Aviva Soccer Sisters is a grassroots programme for girls aged 7 – 14 with the aim of increasing the number of girls playing football countrywide. Girls are encouraged to enjoy football in a free, fun, friendly and safe environment.
Since 2010, Aviva and the FAI have worked together to promote the initiative, but figures plateaued in recent years. It was clear the programme had the potential to become something very special, but needed rejuvenation. Stakeholder insights provided the tools to redevelop the programme to include free camps, blitzes and coaching programmes. As a result, participation numbers grew by 107%, with over 300 newly qualified coaches to make the game more sustainable.
21 March 2019; Media personality and mum of three Yvonne Connolly and her daughter Ali Keating officially kicked off the FAI Aviva Soccer Sisters Easter Football Festival this morning at Aviva Stadium alongside Ireland international players Niamh Farrelly and Isibeal Atkinson. This year’s programme has been revamped, now offering FREE camps over the Easter period (15th 26th April) for girls aged between 6 14 years old. Over 6,000 girls from clubs around the country are expected to take part. See soccersisters.ie or #SafeToDream for details. In attendance at the launch are, from left, Penny Roache, Pixi Roache, Abbie Larkin, Isibeal Atkinson, Ali Keating, Yvonne Connolly, Niamh Farrelly, Emily Short, Caoimhe Nannery and Eden Murphy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile