World Cup hero Amber Barrett says a strong Women’s Premier Division will ensure more magic moments on the international stage like her play-off winner against Scotland.
The Ireland international will watch today’s big kick-off from afar, as she prepares for Turbine Potsdam’s Bundesliga visit to Duisburg tomorrow.
But the former Peamount United striker will be keeping a close eye on developments this season, in what is going to be a historic year for women’s football in Ireland.
Barrett feels the arrival of Shamrock Rovers and the growing professionalism within the league is evidence of progress.
And she recognises that more focus than ever will be on the domestic game this year thanks to the exploits of Vera Pauw’s side in reaching this summer’s World Cup.
“I think there is no way that the profile hasn’t been raised,” Barrett told the Irish Daily Star.
“And if the standard of the league is going to keep improving, then we can safely say that years down the line there are going to be more European qualifications and more World Cup qualifications.
“If we have a solid league foundation, then it’s only going to improve the national team.
“The likes of Shamrock Rovers getting involved is only going to improve the standard of the league.
“We hope other teams take that initiative and go on the right path, and that teams that aren’t involved now work towards getting involved.
“That’s the legacy we want to leave - we want to get more girls involved in sport.”
Barrett, meanwhile, believes her former side Peamount will continue to thrive in a league that is set to feature sides strongly backed by traditionally male League of Ireland clubs.
Current Peas star Karen Duggan called yesterday greater backing so they can “continue to compete with teams that have an affiliated men’s team.”
Barrett said: “I look at the players Peamount have and I know they are not associated under a male club umbrella, but there is a fantastic atmosphere there, it really is a family club.
“I know everybody at the club is doing their utmost to make sure the girls there and the ladies get the best opportunities to be successful and to win the league again.
“That was the attitude when I was there, it didn’t matter who they were competing against.
“We were competing against the likes of Shels at the time and they were one of the first teams to go under the male umbrella.
“That pushed them and put pressure on the likes of Peamount.
“But I have no doubt that Peamount will always be there or thereabouts, not just with the players they have but the people at the club too.”
Barrett added: “Peamount will always be one of the most important women’s clubs in Ireland because of what they have done for the game and the players that have passed through their door.
“I’d say more than half the national team have all played with or against Peamount at some stage in their lives and I think that shows you how big a club it is.
“We are very grateful that we have clubs that are predominantly female led. We shouldn’t just lose that because teams want to go under the umbrella of male clubs.
“Hopefully more people can support and financially support the likes of Peamount, so that they can be around for a long time.”
*AMBER BARRETT has been announced as a brand ambassador for AYA, the leading Irish vitamin and supplement brand for all the family.
FIXTURES:
Galway United v Wexford Youths (Eamonn Deacy Park, 2pm)
Shelbourne v Cork City (Tolka Park, 2pm)
Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers (The Showgrounds, 5pm)
Treaty United v Bohemians (Markets Field, 5pm)
Athlone Town v Peamount United (Athlone Town Stadium, 7pm)
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