With the introduction of our first-ever senior Waterford FC Women’s side for 2025, we thought now is the perfect opportunity to share the spotlight on this years WU17 side, with information on our new signings & how they’re getting on to-date!
With 12 new faces in the side this year, the girls sit in 2nd place in their League of Ireland Academy WU17 League Group B table, with nine points to their name from their opening four games.
After impressive wins against CK United FC (7-3), Kerry FC (3-0) & Cobh Ramblers FC (6-0) in their first three games, the side fell to their first defeat of the season at home to Treaty United FC.
With a top of the table clash to look forward to this weekend for the side away to Cork City FC who maintain their 100% record to date, the side will look to return to winning ways in their Munster derby on Saturday afternoon (kick-off at 2pm in Bishopstown Stadium, Cork).
RETURNING FACES
With an impressive first-year with our WU17’s in 2024, seven players remained in the WU17 age-group for the coming year.
Goalkeeper Isabelle Carroll had a strong first-year at National League level with the Blues last season, with Meadbhdh Doherty & Abi Rossiter also continuing at WU17 level for 2025.
Captain Clíodhna Malone leads the side this year, with Jodie Roche, Emma Bibby & Kate Tomkins all remaining with the side for 2025.
NEW SIGNINGS
After finishing runners up in the WU17 League of Ireland last season, many of our WU17 regulars made the move up to WU19 level for the 2025 season, as we welcomed 12 new faces into the side over the winter.
Led by Head Coach Brendan White & Coach JP Byrne, Irish underage international goalkeeper Isbelle Carroll has been joined with Sofia Blackmore for competition in goal, who joins the Blues from Evergreen FC in Kilkenny.
Defenders Elle Kavanagh & Grace Coffey have both joined from local schoolgirls side Waterford Bohemians, whilst Abbie Gaffney has made the switch from CK United FC to the Blues for 2025, along with winger Eva O’Gorman who plyed her trade with CK United in 2024.
Central midfielder Paige Gainfort has made the step up to League of Ireland level, having played for her hometown club of All Blacks in Wexford, with Lucy Doyle also joining the club from Arklow Town to give us further options on the wing.
Midfielder Ruby Norris was named as a member of the squad for 2025 after coming up through the Piltown AFC academy, along with winger Racheal Duff who joins from Highview Athletic in Kilkenny.
Attacking midfielder Lauren Connolly has also made the step up to national league level with the Blues, having come up through the Clonmel Town FC academy, with the duo of Megan O’Regan (winger) & Emi Adebayo (centre-forward) joining from Villa FC.
WATERFORD FC WU17 SQUAD FOR 2025:
