Speaking in the wake of the Green and White Army’s 3-0 Euro 2025 qualifier defeat to Norway on Tuesday, Nelson said more money was needed at all levels of the country’s game – especially in the national youth setup.
While admitting her former international teammates had made significant strides in recent years, she stressed that the step up from U-19 to the senior side was currently too large. Nelson said a bridging platform was needed.
Unlike the men’s team and other wealthier nations, Northern Ireland’s women do not currently have a U-21 team.
According to the BBC, Nelson said: “There are a lot of players now, once they finish under-19s football they’re maybe not getting the chance to get exposure again into the international squad.
“The bigger nations have more money and are able to invest more. It’s obviously a massive ask to close the gulf.”
Tuesday’s defeat meant Northern Ireland were condemned to a 7-0 aggregate defeat to two-time European champions Norway in the play-offs for next summer’s tournament.
Despite calling out the need for more investment, Nelson heralded the progress of the side under new manager, Tanya Oxtoby, who assumed her role last year.
Nelson, who won the last of her 130 caps in 2022, said the progress was all the more remarkable given the squad had lost so many experienced players over the last 15 months.
“The direction Tanya’s taking the squad, it seems she’s looking more at players who are playing in a full-time environment across the water,” Nelson added.
“Those young players are getting lots of exposure now and opportunities. When you play teams of the level of Norway you see the levels you need to try to get to.”
Oxtoby herself was more philosophical and effused even more praise for the efforts of her largely inexperienced squad.
“I’ve said 120 times we are on a journey and every time we play and challenge ourselves, our girls get better,” Oxtoby told BBC Sport NI. “We are proud of where we started to where we are now, and we want to continue on that journey.”
Angela Platt, the IFA’s director of women’s football, has announced plans to launch a comprehensive women’s and girls’ football strategy in early 2025. The initiative will aim to promote growth at all levels, ensuring that young girls not only enjoy the game but also envision a future within it.
