Thursday 02 March 2006 saw the launch of the Carnegie Women’s League as part of the pioneering partnership between Leeds Metropolitan University and the Irish Football Association.

Kate Hoey MP spoke on the importance of the Carnegie sponsorship and the need for continued support of women's football. Sheila Scraton, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director of Research at Leeds Met, outlined why Carnegie became involved with women's football in Northern Ireland and the importance of women's football development. Maura Muldoon (Executive Committee Member and Chairwoman of the Women's League) endorsed the sponsorship and outlined what it means for women's football in Northern Ireland. UTV's Claire McCollum chaired the event and thanked the various speakers and parties involved.

Northern Ireland Manager, Lawrie Sanchez, came along to the launch to show his support for women's football, fresh from last night's victory against Estonia.

In launching the Carnegie Women's league in Northern Ireland, the university continues to build on the success of the partnership with the IFA which includes support of the Carnegie Premier league.

Speaking at the launch today, Sheila Scraton, commented on her delight at being involved in the development of women's football in Northern Ireland:
"This partnership reflects Leeds Met's commitment to supporting and developing women's sport as part of its vision as a world-class regional university, opening up opportunities to develop talent to the full."

Women's football is now the fastest growing sport for women in the UK and throughout the world. Increasingly girls and women are choosing to play the game at local, regional and international levels. The Launch of the Carnegie Women's league is testimony to the level of skill and commitment now shown to the game in Northern Ireland.

The involvement of Leeds Met in Northern Ireland football is not surprising considering the world wide reputation of the Carnegie name. The Carnegie College of Physical Education was established in 1933 and is now part of Leeds Metropolitan University as the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education. Leeds Met is one of the largest universities in the UK with more than 41,000 students. It delivers a broad range of courses and is a student - centered university large enough to care about individual students and their progress.

Carnegie has a strong tradition in football and the university is passionate about helping young people to develop as sports men and women while gaining a quality education experience.

The Carnegie Women's League 2006 season will begin week commencing 24th April.