Aviva Ireland have launched ‘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.

It is aimed at educating parents, coaches, and clubs on key areas such as injury reduction and nutrition and is developed in collaboration with Angela Kenneally, Ivi Casagrande and Dr Brendan Egan from the backroom team with the Women’s National Team.

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.

Engaged

In Her Boots addresses the need to keep girls engaged in sports when many drop out due to a 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.

It is significant to note that 48% of girls said sports stars are their biggest inspiration to play sports, surpassing other influences like parents, coaches, and friends (Sport Ireland’s Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study).

This highlights the importance of role models like Áine O’Gorman, whose leadership and visibility as the campaign’s ambassador can inspire young girls to stay engaged in football and reach their full potential. By seeing athletes like Áine thrive, girls are more likely to pursue their own sports journeys.

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.

Vital

“It is vital that we recognise that there are physiological differences between male and female players,” said Hannah Dingley, Head of Women’s and Girls Football at the FAI.

“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.”

“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,’” added Áine O’Gorman.

“This initiative not only focuses on keeping girls on the pitch but also equips the coaches with the tools they need to help support young female players to thrive, mentally and physically.”

“At Aviva, we are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of female athletes,” said Caroline Cummins, Sponsorship manager at Aviva.

“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.”

 

 

 

 

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