Wexford clubs host takeover day to celebrate girls in sport
Sarah McDonald has been a coach in Gorey for a number of years, and was inspired to host the event as she said the girls' side of the club has 'exploded' in memberships.
'I was up in the stand one day watching two girls matches and I thought isn't it such a good opportunity for the girls to have teams in Gorey.
'It's not that long ago that there were no teams in Gorey. You know, now we've got soccer, rugby, GAA – great opportunities for girls' teams,' Sarah said.
In its third year, Sarah said the event emphasise the importance of girls in sport and encouraging them to continue playing sports in their adulthood. 'The long and short of it is we want to keep all of these girls playing sport. The drop off rate in girls during teenage years is absolutely astronomical.
'We're going to try and do anything we possibly can to prevent that from happening,' she added.
Sarah said she started the idea about three years ago and decided to get an expression of interest in the local community to celebrate how welcoming the club is of girls involvement in sport.
During the day, several games are played from age six, all the way up to the ladies' team, where they enjoy a full day of games, neighbourly club fun and a great celebration. Throughout the day, visitors could also receive face painting, balloon modelling, and hair braiding. 'There's two pitches of matches running all day long, on the side pitch we have fun activities with traditional sports day races and challenge games,' Sarah said.
Each year, the club design a new jersey to incorporate Girls Takeover Day with over 400 jerseys sold this year. 'There's about 400 people in Naomh Éanna who are very proud to wear their jersey with a slash of pink in it.
'The atmosphere on Saturday kind of reminds all of us what it's about, long after the winning and the losing is forgotten about,' Sarah said.
Sarah said there was no distinction between the men's and ladies' teams. 'We have equal access to pitches, training space and equipment. There's no distinction on the amount of membership Naomh Éanna charge the girls compared to the boys – which is important to recognise that.'
Sarah thanked the coaches, parents, friends and families for helping make the day a success. She also thanked the local businesses who helped make it a day to remember.
'It was just a fantastic day for everybody,' Sarah added.
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