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20 Feb 2026
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20 Feb 2026
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Fia Murphy of CK United at the launch of 2026 Women's Development League. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
CK United will field a senior women’s team for the first time as they face Waterford FC in the curtain raiser of the inaugural Women’s Development League on Sunday.
The new league is endorsed by UEFA as part of their Women’s League Development Fund and will allow the 12 current SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division clubs to enter an Under-23 team in a competitive competition and these will be joined by CK United and eight other clubs currently participating in the LOI Academy Development Programme.
These nine clubs will all be creating a senior team for the first time and includes the likes of Drogheda United, Dundalk and St Patrick’s Athletic. The Development League will remain part of the LOI Academy Development Programme but will replace the Women’s U19 League.
SEE ALSO: Where to Watch- The key information for Kilkenny and Waterford league clash - Kilkenny Live
The league aims to strengthen the player pathway by providing more opportunities for players to compete at senior level by enabling them to play at a national level beyond the age of 19.
Promotion and relegation to the Premier Division won’t be in place for the inaugural season but will be reviewed at a later date.
CK United’s fixture on Sunday kicks off at 3pm on Sunday at Quaker’s Field in Killeshin.
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