The highly anticipated return of the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership is set for this Friday evening, 8 May 2025.
The top-flight of female football in Northern Ireland has seen an extraordinary 59% increase in attendances since 2021. Over 15,000 fans attended NIFL women’s games during the 2024 campaign, highlighting a growing appetite for the league.
Cliftonville completed a flawless 2024 campaign, remaining unbeaten and claiming every major honour on offer. They begin their title defence at home against Linfield in a must-watch opening fixture, streamed live and free on DAZN, with coverage from Solitude beginning at 7.45pm.
It is the first of five exclusive live broadcasts this season with DAZN, a partnership that attracted over one million views across live streams and match highlights last season — a testament to the league’s surging popularity.
In the other big games, last year’s runners-up Glentoran kick off their pursuit of the title away to Lisburn Ladies, while Crusaders Strikers host Derry City at Seaview. Last season’s breakout team Lisburn Rangers host Larne at Crewe Park, and Derry City travel to Seaview to take on Crusaders Strikers.
Matchday One – Sports Direct Women’s Premiership – Friday 9 May 2025
Lisburn Rangers v Larne – 7.45pm
Cliftonville v Linfield – 8.00pm – Live on DAZN
Crusaders Strikers v Derry City – 8.00pm
Lisburn Ladies v Glentoran – 8.00pm
More from the world of women’s football
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