WCL Women's League gets ready for kick-off

BY GER McCARTHY

A NEW sponsor in the Lake House Beauty Rooms plus an increase in competing teams bodes well for the 2019-20 West Cork Women’s 7’s League.

The West Cork League will launch a brand new season of women’s soccer on Sunday, October 27th. Building on last year’s successful seven-a-side league and cup competitions, the WCL are delighted to have been joined by the Lake House Beauty Rooms of Dunmanway as official sponsors.

Seven confirmed teams – with the likelihood of that total increasing to eight – will battle it out for league, cup and shield honours on Bantry and Dunmanway astro-turf pitches. Interest in women’s soccer continues to rise throughout the West Cork region and the hope is to expand playing numbers even further within the next two years.

‘It is great to have a new West Cork League Women’s sponsor on board in the Lake House Beauty Rooms,’ WCL Fixtures Secretary Eamonn Connolly told The Southern Star.

‘We are also hopeful of securing a venues sponsor to help defer costs for teams on a weekly basis. Watch this space for more details in the coming days!

‘Our main goal for the new 2019-2020 season is to increase interest in the women’s game throughout West Cork. That and encouraging more players to participate and supporters to come out and watch their club’s games. Teams are always looking for additional players once the season begins so anyone interested in getting involved should contact their local club.

‘If we can continue to increase player and team numbers over the next few seasons then the West Cork League will be moving in the right direction.’

Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, defending league and cup champions Inter Kenmare are once again expected to feature prominently. The Kerry club will be the side to beat as they begin the defence of their two West Cork League trophies.

Drinagh Rangers are set to field two teams, as are Beara United with Bantry Bay Rovers and Aultagh Celtic also taking part. There is a strong possibility of adding another (eighth) team before Sunday week’s kick-off.

‘Inter Kenmare were the dominant force last season by picking up both West Cork’s league and cup trophies,’ Connolly commented.

‘I have no doubt that Kenmare will be challenging for the top spot once again as well as a couple of other possible contenders. An added bonus of attracting additional teams to the women’s division is the fact that we are now able to introduce a third new competition.

‘There will be a new West Cork League Women’s Shield involving any clubs that finish in the bottom half of the league. That will give participating clubs a trophy to compete for right up until to the end of the season as well as ensuring there are competitive games for everyone involved.’

The 2019-20 Lake House Beauty Rooms West Cork Women’s 7s League includes Inter Kenmare, Beara AFC, Beara Women’s FC, Bantry Bay Rovers, Drinagh Rangers AFC, Drinagh Women’s FC and Aultagh Celtic.