We can confirm that after 20 years of involvement with Larne Women, Laura Noble is retiring as a player.
Having joined the club in early 2000’s, Laura was a part of the first ever women’s team to play at Windsor Park, at a half-time display during the 2005 Irish Cup Final.
As part of the club’s Aspire 2 Inspire vision in 2018, the Women’s team reformed and quickly rose through the divisions, something which now sees them competing in the NIFL Women’s Premiership for the first time.
All through this period Laura has been a constant at the club from NIWFA North 2 Champions to the Championship, she has been there to see the club go from strength to strength.
In recent years she has featured for the Olympic side as they now compete in the NIWFA Division 1,
On her retirement Director of Women’s football, William Noble said:
“As Laura’s husband it’s been an amazing journey over nearly 20 years where we have been able to work together at something we both love and enjoy.
“As a player there will always come a time when you decide to call it a day and that decision is never easily reached, especially when you have given as much time and commitment as Laura has to one club.
“Laura’s dedication and commitment to Larne has been there to see for all and she has played a crucial role in both the start-up of the club as one of the founder players to still being involved as the club has continually grown to now be playing Premier League football.
“As a manager over all of the years Laura has played for the club, we have enjoyed many successes, title wins and promotions and Laura has been key to many of those moments with great performances, many, many goals and a top-class attitude!
“There aren’t many players who will give the dedication and commitment that Laura has to one club and I’m proud of what she has achieved over all those years, finishing up as the clubs all-time leading goalscorer.
“I am hopeful that Laura can continue to offer something to our women’s setup and continue with the journey we are on at Larne.”
Reflecting on her decision, Laura had this to say about her time with the club:
“It’s been one of the toughest decisions ever to finish up playing but I’ve been really lucky to have enjoyed nearly 20 very successful years playing football, winning many trophies, making so many friends and memories and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
