Consultations on a proposed new strategy for girls’ and women’s football in Northern Ireland have been “an overwhelming success”.
Lauren Moore, Women’s Football Development Manager with the Irish FA Foundation, revealed both in-person and online sessions were met with enthusiastic participation and had provided invaluable insights that will shape the future of the women’s game here.
“We were welcomed warmly at every location we visited during our roadshows,” she revealed.
Lauren and other Irish FA staff travelled across Northern Ireland to meet with community members, stakeholders and partners.
She said face-to-face interactions allowed for deep, meaningful discussions and a thorough understanding of local perspectives on girls’ and women’s football.
There were also online sessions which provided a platform for those who could not attend in person, ensuring a wide range of voices were heard.
“The convenience and accessibility of these sessions contributed to a high level of participation,” she revealed.
The Women’s Football Development Manager explained participants readily shared feedback on various aspects of the proposed strategy.
“This feedback is crucial as it highlights the community’s priorities and concerns, guiding us in refining our approach to support and grow girls’ and women’s football,” she said.
She further pointed out: “While we have made significant progress, our work is not yet complete. We still have some consultations to conduct with key partners and stakeholders. These final discussions will ensure that our strategy is comprehensive and inclusive, addressing the needs and aspirations of all involved.”
Lauren thanked everyone who had participated in the consultation process to date, noting that their contributions have been invaluable.
And she added: “As we move forward we remain dedicated to incorporating the feedback received into our final strategy. We look forward to sharing the next steps soon and continuing this journey together.”
