Wexford Youths W.F.C.


Wexford Youths Women Football Club is an Irish association football club based in Crossabeg, County Wexford. It is the women's section of Wexford F.C.. Their senior team plays in the Women's National League. In recent seasons Wexford Youths have emerged as one of the league's strongest teams. They were champions in 2014–15 and in 2015–16 they won a treble, winning the FAI Women's Cup and the WNL Shield before going on to retain the league title. They also qualified for the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons of the UEFA Women's Champions League.Most recently they won the treble in 2018, winning the league, FAI cup and shield

History

Women's National League

In 2011–12 Wexford Youths, together with Peamount United, Castlebar Celtic, Cork Women's F.C., Raheny United and Shamrock Rovers, became founder members of the Women's National League. Youths finished third in both 2012–13 and 2013–14. In 2013–14 they also won their first trophy, the WNL Cup, after defeating Castlebar Celtic 3–0 in the final at Ferrycarrig Park. In 2014–15 Youths won their first Women's National League title after finishing two points clear of second placed UCD Waves. The 2015–16 season saw Youths win a treble. They started the season by winning the FAI Women's Cup for the first time. In the final at the Aviva Stadium they defeated Shelbourne Ladies 4–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw. Shelbourne Ladies would be Youths main challengers throughout the season. The two sides met again in the WNL Shield final, played at Ferrycarrig Park, on 30 March 2016. Wexford Youths again emerged as winners with Edel Kennedy scoring in the 1–0 win. In the league itself, the two teams finished level on points before Wexford Youths retained the title after a play-off. Youths travelled to Galway W.F.C. on Sunday, 8 May knowing a victory would secure them the league title. However Youths dropped their first league points away from home and could only manage a 1–1 draw. Youths had a second chance to clinch the title when they played Shelbourne Ladies at Tolka Park on Wednesday, 11 May. However Shelbourne Ladies won 3–1 and as result finished level on points with Youths. This meant the title would be decided by a play-off for the first time. The play-off took place on Sunday, 22 May at Tallaght Stadium. It proved third time lucky for Wexford Youths as they finally secured the title with a 2–1 win. Shortly after guiding Youths to their second title, head coach Will Doyle announced he was resigning.
In June 2016, Gary Hunt was named as the new senior women's team manager, having been a coach under Will Doyle for the previous two years.
After one season in charge, Gary Hunt stepped down as manager of the club, replaced by former assistant manager Laura Heffernan.
In 2017 Heffernan secured Wexford Youths Women their third WNL title in 4 years, stepping down at the end of the season.

Current squad

Wexford Youths in Europe

2015–16 UEFA Women's Champions League

After winning the 2014–15 Women's National League title, Wexford Youths qualified for UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time. They played in Group 7 and finished second after winning two out of three games.
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2016–17 UEFA Women's Champions League

After winning the 2015–16 Women's National League title, Wexford Youths qualified for UEFA Women's Champions League for a second time. Wexford Youths have been announced as hosts of one of the group stage tournaments with games due to be played at both Ferrycarrig Park and the Waterford Regional Sports Centre.
;Group 7

Notable former players

Republic of Ireland women's internationals

Honours