The 2026 FIFA Girls’ Football Festivals officially kicked off with an “inspiring” opening event.
The first festival of the year, staged at the Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey, brought together 180 girls from 15 schools across Northern Ireland.
Running from February through to April, the FIFA-backed festivals will culminate in a large‑scale celebration event on Friday 24 April at Allen Park in Antrim, where participating schools and players will come together to mark their progress and achievements across the series.
Designed for Year 8 and Year 9 pupils, the festivals give girls meaningful opportunities to take part in schools’ football, build confidence, develop new skills and enjoy representing their schools in a positive and supportive environment.
The programme is being delivered by the Irish FA Foundation in close collaboration with the network of Regional Schools Districts, ensuring the activity reflects the needs of each local area.
Damian McLaughlin, School Development Officer with the foundation, explained this partnership helps increase access to football for more schools and supports long‑term development by strengthening the structures that enable girls to stay involved in the game.
He said by delivering the festivals through established district systems, the project boosts local capacity as well as immediate participation.
The festivals form a key part of the wider FIFA Women’s Football Campaign in Northern Ireland. The campaign aims not only to create enjoyable playing opportunities for girls today, but also to help districts and schools establish the foundations needed to grow the female game in the years to come.
This includes supporting schools to build their own football provision, encouraging districts to enhance girls’ leagues and helping communities make best use of both facilities and the Irish FA’s expertise.
McLaughlin, who said the opening festival in Newtownabbey was “inspiring”, explained a strong focus of the programme is its legacy.
He revealed that throughout the campaign, schools, districts and volunteers will receive support, resources and guidance to give them the confidence and capability to continue delivery independently beyond 2026.
Monitoring and feedback gathered during the festivals will inform future planning and ensure the programme continues to evolve to meet the needs of girls across Northern Ireland.
The programme also makes a significant investment in the development of female role models, according to the School Development Officer. Twelve women are currently taking part in the Irish FA’s National Coaching Certificate course, supported through FIFA funding.
He said these aspiring coaches will play an important role in expanding opportunities for girls within schools and strengthening the visibility of female leaders across the game.
Francis Brennan, School Development Manager at the Irish FA Foundation, said: “We are excited to launch these festivals, and it is fantastic to see so many girls getting the opportunity to represent their schools. The festivals give the girls a brilliant experience playing against a wide range of schools.
“They will have the chance to develop their skills, make memories and enjoy the game. Importantly, through upskilling teachers and coaches and supporting districts to run their own festivals, we are helping to build capacity and leave a lasting legacy in the girls’ game.
“We are very grateful to FIFA for their support, which is helping us create meaningful, sustainable opportunities for girls across Northern Ireland.”
Damian McLaughlin said the opening event has set a strong tone for the months ahead, showcasing enthusiasm, teamwork and enjoyment while laying important foundations for the continued growth of girls’ and women’s football across Northern Ireland.
Images from first schools' festival
