It was a challenging week for the academy sides as they came up against strong opposition across both the male and female fixtures. However, a number of players produced strong individual displays and showed great character and quality, certainly giving the coaches plenty to think about moving forward.

U15 | Longford Town 2 – 1 Sligo Rovers

Two classy goals from Coughlan undid the lads as we suffered a narrow defeat on Saturday in the opening round of the Michael Hayes Cup. A late consolation goal from substitute Wiktor Dabrowski in the 87th minute was not enough to spark a comeback at Bishopsgate. Despite the result, the lads showed great determination and competed well throughout, creating plenty of chances and battling right until the end.

WU17 | Sligo Rovers 0 – 2 Treaty United

A tough result for the girls on Saturday as we exited the cup against an impressive Treaty United side. Two first-half goals proved decisive, leaving the girls with too much to do in the second half as our cup hopes came to an end. Regardless of the scoreline, the girls put in a strong performance and battled well against a high-flying Treaty United side at the Showgrounds.

WU23 | Athlone Town 6 – 1 Sligo Rovers

Table-toppers Athlone Town proved too strong for the 23s in Sunday’s clash in Athlone. A blistering start from the hosts saw them score four goals inside the opening 20 minutes, leaving the Rovers girls with a mountain to climb. U17 player Erin Farry coolly slotted home a penalty, but it proved to be only a consolation as Athlone ran out comfortable winners. The girls will now look to bounce back in ten days’ time when they welcome second-placed Bohemians to the Showgrounds.

Tom Lavery

Ahead of Saturday’s Connacht Derby against Galway United, Ben Dorgan sat down with Jeannot Esua to discuss the challenge ahead, facing his former club and the atmosphere building around the Showgrounds.

Looking ahead to the Connacht Derby

“It’s always a massive game when you’re preparing to play the derby. But we kind of prepare for the game in the same way as we prepare for the other games.

Obviously, you’re always going to get a little bit of an edge as a footballer going into those games because it’s going to be a vital game for both clubs.

Galway is not an easy team knowing them from my time playing for them. It’s going to be a tough game, it’s going to be a physical game. But we just need to show up and do our jobs and hopefully get the three points.”

On the importance of Saturday’s clash

“Like I said earlier, it’s a massive game for both clubs. Obviously we lost down there in Galway because it’s not always an easy place to go.

But now they are coming to the Showgrounds, so we need to show up and put on a show for the fans and hopefully the fans get behind us as well so together we can push to get the points.

And just like you said, it’s a very important game for both clubs. A win here is going to see either club go ahead of each other. So we just want to push to get the win and hopefully shoot up the table.”

On facing his former club

“To be fair for me, it’s always a normal game. Like I kind of prepare for my games the same way. It doesn’t matter what team I play.

Obviously I’m playing against my old club. It’s going to come with pros and cons, but I always just prepare my game the same way, play the game the same way.

At the end of the day, I am a believer that when I go into every game I already know that God has already prepared the outcome of the game ahead of me. So I just go into the game and try to use my talent and just enjoy and have fun.

At the end of the day, it’s the same game as every other game.”

On the Showgrounds becoming a fortress

“I think right now the team is really syncing well with the fans. The fans are getting behind the team pretty much as well and the lads are putting in a good shift.

So I think if we keep putting on a good shift, then the Showgrounds is going to be a very tough place to come.

Also if you compare now to the start of the season, we just needed things to really gel because we had a lot of new players and very good players as well.

So now everything is coming along pretty well. So I think going forward the Showgrounds is going to be a tough place. So we just need to keep that energy going, show up every game, work hard, push and the fans are going to get behind us and that’s going to make it even more difficult for the opponents to come play here.”

Interview conducted by Ben Dorgan.

A solid week for the academy teams this weekend with various wins right across the board. The girls set the standard with some really strong results and performances. There were positives right across all squads, with some players continuing to develop and push closer to first-team involvement.

U20 | Sligo Rovers 1 – 0 Galway United
Our U20s bounced back from a frustrating result last week to edge past Galway United by a goal to nil in the Connacht derby. It was a cagey affair, with Guilherme Priosti scoring the only goal of the game in an enjoyable win for the Rovers.

U17 | Shelbourne 5 – 2 Sligo Rovers
It was a tough afternoon on the road for the Rovers against title-chasing Shelbourne at the AUL Complex. A slow start allowed Shels to go two goals up inside the opening half an hour, leaving the lads with it all to do. Dillon Doherty pulled one back before the break, taking his tally to four for the season. However, the hosts proved too strong on the day, with their dangerous forward line helping them run out 5-2 winners, despite a late consolation goal from Scott Williams.

U15 | Galway United 6 – 1 Sligo Rovers
A strong first-half display wasn’t enough for our U15s as they were ultimately undone after the interval in Galway. We went into the break 1-0 up after Aaron Brehony played through the in-form Ryan Tuffy, who made no mistake in finishing, making it his fifth goal in two games. However, six second-half goals from the league leaders saw United turn the game around and secure all three points. A special mention also to Jack Ivers Brehony and Daniel Mate from our U14s, who both lined out for the U15s over the weekend. An opportunity for the lads to bounce back next week with an away trip to Longford in the cup.

WU23 | Sligo Rovers 4 – 1 Drogheda United
Our WU23s got back to winning ways on Sunday with a huge result at home to Drogheda. We went in at half-time 1-0 down and frustrated, but whatever was said at half-time sparked a brilliant response as the girls came out to score four times in a dominant display. Mairead McIntyre equalised in the 52nd minute, followed by a Sophie Quinn goal to deservedly put the girls ahead. The introduction of Arlin Barrett proved crucial, with the forward coming off the bench to score a late brace to secure the 4-1 win. This result puts our WU23s 7th in the table, with the aim of continuing to climb in the weeks ahead.

WU17 | Sligo Rovers 1 – 0 Mayo
Our WU17s got off the mark for the year at the Showgrounds with a fantastic result against Mayo. The only goal of the game came through centre midfielder Caragh Guckian in the 49th minute. A great performance across the pitch meant that goal was enough to secure the first three points of the season for the Rovers. The girls will look to continue this form next week as they face Treaty United in the cup on Saturday.

Tom Lavery

Sligo Football and Sports Development Society LTD (Sligo Rovers Football Club) will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 7.30pm in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo.

The AGM will include the election of the Committee of Management for 2026, along with reports from the Chairman, Secretary and General Manager, and a presentation of the club’s financial statements.

Attendance at the AGM is confined to fully paid-up members, or those entitled to the privileges of membership in accordance with the Society’s rules.

Members wishing to attend the AGM online are asked to email shane@sligorovers.com at least 48 hours in advance.

Members wishing to stand for election to the Committee of Management must complete a nomination form and return it to the Secretary by Monday, April 21st.

Agenda:

1. Chairman’s Address
2. Minutes of Previous AGM
3. Matters Arising
4. Secretary’s Report
5. General Manager’s Report
6. Treasurer’s Report, Adoption of Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet
7. Appointment of Auditors
8. Election of Committee of Management
9. Development Update
10. Any Other Business

Showgrounds, 14 March 2026

Sligo Rovers began their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign with a draw against reigning champions Athlone Town at the Showgrounds, in a game where the hosts were unlucky not to come away with all three points. After falling behind in the second half, Rovers responded well and were rewarded when captain Emma Hansberry’s free kick found its way through to the net to bring the sides level.

Line-ups

Sligo Rovers:
Bonnie McKiernan, Leah Kelly, Ava Hallinan, Emma Hansberry (C) (Manu Baptista Filipe 78), Cara Jordan, Paula McGrory (Rachel McGoldrick 90), Ella Karolak, Sabrina Hillyer (Abby Rooney 90), Kelsey McQuillan (Mairead McIntyre 73), Alice Lillie, Sydney Stephens

Substitutes: Ivana McMahon, Alana Doherty, Emma Duffy, Abby Rooney, Katie Melly, Manu Baptista Filipe, Natalie Yoo, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre

Athlone Town:
Maria Matthaiou, Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Shauna Brennan, Natalie McNally, Hannah Waesch (C), Dana Scheriff, Roisin Molloy, Isabel Ryan (Alexis Strickland 65), Emma Mooney, Melissa O’Kane (Hazel Donegan 65)

Substitutes: Courtney Maguire, Chloe Singleton, Kerryanne Brown, Alexis Strickland, Niamh Dundon, Hazel Donegan, Danielle O’Neill, Muireann Daly, Michaela Hand

Referee: Arnold Hunter

Rovers started brightly and forced two early corners as they looked to take the initiative. In the 17th minute, Cara Jordan came close to opening the scoring when she struck a powerful effort that forced Maria Matthaiou to palm the ball away for a corner. Two minutes later, Ella Karolak had a chance from a well-delivered free kick as Rovers created the better of the early opportunities.

Jordan continued to cause problems down the wing and was one of the standout performers in the early stages as the home side searched for the opening goal.

Athlone eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Melissa O’Kane combined with Isabel Ryan before the ball found Dana Scheriff, who finished past Bonnie McKiernan, despite the Rovers goalkeeper having performed strongly throughout the game.

The goal briefly shifted momentum in Athlone’s favour as the visitors enjoyed a short spell of possession following the opener.

Rovers responded positively and pushed forward, with Cara Jordan’s persistence down the flank forcing Kayleigh Shine into a yellow card as she drove towards goal.

The equaliser arrived in the 69th minute when captain Emma Hansberry stepped up to take a free kick from distance. Her effort travelled through the players and beyond the goalkeeper to bring Rovers level.

Both sides made changes as the game entered its final stages. Mairead McIntyre replaced Kelsey McQuillan in the 73rd minute, while Manu Baptista Filipe came on to make her debut for Rovers shortly after, replacing Hansberry after the captain suffered an injury following a challenge from Athlone captain Hannah Waesch.

Rovers nearly found a late winner in the 86th minute when Cara Jordan delivered an excellent cross that was met by Paula McGrory, but the Athlone goalkeeper produced a fine save to keep the scores level.

Further late substitutions saw Rachel McGoldrick replace McGrory and Abby Rooney come on for Sabrina Hillyer in the closing moments as Rovers pushed for a winner.

Despite late pressure, the sides could not be separated and both teams settled for a point to begin the new campaign.

Sligo Rovers travel to Eamonn Deacy Park next Saturday, 21 March, where they will face Galway United.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers begin their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign this Saturday as Athlone Town visit the Showgrounds for a 17:00 kick-off. It is the first league outing of the season and a strong early test for Rovers, who take on the reigning Women’s Premier Division and WFAI Cup champions.

There is a fresh feel around Rovers heading into the new campaign, with a new manager in charge and several new faces added to the squad during the off-season. Athlone arrive in Sligo in strong form after lifting the Women’s President’s Cup last weekend, setting the stage for a competitive opening fixture.

Rovers wrapped up their pre-season preparations last weekend with a 2–1 victory over Peamount United at Greenogue Park. Despite several new additions joining the team, it was familiar faces on the scoresheet as Anna McDaniel and Cara King found the back of the net in the first half. Mia McGonnell pulled one back with 15 minutes to go, but Hughes’ side saw out the game to round off a successful pre-season.

Manager Gavin Hughes has been pleased with how preparations have gone in the lead-up to the start of the season.

“We’ve had a good pre-season. Training has been good, the girls are in good form and they’re excited for the game on Saturday. It’s been a long pre-season but the girls are nearly there and we’re all set for Saturday.

“The game against Peamount was a good test for the girls. We got minutes into a lot of the girls’ legs which was positive and we liked what we saw in the game.”

Athlone Town arrive at the Showgrounds once again as the team to beat in the Women’s Premier Division. The Midlands side enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, securing the league title and the WFAI Cup, while losing just one league match throughout the entire campaign.

They have already started the new season on a high note after lifting the Women’s President’s Cup last weekend, underlining the quality within their squad.

Hughes is well aware of the challenge that awaits, but is focused on his side executing their own game plan.

“We’ve tough opposition, we know that. But we have to take care of our own business and hopefully the fans can be proud of the performance from the girls.

“I was at the game and they’re a quality team. We’ll give them loads of respect but at the same time we have to stick to our own game plan.”

The two sides last met on the final day of the 2025 Women’s Premier Division season, with Athlone coming away with the points on that occasion. Saturday’s meeting therefore marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rovers as they face the champions once again at the start of a new campaign.

Athlone have also made a number of notable changes during the off-season. Golden Boot winner Kelly Brady, who found the net in that last meeting between the sides, has since moved to Crystal Palace.

Head coach John Sullivan has strengthened his squad in a bid to become the first team to win three Women’s Premier Division titles in a row, bringing in Noelle Murray from Shelbourne while also welcoming back former Golden Boot winner Dana Scheriff, who came off the bench to score the winner in last week’s President’s Cup.

Rovers head into the opening fixture in relatively strong shape after coming through pre-season without any new injury concerns.

“Thankfully we’ve gotten through pre-season with no fresh concerns,” Hughes said.

“Keela Scanlon and Ciara Henry are both working their way back to fitness, while Jessica Casey and Keeva Flynn are unfortunately out for a longer period of time. Other than that we’re all good heading into the game.”

The game kicks off at 17:00 this Saturday at the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers begin their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign against Athlone Town. Supporters can purchase tickets online or at the ground on matchday, and the team will be hoping for strong support as the new season gets underway in Sligo.

Jack Dempsey

Following the departure of Steve Feeney, the club wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Steve and his backroom team for their service and commitment.

First-team assistant coach Jay McCartney, Head Goalkeeping Coach Jerome Carleton, Sports Therapist Ciara Mulrooney, Strength and Conditioning Coach Conor Rushe and Player Liaison Officer Elaine Crossan have also departed the club. Significant work was carried out behind the scenes to support the continued development of the Women’s team, and the club acknowledges the professionalism and dedication shown by each member of staff during their time at the Showgrounds.

Gavin Hughes was appointed manager of the Women’s team following a successful spell in charge of the Bohemians U19 side. He guided the group through a successful 2025 campaign, culminating in FAI Cup success after a 2–0 victory over Treaty United in the final. His work at underage level was marked by strong player development, structure and consistency, with several players progressing into senior football.

Hughes now steps into senior management focused on building a competitive and organised side while continuing to develop emerging talent within the club’s pathway. Joining him are Ciaran Fadden and Tom Donovan, who also arrive from the Bohemians U19 setup as first-team coaches after being part of last season’s cup-winning backroom team. Both will support match preparation, tactical planning and player development. Richard Brush has been appointed goalkeeping coach, while Ben Houston takes on the role of strength and conditioning coach.

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Women’s Premier Division season, a number of players departed the club. Goalkeeper Amber Hardy completed a move to Treaty United, while midfielder Eimear Lafferty joined Bohemians FC. The club thanks both players for their commitment and contribution.

Bernie Ferreira, Louise Masterson, Lauren Devaney and Muireann Devaney have also left the club. Each played their part during their spell in Sligo, and the club extends its appreciation for their efforts and wishes them well in the next stage of their careers.

Kate Nugent also departs the club after several years within the Sligo Rovers pathway. She was part of the inaugural squad that represented the club in the Women’s National Under-17 League in the summer of 2018 before progressing through the U19 ranks. Nugent was first included in the senior matchday squad against Peamount United in March 2023 and made her official debut a week later in a 2–1 defeat to Treaty United at the Showgrounds. Across three seasons she made 45 senior appearances and was an important presence both on and off the pitch. The club thanks Kate for her contribution and wishes her every success in the future.

It has been a busy winter transfer window, with several additions confirmed ahead of the 2026 season. Midfielder Abby Rooney joined from the Bohemians U19 FAI Cup-winning side, while defender Kelsey McQuillan also arrives from the same squad. Former academy player Emma Duffy returns after a successful spell with Galway United, where she was part of the All-Island Cup-winning teams in 2023 and 2024. Six overseas players have also been added, with Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, Natalie Yoo, Ella Karolak and Sabrina Hillyer all moving from the United States to join the squad.

With just over a week to go before the season starts, the squad stands at 26 players for the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season:

Goalkeepers
Bonnie McKiernan, Ivana McMahon

Defenders
Alana Doherty, Alice Lillie, Ava Hallinan, Ella Karolak, Jessica Casey, Katie Melly, Keela Scanlon, Keeva Flynn, Kelsey McQuillan, Leah Kelly, Sabrina Hillyer

Midfielders
Abby Rooney, Cara King, Ciara Henry, Emma Duffy, Emma Hansberry, Manu Baptista Filipe, Natalie Yoo, Rachel McGoldrick

Forwards
Anna McDaniel, Cara Jordan, Mairead McIntyre, Paula McGrory, Sydney Stephens

Emma Hansberry will once again serve as club captain for the 2026 season, with Leah Kelly appointed vice-captain.

In injury news, Jessica Casey is recovering from a knee injury, while Keeva Flynn continues her rehabilitation from an ACL injury and will be sidelined for an extended period. Keela Scanlon and Ciara Henry are also making progress in their return from ACL injuries, though neither will be fit for the opening fixture.

Pre-season preparations have progressed positively under Hughes, with the squad returning to training on January 13. The team have played two fixtures under the new management, recording victories over Linfield and Derry City. Their final pre-season outing takes place on Saturday, 7 March, as they travel to Greenogue Park in Dublin to face Peamount United.

The 2026 Women’s Premier Division season gets underway on Saturday, 14 March, as Sligo Rovers welcome reigning champions Athlone Town to the Showgrounds, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to confirm the signing of defender Sabrina Hillyer ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The American joins from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and a master’s degree in Business, alongside gaining extensive collegiate experience.

Originally from Texas, Hillyer was a key figure for the Roadrunners across her time at UTSA. She made 62 career starts, playing a total of 4,689 minutes, and started all 22 games during the 2022 season, playing every minute of the C-USA Tournament semi-final and final. She contributed four assists that season. A two-time team captain, she helped guide UTSA to an NCAA Tournament appearance and was named Team MVP. She also earned multiple C-USA Academic Honour Roll selections, received All-District and All-State honours, and was named to the American Athletic Conference Watch List, underlining her consistency on and off the pitch.

Reflecting on her move to Rovers, Hillyer said:

“It’s really exciting to sign for the club. I love the ambition here and the support around the team. Coming to a new country and learning a new culture is a challenge, but it’s an opportunity to grow and compete at a high level. The girls have been welcoming, and it already feels like a place I can make an impact.”

On what she brings to the squad, Hillyer added:

“I’m comfortable across defence, whether it’s full back, wing back or centre back. I like to contribute going forward, deliver strong crosses, and I enjoy the 1v1 battles. I’m gritty, determined, and always look to help the team both defensively and in attack. I want to push myself and my teammates to improve every game.”

Discussing her ambitions for the season, Hillyer said:

“I know the league is competitive, and I’m joining a team with real ambition. My goal is to help Sligo Rovers challenge at the top, grow as a team, and make a statement in the league. Personally, I want to lead by example, contribute wherever needed, and bring the experience I’ve gained from my time in the US to the squad.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes highlighted Hillyer’s qualities and why she is a strong addition at this stage of the season:

“Sabrina is a proper full-back, aggressive, very strong in 1v1s and brave going forward. She is very clever in her defending and intelligent with her positioning and timing. She communicates constantly and brings more leadership to the back line, which will be huge for us.

With Sabrina in the team, we feel our defensive unit is much stronger, more connected and more secure.”

With Sabrina Hillyer joining, the squad now stands at twenty-four players ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, Natalie Yoo, and Ella Karolak.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of defender Ella Karolak ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The 23-year-old centre back joins the Bit O’Red from the University of Illinois, where she developed into a composed and reliable defender, recognised for her leadership, communication, and consistency in defensive duels.

Karolak spent four seasons with the Illini as a Division I athlete, making 52 starts and accumulating 4,620 minutes of competitive action. She was a three-time Defensive MVP (2022, 2023, 2024), twice named Big Ten Player To Watch, and served on the team’s leadership committee throughout her career. Ella gained experience in the USL W League, helping Detroit City FC claim the Great Lakes Division title in 2025 and being named Defensive Player of the Year with FC Olympia in 2024. Off the pitch, she achieved multiple academic honours, including Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Reflecting on her move to the Showgrounds, Karolak said:

“It’s really exciting to sign for the club. I admire the history on the men’s side, and I want to help create history for the women’s team as well. The league is highly competitive, but I believe our squad can compete at the top level. Sligo is a beautiful town, and the community has been incredibly welcoming.”

On her playing style and what she brings to the team:

“I like to be involved in every phase of play and always want the ball. I’m comfortable on both feet, enjoy dictating play from the back, and am defensively strong. I like to be vocal on the pitch, organising the team and communicating with my teammates. I want to ensure we’re solid at the back while supporting the attack whenever possible.”

Looking ahead to the season and settling in with the squad, she added:

“I’ve seen teams in situations similar to Rovers, where growth and evolution are needed. Many of the club’s objectives align with my own, and I want to help the team make a real impact this season. Off the pitch, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the squad. Everyone has been welcoming, which has made joining a new environment much easier.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes said Karolak immediately stood out for her composure, leadership, and defensive awareness.

“Ella has already, in this short time, led by example and brought real physical presence to our defensive unit. She plays comfortably off either foot and has an excellent range of passing. She sees things and executes them very well, whether short or long.

She is always positive and proactive, and her leadership skillset will be huge for us this season. She is the kind of player who sets the tone for the whole team, particularly within the defensive line.”

With Ella Karolak joining, the squad now stands at twenty-three players ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Cara Jordan, and Natalie Yoo.

Jack Dempsey

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Natalie Yoo ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season. The 24-year-old joins the Bit O’Red after spending three seasons as a Division 1 athlete with the Texas A&M Aggies, advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight and making regular contributions over multiple campaigns. She also played her final graduate year at the University of San Diego, where she was team captain and part of the programme’s rebuild under a new coaching staff.

Yoo completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing before adding a graduate qualification, demonstrating her commitment and discipline both on and off the pitch. Born in Southern California, Yoo holds dual nationality and has Korean heritage, and she was invited to join a South Korean national development squad, highlighting her recognition at international level.

Reflecting on her move to Rovers, Yoo said:

“It feels really exciting and is a dream of mine to play at this level. I spoke with Ciaran Fadden, assistant manager, about what I can bring to the team. I’m hungry to do well, and I’ve heard a lot about the league. It felt like the right environment to push myself.”

Describing her playing style, she added:

“I’d describe myself as competitive and someone who likes to be centre of the action in midfield, whether dropping deeper or supporting the attack. I’m creative and technical, enjoy taking on players, making forward runs into the box, and playing incisive passes. I’m comfortable on both feet and always look to make an impact for my team.”

On settling in with the squad, Yoo said:

“It’s been a bit of a culture shock, but everyone has been really welcoming. The dressing room has been great, which has made settling in much easier.”

Looking ahead to the season, Yoo explained:

“I want to help the team win games and compete at the top end of the table. Personally, I want to keep improving every week and contribute with goals and assists.”

Rovers manager Gavin Hughes believes Yoo adds balance and drive to the midfield.

“Natalie is technically very strong and fearless in possession. She loves getting on the ball, drives at defences, and brings creativity to everything she does. She has a great mentality and great energy, and we are excited to see her in the league.”

On why she is the right fit at this stage of the season, Hughes added:

“We trust that her attitude and desire to make things happen will give us another dynamic in the final third. She wants responsibility and thrives in competitive environments, which is exactly what we need.”

Regarding her impact off the pitch, he said:

“She is focused, professional, and eager to learn. Those standards raise the level within the group, and that is important for us as we continue to build.”

With Natalie Yoo joining, the squad now stands at twenty-two players strong ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier Division season, joining earlier signings Abby Rooney, Ava Hallinan, Alice Lillie, Bonnie McKiernan, Emma Duffy, Leah Kelly, Anna McDaniel, Kelsey McQuillan, Rachel McGoldrick, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Keela Scanlon, Ciara Henry, Cara King, Jessica Casey, Alana Doherty, Keeva Flynn, Ivana McMahon, Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, and Cara Jordan.

Jack Dempsey