The pitches at Lisneal College in Derry don’t echo with the sound of boys’ football anymore, but instead hum with the energy of girls engaging in the sport. This sight makes Ciara Scollay, the mother of two passionately football-inclined girls, immensely proud. The profound sense of empowerment overwhelms her every time she steps into the premises, and she can only attempt to fathom the exhilaration that a young 10-year-old girl might experience upon entering.
The journey of girls’ football has indeed been remarkable, as evidenced by the journey of her daughter Eve Maginnis’s team – the under 11s from St Malachy’s OB Youth Football Club in North Belfast. They successfully made their way to the O’Neill’s Foyle Cup, a prominent yearly football festival. The event showcases 700 participating teams and around 13,000 players from all corners of the world including the US, Canada, and China. The cup generates between £6 million and £8 million locally in Derry, Donegal, and Tyrone through the support of over 250,000 spectators and nearly 3,000 matches.
Breaking norms, girls’ teams, for the first time amount to 100, showcasing an impressive rise in involvement post the Covid-19 lockdown. Reflecting on the success, Philip Devlin, the tournament secretary, notes how girls’ participation skyrocketed once they had their own leagues from under eight upwards. The exposure provided by televised matches, especially during the Euros, when both Northern Ireland and the Republic were participating, and the Lionesses, engendered a renewed interest in football amongst girls. As it became more fashionable and accessible, local clubs proactively initiated girls-only teams, which contributed to this explosive growth. In just two seasons, girls’ football has gained serious traction, particularly with those under 11, promising an even brighter future for the sport in the years to come.
During the week, Lisneal fields are teeming with girls’ football matches underway. Young players with ponytails and plaits dash after the ball or bask in the joy of a scored goal.
Rosa Crossan, an 11-year-old football enthusiast, is extremely passionate about the sport. “It’s my absolute favourite, without a doubt,” she declares.
Alongside Rosa, her friends and St. Malachy’s teammates gear up for their forthcoming matches. The camaraderie among them is evident with green and black friendship bracelets representing their team colours. A unique addition is green braces sported by Jasmine Toal, another 11-year-old player. “They have been specially arranged,” Jasmine states. Meanwhile, Eve Maginnis exhibits her white scrunchie, emulating her role model, the Irish footballer Leanne Kiernan. The team was overjoyed by Ireland’s recent 3-1 victory against France.
All 70 girls of St. Malachy’s attended Northern Ireland’s women’s match against the Republic in December at Windsor Park. Brendan Crossan, Rosa’s father, head coach, and sports writer, believes experiences like these can inspire the young minds. “These events ignite their passion and create lifelong memories,” he says.
This rationale further substantiates Brendan’s stand towards the refurbishment of Casement Park in west Belfast, terming it a “straightforward decision”. “It’s an open and shut case to bring the Euros here. The potential it offers is unparalleled, but unfortunately, Belfast lacks foresight. Our thought process has always been restrained,” he shares.
“The excitement such initiatives can stir up among children is unmatched.”
Brendan recollects a moment from the Windsor Park match where children were supporting players from opposite teams, a stark contrast from his time. Marissa Callaghan representing Northern Ireland and Katie McCabe of the Republic of Ireland, both receiving support, is an eye-opener for his generation.
Ever since Rosa was five, she has been involved in football, and her confusion at the suggestion that football is more likely to be a boys sport is evident. “Such an assumption seems unjust,” she opines.
Toal fervently expresses, “I’m indifferent to public opinion. For me, football is remarkable. A favourite pastime of mine is, during matches against young lads, I get a kick out of performing slide tackles.”
The transformation that football brings has not gone unnoticed by parents and trainers. “We only really kicked-off last year,” shares Tanya Harkin, the coach for Ballymoor FC, a team based in Derry City. “Observe the tight-knit community they’ve formed, they are unwavering supporters of each other. The boost in their confidence, and the attitude,” she adds with a chuckle.
Siobhán McNulty noted her 10-year-old daughter, Lara Brady’s growth in leadership and organisation skills and shares, “When she was appointed captain for the first time, the coach instructed, ‘you’re managing the team’s conversation’, and I noticed her expressions. Yet, post that, she was exhilarated. One could truly see her self-confidence bloom.”
Crossan weighs in, “I believe we may be challenging old customs regarding the activities of girls and boys. I’m not training girls or boys but aspiring footballers.
“It’s astonishing how many mothers expressed to me leading up to this moment, they desired a Foyle Cup during their childhood.”