Ireland, and have seen significant growth in recent years, with a total of 71 teams registered for the 2025 season.
The new partnership extends Barclays’ record-breaking support for women’s football into Northern Ireland for the first time, running for three years and underlining the bank’s commitment to football at all levels.
Commenting, NIWFA Chair, Valerie Heron said: “Barclays has played a key role in the development of women’s football across the UK, and we are thrilled to welcome their support for NIWFA. This partnership is a major milestone for our leagues, ensuring long-term sustainability while raising the profile of women’s football in Northern Ireland. The increased visibility and investment will provide lasting benefits, not only for our clubs and players but for the wider football community.”
Daniel Wallace, Head of Barclays Retail Banking in Northern Ireland said: “Barclays have played such a pivotal role in the growth of the women’s game in England, so it is an exciting moment to welcome their backing for NIWFA’s ongoing development of women’s football in Northern Ireland. As title sponsor, the support of Barclays will further raise the aspirations and visibility of the women who play in these leagues, with a knock-on benefit for all of women’s football in Northern Ireland.”
To mark the launch of the partnership and to preview the upcoming season, NIWFA and Barclays will come together with players, managers and coaches from across the leagues for the official launch of the NIWFA league season on Sunday, April 6 at Blanchflower Stadium, Belfast.
About Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association
The Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association (NIWFA) has been at the heart of women’s football in Northern Ireland for over 50 years, organising and managing league competitions at all levels. The association is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are committed to growing and developing the women’s game. NIWFA works closely with its stakeholders, including clubs, coaches, players, and governing bodies, to ensure a sustainable and inclusive football environment. With a focus on inclusivity, respect, and sustainability, NIWFA continues to provide opportunities for women and girls to participate and develop in football across the country.
The Barclays NIWFA leagues kick off on March 26 for the Championship division, and all other leagues starting on week beginning April 28.
