Donegal’s Emma Doherty has agreed a long-term deal at Sligo Rovers through a scholarship with Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
The Buncrana 17-year-old is the first female player to avail of the scholarship partnership between Rovers and ATU.
Each year, the university offers a limited number of Sligo Rovers players a fee-waiver scholarship which is matched by the club with support to the player throughout the seasons they are studying.
Following the establishment of the Senior Women’s team at Sligo Rovers in September 2021, this is the first year the university will offer scholarships to both senior women’s and senior men’s players.
Doherty joined The Bit O’ Red last January ahead of our inaugural Senior Women’s season competing in the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League.
The young striker has impressed throughout the season so far scoring nine goals in our opening 21 games.
Doherty’s growing profile has also been recognised at national level.
She was called up this week to the Republic of Ireland under-19 squad for two friendly internationals against Portugal.
The Buncrana native completed her Leaving Certificate in June and now begins an honours degree in Health Science and Physical Activity at ATU Sligo as part of the club’s long-standing partnership with Atlantic TU.
Bit O’ Red Women’s Team Manager Steve Feeney said:
‘’Emma has been a fantastic player for us so far this season. She is a real threat for defences in the league and she has shown that so far, scoring a goal almost every other game.
‘’The partnership the club have with ATU Sligo is a real help in us attracting top level players here as they can gain a high-level qualification while also playing at a high level with us on the national stage.
‘’I know Emma is keen to do well both on the field and at university. I feel this is a perfect match and one which will grow and develop over the coming seasons’’.
Doherty will now be part of ATU Sligo’s Senior Women’s team who will compete in the Third Level Colleges League and Cups throughout the academic year.
