Selected from a potential list of up to 50 teams to be one of only 7 hosts, the other host clubs include Brøndby IF (Denmark), Breidablik (Iceland), Gintra Universitetas (Lithuania), ZNK Krka (Slovenia), NK Osijek (Croatia) and Apollon Limassol (Cyprus). Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers will find out the final composition of their qualifying group on June 23rd when the draw takes place at UEFA headquarters. This draw will feature the the runners-up from the top eight-ranked nations who will be seeded, plus the champions from 20 countries of lesser status of which Strikers were last year’s winners. Currently they are joint leaders (with a game in hand) of the 2010 NIWFA league sponsored by Davisons’ Frudles.
Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers have been joined by partners, the North Belfast Play Forum, whose groundbreaking community work on the Midnight Street Soccer scheme aims to develop sport, to develop communities and to develop people by providing coaching and competitions for young people in the heart of the community at the times when it is needed most. Their expertise will be an invaluable resource to Strikers in this unique venture alongside the IFA. The IFA have also played a central role in supporting Strikers’ in their successful application, particularly in relation to the securing of UEFA standard match grounds with the agreement of the three clubs involved and the scheduling of fixtures which coincide with the opening round of the Carling Premiership. The three match grounds nominated for the UEFA Women’s Champions League include Stangmore Park, home of Dungannon Strikers; Mill Meadow, the new artificial surface and home to one of the oldest football clubs in Ireland, Moyola Park FC; and, Ballymena Showgrounds, home to Ballymena United FC. Matches take place on August 5th, 7th and 10th so come along and support your home team as well as seeing some of the best talent that European women’s football has to offer. Further information can be obtained from Strikers Chairperson and Tournament Co-ordinator, Dr Katie Liston on k.liston@ulster.ac.uk or from the IFA’s Press Office.
Author: Dr Katie Liston
