The Northern Ireland senior women’s futsal team will be in action twice in Belfast this weekend.
Keith Gibson’s squad are set to play two friendlies against England’s top club side, Manchester Futsal Club.
The first game against the team who claimed the league and cup double in England is due to be staged at Shankill Leisure Centre on Saturday (1pm start), with the second taking place at the same venue the following day (2.30pm start).
Northern Ireland captain Nadene Caldwell said: “This is a great opportunity for us to get the squad on the court against quality opposition. Manchester have just completed the league and cup double and of course have our own Alice Harkness in nets for them.
“We are really looking forward to two competitive games and hope to get a good number of the GAWA coming along to support.”
Senior futsal women’s team manager Keith Gibson said: “I am really looking forward to this next stage in our development.
“It is a chance to get a look at a few new players in the squad, with Laura Devine and Kirsty McCaughtery getting a chance between the posts and Sarah McKillen and Shannon Dunne making their debuts as well.
“Following on from our two wins in Gibraltar back in April we will be looking to build on that as we prepare for the Euros next year.”
Northern Ireland senior women’s futsal squad:
Goalkeepers - Anna Daly (Bangor), Laura Devine (Ballymena United Allstars), Kirsty McCaughtery (Crusaders Strikers).
Defenders - Courtney Adamson (Portadown), Erin Hennity (Comber Rec), Heather Mearns (Crusaders Strikers), Megan Weatherall (Cliftonville).
Midfielders - Hannah Firth (Ballymena United), Louise McFrederick (Linfield), Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran, captain), Olivia Brown (Comber Rec), Sarah McKillen (Comber Rec), Siobhan Bell (St James’ Swifts).
Pivots - Beth McKay (Spartans), Rachel McConnell (Cliftonville), Shannon Dunne (Derry City).
Image: Northern Ireland senior women’s futsal team captain Nadene Caldwell, seen here in action for Glentoran Women, is looking forward to the two games against Manchester Futsal Club.
