BY JANA MCCABE
Sion Swifts have announced that they have withdrawn from the Northern Ireland Football League’s Sports Direct Women’s Premiership.
They will compete in the NIWFA this year, however without newly appointed manager Stephen Gray and coaching staff Stephen Bulger and Thomas Elliott who have opted to step down from their management roles.
Gray had been appointed after the club announced the departure of Tony McGinley who had been manager of the club since its foundation 14 years ago with many key players moving to other teams in the top-flight during off-season.
NIFL have stated that the Premiership will now contain nine teams this season and will announce how this will impact fixtures in due course.
This shock news follows the side finishing fourth last season as well as reaching the League Cup final, a competition they won in 2022.
It wasn’t only the League Cup they had been successful in as in 2017 they lifted the Irish Cup before finishing runners up in the Premiership two years later after Linfield were crowned champions on goal difference.
After the announcement, a club spokesperson said: “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.”
