The FAI has created a new WNT Book Club where stars of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team can share stories of a book that has caught their eye.

The first episode is live now on YouTube, hosted by Marie Crowe and featuring Rianna Jarrett and Amber Barrett. It covers ‘Under the Lights and In the Dark: Untold Stories of Women’s Soccer’ by Gwendolyn Oxenham.

It uncovers stories of how Women’s football teams around the world have overcome sometimes horrendous prejudice to carry on playing the game.

From Brazil to Afghanistan it paints an inspiring picture of the power of sport.

Encouraging young girls to read these stories and realise some of the challenges that go on around the world, including how families were disowned for having girls rather than boys can be a real eye-opener.

Using the growing power of their own profile to do something that will inspire the next generations is something that the players are keen to support.

“I remember growing up in school, all I wanted to read and write about was football. My teacher told me I should broaden my horizon when it came to my writing and encouraged me to read more.”

“As I got older I gravitated towards picking up the odd book here and there. Once I found something that I was into I got hooked on it. And it doesn’t have to be football, it can be on anything. I read all different kinds of books and that is the beauty of it.”

This is the first episode in a series that will see the Ireland internationals review books that they enjoyed, discuss their favourite passages and ultimately show that the love of reading is something to share with others.

Barrett previously worked with Fighting Words – a creative writing centre that helps children and adults through programmes and workshops – and a future initiative with them will be rolled out in upcoming Ireland WNT camps.

The team face Australia in a warm-up game for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup Campaign at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow, Tuesday 21st September in a game that will also be televised live on RTÉ2.

 

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