Central midfielder Lauren Boles has signed for Sligo Rovers for the club’s first season in the Women’s National League.

The 27-year-old has plenty of WNL experience having played in the inaugural season in 2011 with Castlebar Celtic.

The Ballintogher native spent two seasons with Celtic, before signing for DLR Waves in 2013, returning to Castlebar for a year in 2014.Boles was part of the Republic of Ireland Under 17s squad in 2011/12, where she played alongside players such as Katie McCabe.

At underage level, Boles played with Ballygawley Celtic Under 12s and Strand Celtic girls Under 16s and Under 18s.

She has also represented the region in the Gaynor Cup across all age groups.Boles is also a talented GAA player, and with no outlet previously to play football, she has focused on playing with her club St. Michael’s and the county side.

She recently completed a masters in agricultural innovation at NUIG and currently works for the HSE.

Boles said: “I’m delighted to have signed with Sligo Rovers and I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. It’s a brilliant opportunity to play WNL in Sligo and gives a pathway to aspiring young girls in the area. 

“It’s a credit to the work done at underage level within Sligo Rovers which has provided a foundation for the senior team. I’m delighted for these young girls who now have the opportunity to play at the highest level in Ireland.

“I am very proud to be part of the first Sligo Rovers to take part in the WNL. It’s exciting for me and my family and I can’t wait for the league to start.”

Boles is delighted to get the opportunity to play WNL locally in Sligo. 

“Steve is meticulous in his approach to training and he has formed a great management team. Training have been really enjoyable. 

“I started playing with Emma Hansberry while in Ursuline college, we played centre mid together there and also at Castlebar Celtic.

 “It’s great to see girls who may not have had the opportunity to play WNL otherwise, now get that opportunity with Sligo Rovers. The squad has been building over the last few weeks and there is a great mix of young and not so young!”