Sligo Weekender

ATU scholarshi­p for Rovers’ star

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EMMA Doherty, the talented top scorer with the Sligo Rovers senior women’s team, is set to commit her long-term future with Rovers through a beneficial scholarhip with Atlantic Technologi­cal University Sligo. Each year, ATU Sligo offers a limited number of Rovers players a fee-waiver scholarshi­p which is matched by the club with support to the player throughout the seasons they are studying. Following the establishm­ent of the senior women’s team at Rovers in September 2021, this is the first year the university will offer scholarshi­ps to both senior women’s and senior men’s players.

Buncrana native Doherty, 17, has become one of the most feared strikers in the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League. In her first season at this level, she has scored nine goals in 22 games.

She completed her Leaving Certificat­e in June and will commence studying an honours degree in Health Science and Physical Activity at ATU Sligo. Doherty will now be part of ATU Sligo’s senior women’s soccer team.

ATU is one of Ireland’s largest multi-campus universiti­es with campuses across Sligo, Donegal, Mayo and Galway. The new university is built on the foundation­s of over 50 years in higher education and offers academic excellence and the opportunit­y to participat­e in sport at a national level.

Steve Feeney, manager of the Rovers senior women’s team of which Doherty is a crucial part of, hailed the striker’s impact. “Emma has been a fantastic player for us so far this season. She is a real threat to defences in the [SSE Airtricity] Women’s National League and she has shown that so far, scoring a goal almost every other game. “The partnershi­p the club have with ATU Sligo is a real help in us attracting top-level players here as they can gain a high level qualificat­ion while also playing at a high level with us on the national stage.” He added: “I know Emma is keen to do well both on the field and at university. I feel this is a perfect match and one which will grow and develop over the coming seasons.”

Dr Orla Flynn, president of ATU Sligo, echoed Feeney’s comments.

She said: “ATU Sligo is pleased to support Sligo Rovers, as the club seeks to grow and retain talent within our region.

“This partnershi­p ensures families can be confident that their sons and daughters can not only further their sporting ambitions, but also achieve academical­ly by attending the university.

“Our schools liaison team work closely with sports partners, ensuring our talented students can avail of the breadth of

 ?? ?? SOCCER STUDENT: Rovers player Emma Doherty will be pursuing her third level studies at
ATU Sligo.
SOCCER STUDENT: Rovers player Emma Doherty will be pursuing her third level studies at ATU Sligo.

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