League of Ireland licences have been handed out to SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division sides for the first time.

All 11 clubs have received their licences to participate next season.

Premier Division licences have been awarded to all 10 top-flight clubs, plus relegated Cork City and UCD, and Longford Town.

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The remaining seven clubs have received First Division licences for 2024 by the Independent Licensing Committee.

League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon, explained the reason behind bringing the women’s teams into the licensing system

He said: “2024 marks another progressive step for the League of Ireland as we have added the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division to Club Licensing for the first time.

“This is an important step for the raising of standards for the women’s game in Ireland and we look forward to working together with our Club Licensing Department and the Clubs to help drive the development of women’s football and build on the excellent progress that has been made in recent years.”

Premier Division licences: Bohemian FC, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Longford Town, Galway United, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, St. Patrick’s Athletic, Waterford, UCD.

First Division licences: Athlone Town, Bray Wanderers, Cobh Ramblers, Finn Harps, Kerry, Treaty United, Wexford.

Women’s Premier Division licences: Athlone Town, Bohemian, Cork City, DLR Waves, Galway United, Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, Treaty United, Wexford.

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