Northern Ireland women’s football squad welcomed to Galgorm Resort ahead of Portugal World Cup play-off

Galgorm Collection welcomed Northern Ireland’s senior women’s football team to Galgorm Resort recently as the squad prepared for its FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 European qualifying play-off against Portugal

Monday 26 October 2026

Northern Ireland’s senior women’s football team enjoyed a stay at Galgorm Resort near Ballymena as they prepared for their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying play-off against Portugal earlier this month.

The national squad and coaching staff were welcomed to the Co Antrim resort ahead of the first-leg encounter at Inver Park in Larne on Friday 9 October, with the visit highlighting the ongoing relationship between Galgorm Collection and the Irish Football Association (Irish FA).

The resort provided accommodation and facilities for the players and coaching team as they focused on preparations for the international fixture.

Galgorm provides base for international squad

During their stay, players and staff had access to the resort’s accommodation, dining facilities, dedicated meeting spaces, fitness suite and Thermal Spa Village.

The visit demonstrated how hospitality facilities in the Ballymena area can support international sporting teams, with Galgorm Collection continuing its involvement in Northern Ireland sport through its relationship with the Irish FA.

Colin Johnston, Chief Executive at Galgorm Collection, said:

“We were incredibly proud to welcome Northern Ireland's senior women's football team to Galgorm Resort ahead of such an important fixture. Representing your country on the international stage is a tremendous achievement, and it was a privilege to play a small part in supporting the squad's preparations.

“At Galgorm Collection, we're passionate about supporting sport and recognising the positive influence it has on individuals and communities. Through our ongoing relationship with the Irish Football Association, we're delighted to support women's football in Northern Ireland and the talented players who continue to inspire the next generation.

“While the team did not get the result they had hoped for against a talented Portuguese side, the commitment and determination shown by the squad were something Northern Ireland could be proud of. We wish the players, management and everyone involved with the Irish FA every success in the future and look forward to welcoming them back to Galgorm.”

Irish FA highlights importance of preparation

Angela Platt, the Irish Football Association’s Director of Women’s Football, welcomed the facilities and environment provided for the squad ahead of the match.

She said:

“At elite level, preparation is key, and having the right environment in which to prepare is important. Our stay at Galgorm provided a positive setting for the squad to prepare for the challenges ahead, allowing the players and staff to focus on the task at hand.”

The visit forms part of Galgorm Collection’s wider relationship with the Irish FA and its support for sporting, educational and community initiatives across Northern Ireland.

For the Ballymena area, hosting the national squad also demonstrates the role local hospitality businesses can play in supporting elite sport, bringing international-level teams and their preparations to facilities within the region.