WINNING the 2016 Women’s National League earned Shelbourne LFC the right to compete in this year’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.Â
The competition begins with a group stage, with each group being hosted by one team and all matches being played over a one-week period later this month.Â
Shelbourne’s group will be hosted by Linfield in Belfast with strong Polish and Finnish opposition completing the four-team group. Shels’ fixtures are:
?¢ Medyk Konin (August 22 at 2pm)
?¢ PK-35 Vantas (August 25 at 7.30pm)
?¢ Linfield (August 28 at 4pm)
Shelbourne’s Seana Cooke, who has experience of playing at the highest level with Arsenal and Ireland, told Northside People: “We can’t wait for the Champions League campaign to begin. We are really proud to also put Shels back in Europe.Â
“Heading to Belfast is great for us, the climate will suit us compared to other places we could have been drawn and, with being close to home, we hope that we will get support travelling the short distance to watch the games.Â
“We are facing tough opponents and things like the climate and support will be highly important in the heat of battle.”
Shelbourne’s burgeoning Academy is always looking for girls of all ages to join the club – as well as coaches – and anyone interested can simply drop into the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh on Saturday mornings at 11am.
For more information, contact Jason Dunbar on 087-6641924 or email Secretary@shelbournelfc.ie.Â