Sion Swifts have withdrawn from the Women’s Premiership ahead of the 2024 season.
They club will drop into the Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association’ (NIWFA) where it will “focus efforts on rebuilding and strengthening the club”.
It comes after the resignation of long-serving manager Tony McGinley and the loss of a number of senior players.
The Women’s Premiership will go ahead in 2024 with nine teams after the Swifts’ withdrawal.
A statement from the Strabane-based club said it was a “very difficult decision” to pull out from Northern Ireland’s top flight.
“While it is deeply regrettable, we believe it is in the best interests of the club, its players and supporters.”
After being formed in 2010, the club’s highlight as a top-flight side came in 2017 when they won the Irish Cup at Windsor Park.
The Swifts also lifted the League Cup in 2022 and reached the final of the Irish Cup later that year 2022 and the League Cup final in last season.
After being appointed to replace McGinley, Stephen Gray and his coaching staff will also depart the club.
The Swifts statement added it was looking forward to “participating in the NIWFA”.
“We would like to reassure everyone associated with the club that we remain committed to the continued development of this fantastic club by working with our grassroots to encourage positive co-operation of the sport.
“Everyone associated with Sion Swifts is determined to work collectively to strengthen and develop the team.
“Sion Swifts Ladies and Girls FC is committed to grow the club and continue with its important work to empower girls and young women to participate in the sport.
“We are very grateful to the support we have received to date and look forward to build on our existing fan base in our upcoming matches.”
A Northern Ireland Football League statement added: “NIFL will meet with the clubs at the earliest opportunity to confirm the impact of this late withdrawal on the fixture schedule, participation in cup competitions and promotion & relegation.
“We wish Sion Swifts Ladies every success going forward and thank them for their contribution during their time in the league.”
