The Football Association of Ireland and Aviva Ireland are proud to launch In Her Boots, a free education and awareness-based programme aimed at empowering the football volunteer workforce, who train girls aged 9-16.
The programme, endorsed by Shamrock Rovers captain and Ireland Women’s National Team Centurion Áine O’Gorman, is designed to inspire, educate, and support girls in their football journey.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOPS
The programme will educate parents, coaches, and clubs on key areas such as injury reduction and nutrition and is developed in collaboration with Angela Kenneally (Physiotherapist, Ireland WNT), Ivi Casagrande (Performance Coach, Ireland WNT) and Dr. Brendan Egan (Nutritionist, Ireland WNT). FAI Development Officers will roll out workshops across the country, providing young athletes with the knowledge they need to protect their bodies and stay healthy while performing at their best.
The programme ensures that coaches better understand many aspects of training girls, including the normal changes occurring during growth spurts, helping them support girls through this critical stage in their development. The initiative also provides guidance on creating an inclusive environment with the right facilities, kit, and equipment to foster long-term participation.
In Her Boots addresses the need to keep girls engaged in sports, when many drop out due to lack of encouragement, role models, or access to resources. With Aviva and the FAI’s long-standing commitment to developing Grassroots Football, this programme will help to provide a better environment for girls across Ireland by offering workshops, mentorship, and practical support for parents and coaches to keep the girls in sport. Through workshops led by local Development Officers, the programme equips coaches with the knowledge and tools to support girls as they navigate both physical changes and the demands of the sport.
In Her Boots is now live 🙌
A new programme, in partnership with @AVIVAIRELAND, aiding the development of girls aged 9-16.
The programme will help coaches with training girls, including Athletic Development, Nutrition Considerations and Female Health / Performance.
Rolling out… pic.twitter.com/YtvTAKr0HE
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) September 30, 2024
Both Aviva and the FAI are dedicated to creating lasting change in women’s football. This initiative is the latest in their ongoing commitment to supporting female athletes and building a strong foundation for girls’ football in Ireland.
Hannah Dingley, FAI Head of Women & Girls’ Football, said: "It is vital that we recognise that there are physiological differences between male and female players. In Her Boots is an innovative programme designed to educate coaches working with our female players on how to best support them to reduce injuries, build confidence and ultimately ensure that they stay engaged in the game. We hope that having coaches that are able to better support our female players will help keep more girls involved in football and ensure they develop a lifelong love of the game. We are excited to work with Aviva and our Development Officers to bring a really important programme to communities around the country.”
Áine O’Gorman, ambassador for In Her Boots, shares her passion for the programme: "As someone who has experienced first-hand the incredible impact that football can have on young girls, I’m thrilled to be part of ‘In Her Boots.’ This initiative not only focuses on keeping girls on the pitch but also equips the coaches with the tools they need help support young female players to thrive, mentally and physically."
Caroline Cummins, Sponsorship Manager at Aviva, said: "At Aviva, we are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of female athletes. The ‘In Her Boots’ programme is a powerful way for us to help bridge the gender participation gap and ensure that young girls have the resources and inspiration they need to stay involved in football. Through this initiative, we are proud to partner with the FAI in fostering a positive environment for girls to develop their skills, stay healthy, and pursue their passion for sport."
Parents, coaches and clubs can sign up for the In Her Boots workshops by clicking here
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