NIWFA 2025 League Structure: How It Works

As the 2025 NIWFA season kicks off, maintaining a fair and competitive league structure remains a priority. With a clear system of promotion and relegation, teams have a structured pathway to progress and develop within the women’s football landscape in Northern Ireland.

League Structure for 2025

The NIWFA leagues for 2025 are divided into multiple tiers, starting with the Championship at the top and extending down through Division 1 to Division 7. The Club Pathway League also provides an entry point for clubs preparing to transition into the main league structure.

Divisions are formed based on the agreed promotion and relegation rules, ensuring consistency and fairness for all teams. Consideration is also given to new team entries and club withdrawals to maintain balanced divisions.

At the 2024 AGM, Angela Platt, Director of Women’s Football at the IFA, advised that NIWFA had been instructed to follow existing league structure rules without making major changes. This decision was based on the IFA’s appointment of the University of Ulster to conduct an independent review of women’s football across all levels in Northern Ireland. Any significant structural adjustments will be considered following the completion of this review.

Promotion & Relegation: The Process

To ensure teams compete at an appropriate level, NIWFA follows a structured promotion and relegation system:

     1.  The bottom two teams in each division (except where adjustments are required) are relegated.

     2.  The top two teams from each division are promoted.

     3.  If teams finish level on points, rankings are determined by:

          i    Points gained in head-to-head matches
          ii   Aggregate score in head-to-head matches
          iii  Highest goals scored across all league matches
          iv  Least goals conceded across all league matches
          v   A play-off match if teams remain level

Each season, club withdrawals often require league restructuring. This may result in some teams being moved up divisions without earning promotion through league standings. However, the two-team relegation rule remains in place.

Previous Approaches to League Structuring

NIWFA has the authority to design its leagues as it sees fit, ensuring the best structure for competitive fairness and sustainability. In past seasons, when teams withdrew, NIWFA opted to fill vacancies based on sporting merit and/or move teams up more than one division to create a balanced league structure. These approaches are both permitted within NIWFA’s rules. However, for the 2025 season, NIWFA adhered strictly to promotion and relegation rules in line with the IFA’s instruction to maintain the existing structure pending the outcome of their independent review.

Pathway to the Championship and Beyond

NIWFA Championship teams seeking promotion to the NIFL Premiership must apply directly to NIFL, which independently reviews and decides on these applications. NIWFA has no role in this process and awaits NIFL’s decisions regarding club acceptance. Promotion is contingent upon meeting specific licensing criteria established by NIFL and UEFA, and applications are assessed before the start of each new season.

The Role of the Club Pathway League

Previously known as the Development League, the Club Pathway League is designed to help clubs establish themselves before entering the main NIWFA league structure. While its former name suggested a focus on player development, its actual purpose is to allow clubs time to organise their administrative structures, matchday operations, and overall setup to ensure long-term sustainability.

All new clubs must enter at the bottom of the NIWFA league structure, which in 2025 is the Club Pathway League. While some may be capable of competing at higher levels, the agreed rules require all new entrants to start from the bottom and work their way up like any other team.

Handling League Changes

When teams withdraw or new clubs apply to enter the league, NIWFA may adjust divisions as needed. Any vacancies are filled firstly based on promotion and relegation rules and then based on sporting merit, while maintaining fairness in the league structure.

If a club amalgamates with another (or is taken over by another) and receives approval to do so from the IFA’s Football Committee as a continuation of an existing entity, it typically retains its league position. However, if an existing team moves to a new club, it is treated as a new entity and must begin at the bottom of the league structure.

A Competitive and Fair League

By adhering to clear rules and processes, NIWFA ensures a transparent and competitive league system that supports club development and maintains integrity. The 2025 season promises exciting football across all divisions, with clubs striving to climb the ranks and achieve success in Northern Ireland women’s football.

Stay tuned to the NIWFA e-magazine for updates on league standings, key fixtures, and club highlights throughout the season!