Football was very much to the fore yesterday in the celebration of International Women’s Day.
Stephanie Roche and Áine O’Gorman appeared on a Sport for Business hosted ‘coffee break; gathering for staff at Bank of Ireland and Roche spoke of the preparation she had been putting in ahead of her debut as an analyst on tonight’s RTÉ Champions’ League coverage.
We asked about the impact of social media trolling on prominent women analysts in recent weeks and months.
“Before it would have been she’s a woman, why is she talking about football but now there are more women involved and it has become more usual and the perceptions are changing.”
“I like to think I have a good knowledge of the game. If people question that, that’s fine. There are times when I feel I’ve had a really good show. I’ve got my points across and things I’ve said before the game might happen, have and that makes you look good. Then you come off and you look at your Twitter and there’s somebody saying ‘What is she wearing, is there something wrong with her,’
“Normally though, these days it is just one idiot and most people are supportive and just want to make points about football.”
International Women’s Team Manager Vera Pauw appeared in a Dutch Embassy conversation and one with Marie Crowe on the FAI’s own social media channels, revealing that some of the girls and boys training at the development level is to happen together in order to raise the preparation for the speed and physical side of the sport.
The FAI released an online book celebrating ten years of the Women’s National League which can be accessed free of charge here. It really is an excellent addition to knowledge and understanding of the sport and has been made possible by the support of SSE Airtricity.
“Congratulations to everyone involved with the FAI’s celebration of International Women’s Day today and a thank you to everyone who made this possible,” said FAI CEO Jonathan Hill.
“When I was appointed as CEO last November, I made clear the Association’s commitment to the development of Women’s and Girl’s football in Ireland. It is our firm belief that we can significantly drive forward the growth of female football in this country and we look forward to delivering with you all on that commitment in the coming weeks, months and years.
“I know my colleagues across the Association are as committed to this process as I am. We have seen very positive developments around the international teams and the League of Ireland in recent weeks and our Grassroots Department are about to launch some great initiatives for girls football.
“Let’s grow the female game together, let’s grow female involvement at every level of the Irish football community together and let’s do that in a planned and sustainable way.”
It does need to be 365 days rather than one but that is what is happening to a greater extent than ever before.
With the start of the Wommen’s National League coming up, with streaming of all games, and then the draw for the World Cup Qualification groups next month, the future is getting brighter all the time.
Sport for Business Partners
