Wexford Youths WAFC have impressed in the new competition and will look to continue their good run of form as they take on Cork City WFC in their Group A clash at Ferrycarrig Park on Saturday.
On Sunday, Galway WFC welcome Peamount United to Eamonn Deacy Park for a Group B showdown, while Kilkenny United WFC play host to UCD Waves in their Group A duel.
The beginning of the regular season may be rapidly approaching but winning the Shield is something that each of the teams would like to achieve, including Wexford who lifted the WNL title last season.
"The Shield is the first trophy on offer this season and we want to keep on winning," said Wexford manager Will Doyle, who is fully aware of the threat posed by Cork.
There are plenty of intriguing plots in each of the games, e.g. Galway could hand a debut to Republic of Ireland Women's Under 19 captain Savannah McCarthy, but it is the three points that will ultimately be on most people's minds.
The fixture between Shelbourne Ladies FC and Castlebar Celtic, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 3, has been called off.
For full previews of each game, click on the links below
Galway WFC v Peamount United
Kilkenny United WFC v UCD Waves
Wexford Youths WAFC v Cork City WFC