On Saturday, September 23rd, a historic moment will unfold as Ireland's Women's National soccer team takes to the field for the first time ever at the renowned Aviva Stadium. The team will face Northern Ireland in the opening game of the 2023-24 UEFA Women's Nations League.
Ireland WNT Manager Vera Pauw said: "It is fantastic to know that our players will get to play in such an iconic stadium - one of the best in the world! Playing in the national stadium is another big jump forward for our team and we encourage our supporters to come out to get behind the team."
This match holds immense anticipation as it highlights the positive advancements made in women's football in Ireland. Just a few years ago, in 2017, the women's national team resorted to expressing the unfair treatment they experienced, even considering strike action to bring about necessary changes.
Players shared their experiences of humiliation, such as changing in public airport restrooms into and out of tracksuits that had to be returned for use by other teams. Some players also had to give up their careers due to the financial pressures of playing for the side, without compensation for loss of wages while on duty.
However, progress has since been made. In 2021, the FAI implemented equal pay for the men and women's teams, marking a groundbreaking milestone for Irish sport.
Now, Ireland eagerly prepares to witness their first women's team participate in a FIFA Women's World Cup. The years of struggle and perseverance have yielded worthwhile results, as the team continues to champion equality in Irish football, serving as impactful role models for future generations of sportswomen.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “We are extremely proud to be able to announce the first-ever Ireland Women’s National Team game at our national stadium, the Aviva Stadium, with what will be the first game for the team after their return from the FIFA Women’s World Cup."
"Football for women and girls has clearly moved a significant way forward in the last three years, much of it driven by the inspirational performance by Vera Pauw and the team but also on the back of our equal pay agreement in 2021 and the hard work of thousands of coaches and volunteers the length and breadth of the country who are inspiring women’s football to new highs. We are all very excited that another glass ceiling has been removed.”
Kickoff for the match is 13:00. Tickets can be purchased here: Buy Tickets
