Emma Hansberry has become the first official signing for the Sligo Rovers team which is being assembled for the start of the Women’s National League.
The Sligo native is a former Republic of Ireland international and a talented athlete across multiple sporting codes.
Hansberry played in the inaugural Women’s National League for Castlebar Celtic in 2011 and then went on to play for Wexford as he represented the Republic of Ireland.
During her time in Castlebar, she featured in the WNL Team of the Season and awarded the Young Player of the Year in Ireland.
She won an FAI Cup with Wexford in 2014 along with three league titles as well as competing in the Champions League.
In recent times, Hansberry had held a coaching role with the women’s academy teams.
She was also joint-manager of the IT Sligo senior women’s soccer side.
Now, at 27, and with the Bit O’ Red taking steps in senior football, the midfielder will play for her hometown club.
She said: “It’s an honour to get the chance to play for Sligo Rovers. I knew one day Sligo Rovers would have a team in the WNL but I didn’t think it would come around this quickly. It’s going to be a pleasure to line out for Sligo Rovers this season and credit to everyone for making it happen.”
The 2022 SSE Airtricity Women’s National League will begin in March.
Sligo Rovers opening game will be on Saturday, March 5th, away to last season’s league runners-up Peamount Utd.
All women’s national league matches will be streamed live on LOITV.
Rovers have also confirmed that supporters who have bought a season ticket for the men’s team will also receive free entry to WNL games at The Showgrounds.
