Everything you need to know about the League of Ireland Women’s Development League, including teams, groups, format and 2026 structure.
Nine clubs will create a senior team for the first time and will be joined by the 12 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division clubs who will enter an Under-23 team that will compete in the league.
The nine clubs joining the League of Ireland Women’s Development League as senior teams are Bray Wanderers, CK United, Cobh Ramblers, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Kerry FC, Longford Town and St Patrick’s Athletic.
Originally there were meant to be ten new clubs, as Mayo FC were initially expected to participate but will not take part in the inaugural season. The club will review its position ahead of future campaigns.
The league is split into two groups. Group one consists of Athlone Town u23’s, Bohemians u23’s, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Galway United u23’s, Longford Town, Peamount United u23’s, Shelbourne u23’s and Sligo Rovers u23’s.
Group two consists of Bray Wanderers, CK United, Cobh Ramblers, Cork City u23’s, DLR Waves u23’s, Kerry FC, St Patrick’s Athletic, Shamrock Rovers u23’s, Treaty United u23’s, Waterford u23’s and Wexford u23’s.
Each team will play the other teams in their group on a home-and-away basis, with the top sides progressing to a Development knock-out stage. The winner of the Development Final will be crowned league champions.
The nine new senior teams will enter an expanded Sports Direct Women’s FAI Cup from the first round onwards.
With the introduction of the Development League, there will be three different tiers of League of Ireland Women’s football for the 2026 season: SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, Women’s Development League and LOI Academy WU17 League.
Opening Round Fixtures
All games take place Sunday February 22nd. Kick off times and venues as of FAI Connect
Group 1
Bohemians V Drogheda United – KO:11:00 AM Oscar Traynor Stadium
Galway United V Peamount United – KO: 2:00 PM Athenry FC
Finn Harps V Shelbourne – KO: 2:30 PM Finn Park
Dundalk V Sligo Rovers – KO: 4:30 PM Oriel Park
Group 2
Bray Wanderers V Wexford – KO: 3:00 PM Woodlands Greystones
Cobh Ramblers V Shamrock Rovers – KO: 3:00 PM St.Colmans Park
CK United V Waterford – KO: 4:00 PM Killeshin FC
Cork City V St. Patricks Athletic – KO: 5:00 PM Brigown Park
DLR Waves V Kerry FC – KO: 5:00 PM Marley Park