Athlone Town women to kick off season against Wexford

The Athlone Town's women's team will begin their league campaign against Wexford Youths on Saturday, August 15.

This season's Women's National League fixtures were released today (Friday) and Athlone will have a bye in the first series of fixtures. The home clash against Wexford will open their programme of games in the second series.

Managed by Tommy Hewitt, Athlone Town women are, along with Bohemians and Treaty United, first time participants at adult level this season.

Emma Donohoe recently joined the Athlone women's squad, having played with Limerick FC last season.

The tenth season in the league's history will kick off on Saturday, August 8.

The season was originally due to start in March but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now nine clubs are preparing for what will be a truncated campaign.

The first series will signal the beginning of phase one, where every team will face each other. There will then be a split for phase two, where clubs will be separated into two sections and will play the other teams in their section.

In early October, the FAI Women's Cup will begin at the quarter-final stage, with the final due to be played on the week ending Sunday, December 13.

In order to help clubs, affiliation fees have waived, a participation grant will be provided, prize money will be spread out equally, and there will be funds available to ensure all clubs can upgrade their grounds to follow safety protocols.

The FAI will also supply a special Covid-19 Assistance Grant to help each of the clubs who will have suffered financial losses due to the pandemic disrupting the original start to the season. There will also be additional support given to teams in the Under-17 League.

Women's National League - Athlone Town fixtures

(First named team at home)

Saturday, 15 August: Athlone Town v Wexford Youths, 7pm.

Wednesday, 19 August: Galway WFC v Athlone Town, Eamonn Deacy Park, 7:45pm.

Saturday, 22 August: Athlone Town v Shelbourne, 7pm.

Saturday, 29 August: Peamount United v Athlone Town, PRL Park, Greenogue, 6:30pm.

Saturday, 5 September: Athlone Town v Treaty United, 7pm.

Sunday, 13 September: Cork City v Athlone Town, Bishopstown Stadium, 2pm.

Saturday, 26 September: Athlone Town v DLR Waves, 7pm.

Saturday, 10 October: Bohemians v Athlone Town, Oscar Traynor Centre, 2pm.