Since Euro 2022, Northern Ireland's women’s football has experienced substantial growth despite not qualifying for the latest tournament after a playoff loss to Norway. Key changes have occurred in management, with multiple coaches succeeding Kenny Shiels, who left in January 2023. The team's squad composition has evolved, reducing the average age from 26.7 years during the Euros. Notable players in their late careers have shifted focus to younger talent. Despite missing key players due to injuries, there is optimism about the future potential within the women's game in Northern Ireland.
The growth in the women's game in Northern Ireland since the Euros is massive. I think there is still a long way to go, but we are definitely going in the right direction.
The most obvious change has been in management, as Kenny Shiels left his role less than a year after the Euros in January 2023.
The shift in focus has been clear by the average age of the squads. Of the 23 players who travelled to Euro 2022, the average age was 26.7.
Despite missing influential striker Simone Magill, who injured her anterior cruciate ligament earlier in the tournament, the average age of the starting team was significantly older.
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