Girlguiding Ulster and the Irish FA Foundation have created a badge activity pack aimed at encouraging young members in Northern Ireland to take part in football.
The new pack has been created through a partnership between Girlguiding Ulster, part of the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated to girls, and the foundation.
The partnership, which was launched last summer, is developing a programme encouraging Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers to take part in football.
It aims to create opportunities for girls and young women to challenge themselves, challenge perceptions and have fun with football.
Debbie McDowell, Chief Commissioner at Girlguiding Ulster, said: “This new badge activity pack will help even more girls discover a love of football, build their confidence and feel empowered to get involved in sport.
"We are so excited to partner with the Irish FA Foundation. It's such a natural fit - both our organisations are passionate about helping girls grow in confidence, try new things and realise their potential.
“Some of our girls have already had the chance to visit the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park and take part in football coaching, and the enthusiasm and confidence that has sparked has been fantastic to see.”
Marissa Callaghan, Women’s Football Development Officer with the Irish FA Foundation, said the foundation was “incredibly proud” to have the partnership with Girlguiding Ulster.
She explained: “Together we want to create more opportunities for girls to discover the joy of football in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
“By combining the strengths of both organisations, we can inspire confidence, leadership and a lifelong love of being active. This is an exciting step for growing the girls’ game across Northern Ireland, and we can’t wait to see the impact it will have.”
Girlguiding Ulster offers girls a space to get creative, explore, become more confident and, most of all, have fun. It brings girls together to have incredible adventures, share laughs and learn about the world around them.
Image: Northern Ireland youth international players Ellie McGarrigle and Annarose Robinson joined Debbie McDowell, Chief Commissioner at Girlguiding Ulster, Marissa Callaghan (Women’s Football Development Officer, Irish FA Foundation), Girlguiding Ulster CEO Claire Fellows and girl guides Kate, Abigail and Georgia to help launch the new activity pack.
