The Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter Programme for 2023 was launched today at Stella Maris FC, the club where Áine O’Gorman began here career in the game.
The grassroots football programme for girls aged 7-14 aims to increase the number of girls playing football nationwide. Through a series of football blitzes, girls are encouraged to enjoy football in a free, fun, friendly and safe environment.
The programme was created under the FAI’s “Introduction to Football” banner with the aim of increasing the number of girls playing football nationwide.
Since its inception in 2010, over 30,000 young girls have participated in the programmes, which has led to the formation of new clubs and/or girls’ sections in clubs throughout the county.
This year is the first year of a newly revamped Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter Programme.
The objective of this programme is to retain girls in the sport through upskilling and awareness building amongst both coaches and parents.
To support this, the FAI have developed coaching programmes with the intention of increasing coaches’ awareness of specific topics that may impact the girl’s game including the menstrual cycle – by providing parents with necessary supports and information, resulting in a better environment for the young girls.
As part of the programme, the FAI will be hosting blitzes on the 15th of April, at selected venues around the country. The teams who participate in the blitzes will be in with a chance to play at Aviva Stadium on April 22nd.
“Aviva Soccer Sisters is one of the driving forces behind the increase in the number of girls participating in grassroots soccer in recent years, and we are thrilled to have the support of Aviva Ireland to continue to build on its success again this year,” said Pearl Slattery, Programme Coordinator for Girls Football at the FAI, and Captain of Shelbourne whose Tolka Park home is just across the road from Stella Maris.
“This year is a historic year for women’s soccer with the Irish Women’s Football team heading to the World Cup this summer. They really are the perfect role models for our younger players, and they show that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”
“We are delighted to continue working with the FAI to help nurture and support the future of Irish Women’s football with the Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter Programme,” added Aviva Sponsorship manager Caroline Cummins.
“Being able to provide girls aged 7-14 with the opportunity to learn some core football skills while having fun in a safe environment is fantastic. Aviva Soccer Sisters is a huge part of the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion work we do at Aviva, and we are delighted to announce, alongside the FAI, this revamped programme that is committed to keeping girls in the sport.”
Join us tomorrow when we will have a one-to-one interview with Áine O’Gorman talking about her early days, playing with Shamrock Rovers and the Women’s National team, and how the arrival of her son James has changed her world.
