TG4 UNDERDOGS – the legendary series tackles Women’s Soccer!

Jesse Mendez of Cork City is tackled by Kayla Hamric of Shelbourne during the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division match at Tolka Park in Dublin recently. (Photo: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile)

While the Ireland Women’s national soccer team head for Australia and New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, back at a grassroots level club players also have a massive opportunity to play in the big leagues.

Adare Productions and TG4, in conjunction with the Football Association of Ireland, are looking to find a squad of ambitious women with enough drive, skill and passion to take on one of the top SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division teams. Have you got what it takes to make that team and bring them to victory?

“We are delighted to support this initiative which will provide an opportunity and a pathway for players to the game, who may have stepped away from football for a number of reasons, whether due to work, study, family or other commitments,” FAI’s League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon said.

“We hope that Underdogs will be an important first step for players who still harbour the ambition to play at the highest level of football in Ireland at an exciting time in the development and growth of women’s football in Ireland.”

Could this be your chance? Players will be chosen and trained by a panel of expert coaches. This is an opportunity for unknown players to go up against some of the country’s top footballers.

TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said: “The Underdogs Series has been a long standing and regular staple in TG4’s schedule over many years and we eagerly await the new season of this famous series. In what is a hugely exciting year for Women’s football, we look forward to working with the FAI and Adare Productions in unearthing the next Underdogs squad.”

Who can apply?

Women football players who have not been an active player in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division in the last 3 seasons. Applicants can’t have ever played at Senior international level. And applicants must be 18 years of age or over on June 3rd, 2023.

With nationwide trials set to take place in June 2023, TG4 and Adare Productions are now inviting applications for the new series of Underdogs – apply online at www.tg4.ie/underdogs.