Feature on IT Sligo women’s soccer

TEMPERATURES were hovering close to zero yet that didn’t deter the IT Sligo women’s soccer team from training on Wednesday. The group were using the brilliant resources of the Astro pitch for the hourlong session.

The team is coached by Emma Mullin, Football Development Officer in the college and also Sean Condron. The uptake in women joining the team has seen a stark rise in recent years, according to Mayo native Emma.

“I went to college here myself a few years ago and I suppose back then it was a different story. We didn’t have the facilities that are here now, we used to train on the hockey pitch at Cleveragh, it’s really come on since.”

The team have two international players, Catherine Hyndman from Grange and Rachel Kearins from Crossmolina so the level of talent is certainly there. The side won the finals of Futsal, an indoor football colleges tournament last year and they also won the regionals of the competition this year. Emma added: “Three years ago, we progressed to a European competition in Malaga following our Futsal win and played teams from Spain, Italy and other European countries. It was a really good experience for us and we learned a lot from that.”

The progression of the sport is on a positive level, she added. “The Women’s National League has put soccer and Ireland on the map. There are more people going to games, there was 15,000 at the last international home game, which is good to see.” Sport is also a major part of IT Sligo.

“Our President, Vincent Cunnane is very into soccer and he goes to most of our home games. I’m enjoying working with the FAI, John Russell is doing great work in Sligo too.”

“There are seven teams in total in the League, Castlebar Celtic is the closest. We’re hoping to get a friendly with them soon.” The IT is preparing for their League final appearance on March 15 against Waterford.

“We played them last year and won 3- 1 and we also defeated them in the Intervarsitites. We’ve a good mix of players in the squad, we lost four decent players this year including Emma Hansberry so it’s about seeing what is coming through. The girls team are one of the best teams in the college, we are finally getting recognised for that. They’re a great bunch, the girls get on really well and they tend to take the mick out of themselves. Although sometimes I’m not sure if it’s themselves, me or Sean that they’re slagging either,” Emma laughed.