Girlguiding Ulster, part of the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, has teamed up with the Irish FA Foundation to provide a programme encouraging girls to take part in football.
The partnership aims to create opportunities for girls and young women to challenge themselves, challenge perceptions and have fun with football.
Speaking at the launch at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Debbie McDowell, Chief Commissioner at Girlguiding Ulster, said: “We are thrilled to launch this partnership today, and show girls that football is for everyone.
“Our Girls’ Attitudes Survey tells us that 50% of girls aged 7–21 have been patronised or made to feel stupid because they’re a girl. We want girls and young women to break barriers, and we are constantly striving to encourage them to do whatever they set their mind to, so this partnership has never been more important.”
Marissa Callaghan, who captained the Northern Ireland senior women’s team at the 2022 Euros and plays for Cliftonville, said: “Football is fantastic for girls. It’s good for our physical and mental health, it’s about building relationships, working as a team and just coming together to have a good time.
“We are excited to be able to provide this opportunity for Brownies and Guides across Northern Ireland, introducing more girls to the benefits and fun of football.”
Girlguiding Ulster, which has more than 7000 members in Northern Ireland, offers girls a space to belong and have fun. It brings girls together to have incredible adventures, share laughs and learn about the world around them.
Girlguiding Ulster Chief Executive Claire Flowers said: “We know the barriers girls face and we’re committed to making sure they have equal opportunities to thrive.
“Our programme is packed full of resources to help girls build their confidence and speak out. We help girls and young women develop the skills and confidence to become the young women they want to be and to make a difference to the world around them.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone at the Irish FA Foundation for making today possible and supporting our Brownies and Guides to try something which might just become a new passion.”
Image: Brownies, Guides and Leaders from Girlguiding Ulster at the Clearer Twist National Stadium with Marissa Callaghan and Nadine Murphy from the Irish FA Foundation.
