Northern Ireland Women v England (12/04/2021)

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

I could not be more pleased to welcome you all to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park for tonight’s FIFA World Cup 2023 Group D qualifier. It is an historic occasion.

Firstly, I welcome England, who are ranked eighth in the world and who come here on the back of a resounding 10-0 win away to North Macedonia. There has been a strong start to the Sarina Wiegman era - no losses in qualifying and only two losses in friendlies in 11 games. Could we ever have dreamt of a sell-out and that the team would capture the interest of the fans to that extent? It is a testament to their performances on the pitch and their ambassadorial endeavours off the pitch – this team truly are an inspiration! My thanks goes to all of our fans who are attending and especially to the many boys and girls who will be taking in the atmosphere for the first time. I hope you will forgive me for stating how proud I am that my own club, Abbey Villa, have 200 supporters here tonight. Mia Hamm - a legend of the women’s game who played for the USA – once said: “I am building a fire, and every day I train I add more fuel. At the right moment I light the match.” Our own side have benefitted from a full-time training regime and additional

supports to help prepare them as fully as possible – they are adding more fuel. Our fans will surely provide more fuel to spur our team on further. While England are a top side, I hope that it is our team who will light up the night. Perhaps we might even be treated to a performance emulating the memorable Northern Ireland v England game in 2005 in which David Healy’s goal made the difference? That goal left a legacy and an indelible memory. Tonight’s squad have already written their names large into the history of women’s football but they have a real chance to add to it further. Finally, I must also thank the Department for Communities, which has provided funding to help support the legacy from the Euro finals in the summer. This will be so important to build on the momentum and to increase participation in girls’ and women’s football further. I hope you all enjoy the game. CONRAD KIRKWOOD PRESIDENT IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT: CONRAD KIRKWOOD CHIEF EXECUTIVE: PATRICK NELSON ADVERTISING: IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIAT ION IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

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THIS MATCHDAY PROGRAMME HAS BEEN PRODUCED WI TH FUNDING SUPPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNI T IES.

PICTURES: PRESS EYE

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VIEWS IN THIS PROGRAMME DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THE IRISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIAT ION.

IRISHFA.COM

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