Kayla Hamric of Shelbourne (right) is tackled by Jesse Mendez of Cork City during their SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division match at Tolka Park, Dublin. TG4's Underdogs is looking for ambitious women to take on one of Ireland's top SSE Airtricity Women's League teams this year. Photo: Eóin Noonan | Sportsfile

The goalposts have shifted for Mayo hopefuls in TG4's Underdogs

Published: Thu 4 May 2023, 12:01 PM

While the Ireland women’s national team head for Australia and New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, back at a grassroots level, club players also have a massive opportunity to play in the big leagues.

Adare Productions and TG4 in conjunction with the Football Association of Ireland are looking to find a squad of ambitious women with enough drive, skill and passion to take on one of the top SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division teams.

Have you got what it takes to make that team and bring them to victory? Applications are now open.

FAI’s League of Ireland director, Mark Scanlon, commented: “We are delighted to support this initiative which will provide an opportunity and a pathway for players to the game who may have stepped away from football for a number of reasons, whether due to work, study, family or other commitments.

“We hope that Underdogs will be an important first step for players who still harbour the ambition to play at the highest level of football in Ireland at an exciting time in the development and growth of women’s football in the country.”

TG4’s head of sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, added: “The Underdogs series has been a long-standing and regular staple in TG4’s schedule over many years, and we eagerly await the new season of this famous series. In what is a hugely exciting year for women’s football, we look forward to working with the FAI and Adare Productions in unearthing the next Underdogs squad.”

Could this be your chance? Players will be chosen and trained by a panel of expert coaches. This is an opportunity for unknown players to go up against some of the country’s top footballers.

Who can apply? Women football players who have not been an active player in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division in the last three seasons. Applicants can’t have ever played at senior international level, and must must be 18 years of age or over on June 3.

Players can apply online at www.tg4.ie/underdogs. Nationwide trials will take place in June.