The 2023 SSE Airtricity Women's National League will finally see the introduction of professional contracts.
As is the case with the men's league, deals for female players will be subject to standard player contracts and minimum wage regulations.
League of Ireland to introduce professional contracts for players in SSE Airtricity Women’s National League from 2023 season.
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— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) November 30, 2022
Within the new regulations, full-time players will receive a minimum of €430 per week, with part-time players to receive €130.
Clubs can retain the right to hold amateur players, but as with the new structure, would risk losing their players to other clubs.
A statement from the FAI confirmed the new regulations, which have been welcomed across the Country.
It reads: "The Football Association of Ireland and the League of Ireland can confirm the introduction of professional contracts to players in the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League which will now be permitted in the League from the start of the new registration period on December 1st, 2022.
"From this date, professional players in the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League will be subject to the same Standard Player Contract and minimum wage regulations as men’s players in the League of Ireland.
"Clubs competing in the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League will be under no obligation to offer professional contracts to players and, similar to the Men’s game, Clubs will have the option to have full-time or part-time professional players or amateur players depending on the circumstances of each club."
League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon has welcomed the news with open arms: "Today’s announcement is hugely important in the development of the women’s game in Ireland and represents a watershed moment for the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League.
"Though attendance, standards and exposure of the game have increased in recent years, women’s football in Ireland still has a long way to go to achieve the potential we know it has.
"The announcement of professional contracts for SSE Airtricity Women’s National League players will prove to be a significant milestone in the history of the game here and comes at an apt time as our Women’s National Team, which features many of our WNL players, gets ready to compete at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
"Clubs will now be able to provide certainty and a platform for growth for their players as they look to progress on and off the pitch. We look forward to working with all our League of Ireland Clubs to help ease this exciting transition."
The Women's National League has grown in stature since its inception, with some of the most entertaining encounters in recent years.
Last seasons league winner was only decided on the final day of the season, with Shelbourne pipping Wexford Youths and Athlone in a dramatic final round of fixtures.
Given the nature of the entertainment on display, the female game has not only gained bums on seats; but attracted live television coverage for key fixtures.
Today's announcement will only enhance an already formidable domestic league, breading confidence in the continued growth of the female game in the Country.
