The SSE Airtricity Women's National League will swell to ten teams next season, with the addition of Sligo Rovers. 

The Bit-O-Red will be the only team from the north-west to compete in the WNL, and join fellow Connacht natives Galway WFC.

Sligo's entry into the league will make them the 16th different team to have competed since its launch in 2011.

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon said: "After such a brilliant season, with records broken and new initiatives taking off, it is exciting to be welcoming a new club in Sligo Rovers to the SSE Airtricity Women's National League.

"Sligo Rovers have a long history in the League of Ireland of being successful on the pitch and progressive off it.

"I'm sure that they will add that same professional approach to their women's set-up, as has already been seen with their Women's Under-17 and Under-19 teams."

The Sligo women's team - like their male counterparts - will play all of their home games at the Showgrounds.

“This is a hugely significant development for Sligo Rovers," said club chairperson Tommy Higgins, "It completes the pathway for our academy female teams and gives them the same opportunities as their male counterparts which is so important.

“We have been conscious that a club of our stature – which represents the north-west in senior football – have not been competing at senior level and as a result prioritised our entry into the WNL as quickly as possible.

“Our club is based on inclusivity and community. Our female team will receive the necessary support in order to grow and compete at a national level.

“This development also complements the great work been done by the local Sligo-Leitrim clubs in growing the number of girls playing football and help participation levels.

“Today is the beginning of a new and exciting time for female football in the region. I’d like to thank IT Sligo for their ongoing support of football and helping us take this seismic step.”

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