As part of the Irish FA’s continuing implementation of Club Licensing policies, the Licensing Committee met on Thursday 25 April to consider applications for the award of UEFA, Premiership, Promotion and Championship licences for season 2024-25 and 2024 (Women’s Premiership).
In line with the current UEFA, Premiership, Promotion and Championship licensing manuals, applicant clubs were assessed across key areas, namely: sporting, infrastructure/safety, football social responsibility, personnel and administration, legal and financial.
Based on these entirely objective criteria licences were granted to the following clubs:
UEFA CLUB LICENCES
Carrick Rangers FC (Ballymena Showgrounds, Ballymena)
Cliftonville FC
Coleraine FC
Crusaders FC
Dungannon Swifts FC (Solitude, Belfast)
Glentoran FC
Larne FC
Linfield FC
UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB LICENCE
Glentoran Women FC
MEN’S PREMIERSHIP CLUB LICENCES
Ballymena United FC
Carrick Rangers FC
Cliftonville FC
Coleraine FC
Crusaders FC
Dungannon Swifts FC
Glenavon FC
Glentoran FC
Larne FC
Linfield FC
Loughgall FC
Newry City AFC
WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP CLUB LICENCES
Cliftonville Ladies FC
Crusaders Strikers FC
Derry City (Women) FC
Glentoran Women FC
Larne (Women) FC
Linfield (Women) FC
Lisburn Ladies FC
Lisburn Rangers Ladies FC
Mid-Ulster Ladies FC
PROMOTION CLUB LICENCES
Annagh United FC (Shamrock Park, Portadown)
Ards FC (Clandeboye Park, Bangor)
Ballinamallard United FC
Ballyclare Comrades FC
Bangor FC
Harland and Wolff Welders FC
Institute FC (Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry-Londonderry)
Newington FC (Inver Park, Larne)
Portadown FC
CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB LICENCES
Annagh United FC
Ards FC (Clandeboye Park, Bangor)
Armagh City FC
Ballinamallard United FC
Ballyclare Comrades FC
Ballymacash Rangers FC
Banbridge Town FC
Bangor FC
Coagh United FC
Dergview FC
Dollingstown FC
Dundela FC
Harland and Wolff Welders FC
Institute FC (Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry-Londonderry)
Knockbreda FC
Limavady United FC
Lisburn Distillery FC
Moyola Park AFC
Newington FC (Inver Park, Larne)
Portadown FC
Portstewart FC
PSNI FC (The Dub, Upper Malone, Belfast)
Queen's University Belfast AFC
Rathfriland Rangers FC
Tobermore United FC
Warrenpoint Town
Communication of these decisions has already been made to the respective clubs concerned. Club licences are valid for one season only, namely 2024-25.
Irish FA Licensing Committee chairwoman Alison Watterson said: “As we near the end of another domestic football season, it's important to acknowledge that as clubs continue to pursue success on the pitch the groundwork for next season has already been established through the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals working diligently behind the scenes at our clubs.
“Their commitment has resulted in, yet again, a record number (65) of licences being awarded across both the men’s and women’s game. I extend my congratulations to all involved in this year’s licensing process.”
Irish FA Club Licensing Manager Stacey Moffett added: “I would like to add my congratulations to all successful licence applicants and thank club representatives for their co-operation in helping to embed the new online licensing platform which was in use for the first time.
“The completion of this licensing cycle marks a significant milestone for club licensing in Northern Ireland because for the first time every NIFL club, across both the men’s and women’s leagues, successfully achieved the required standards to be awarded a licence, underscoring the position that the licensing criteria in place continue to be both reasonable and achievable.”
