The Irish FA has presented plans to Stormont for the Northern Ireland women's football team to train full-time ahead of next summer's Euros.
Kenny Shiels' side created history earlier this year when they qualified for the European Championship finals.
They will compete at the major tournament next year in England.
Plans for a full-time training model were presented to MLAs and Ministers at Stormont on Tuesday.
UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt hosted a reception event entitled 'A New Dream', which was attended by various political representatives alongside Shiels’ squad.
It is hoped the team can move from their current part-time status to train on a full-time basis from January next year.
Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: “I was delighted to see so many political parties represented this evening. It shows just how much support there is for these plans and we will talk to Ministers and MLAs in more detail in the coming weeks."
Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan and record caps holder Julie Nelson attended the function.
Defender Nelson said: “We are on the cusp of something really exciting. Qualifying for the Euros really is a new dream.
“We know that football can inspire people of all ages and this Northern Ireland team has the potential to inspire a new generation of fans and players. Many of the people in the room can help us realise that potential.”
Meanwhile, Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood added: “The remarkable story of our senior women’s international team has been well documented: part-time footballers who defied all the odds to achieve what many people simply didn’t think was possible - a spot at the UEFA Women’s Euros next year.
“The football community in Northern Ireland is excited about women’s football and we at the Irish FA are really excited, too.”
MLAs speaking at the event included Carál NÍ Chuilín (Sinn Fein), Michelle McIlveen (DUP), Justin McNulty (SDLP), Chris Lyttle (Alliance) and Rachel Woods (Green Party).
Jim Allister (TUV) and Claire Sugden (Independent) were also due to speak but were unavailable due to assembly business.
