WOMEN’S TEAM HISTORY
Reformed in February 2018 as part of the club’s Aspire 2 Inspire vision, the Inver Women have enjoyed a trophy-laden five years with four promotions in four seasons leading to the NIFL Women’s Premiership for the first time ever, which we will compete in during the upcoming 2023/24 season.
The Girls Return
On 24th February 2018, it was announced that Larne’s women’s team (then known as Larne Ladies FC) would be making a return to the pitch. Managed by William Noble, who had previously coached Larne Ladies FC from 2006 until 2013, the team took their position in the NIWFA North 2 Division, the bottom tier of Northern Ireland’s footballing structure.
2018 – NIWFA NORTH 2 CHAMPIONS
In their first season after reforming, the club put together a strong team made up of predominantly local talent to spearhead a return to the NIWFA structure.
This return couldn’t have gone much better, with the girls clinching the NIWFA North 2 title following a 4-0 victory over Chimney Corner in front of a large home crowd at Inver Park.
William Noble’s side finished the season with the title of ‘the Invincibles’, going the full league campaign undefeated.
2019/20 – NIWFA DIVISION 2 PROMOTION
After storming to the NIWFA North 2 league title, the Inver Reds continued their upward trajectory by securing promotion after a second-place finish behind Foyle Belles in the fourth tier of women’s football.
Falling just short of a second league title after a competitive title race with Foyle Belles, promotion was made official on Sunday 14th February, seeing the team climb up once again to the third tier – NIWFA Division 1.
Unfortunately, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be some time before our first team would be able to play in their new division, instead taking part in a temporary, non-competitive league structure when government guidance allowed throughout the pandemic.
2021 – CHAMPIONS AGAIN!
When the NIWFA’s tradition league structure resumed in 2021, our women’s team proved that the break in play had failed to negatively impact results on the pitch.
Almost three years to the day since securing the NIWFA North 2 title, a large home crowd once again descended on Inver Park to see the team lift the Division 1 title at the end of a successful league campaign.
Alongside a second league title, the side’s third promotion secured a return to the second tier of Northern Irish football, equalling the club’s highest ever standing under the ‘Larne Ladies’ name back in 2013.
2022 – HISTORY MAKERS
When the NIWFA’s tradition league structure resumed in 2021, our women’s team proved that the break in play had failed to negatively impact results on the pitch.
Almost three years to the day since securing the NIWFA North 2 title, a large home crowd once again descended on Inver Park to see the team lift the Division 1 title at the end of a successful league campaign.
Alongside a second league title, the side’s third promotion secured a return to the second tier of Northern Irish football, equalling the club’s highest ever standing under the ‘Larne Ladies’ name back in 2013.
2023 – PREMIERSHIP AWAITS
The Inver Reds’ first-ever Premiership campaign is set to begin in April 2023. You can stay up to date with our women’s team developments via our website or social media channels.
For direct club enquiries, please contact larnefcwomen@larnefc.com.