Electric Ireland marked the success of the 2019 season by announcing the winner of the Electric Ireland
NIWFA Game Changers 2019 Award at half time, during the Northern Ireland Senior Women’s UEFA Euro Qualifier against Wales.
NIWFA Game Changers 2019 Award Winner is Announced by Electric Ireland
Electric Ireland make the Game Changer award annually as part of the wider #GameChangersNI campaign which we run in partnership with the Irish FA. Through the campaign we celebrate female football talent and shining a light on the Game Changers who play and support football each week in Northern Ireland. The Game Changer Award is awarded to someone within the NIWFA Leagues and recognises individuals who have significantly contributed towards women’s football over the past year.
Rachael Rodgers from Mid-Ulster Ladies Football Club, was announced as the deserving award winner, having received several different nominations from various teammates, committee members and friends. Nominees could be players, coaches or supporters of women’s football. Rachael has played an integral part in all three roles at just 19 years of age.
Speaking of receiving this incredible accolade, Rachel said:
“It’s an amazing feeling to be given this award, especially one that has come from nominations from my friends and teammates at Mid-Ulster Ladies.”
Rachael Rodgers pictured receiving her Game Changer award from Anne Smyth, PR and Sponsorship Specialist for Electric Ireland, and Valerie Heron and Rosie McKee from NIWFA.
A Talented Player, Dedicated Coach and Inspiring Young Lady
Football is a huge part of Rachael’s life, having been involved from a young age. Rachael has recently completed her UEFA B part 1 and regularly coaches in the Electric Ireland Shooting Stars programme, as well as Junior teams at Mid-Ulster Ladies.
What Rachael enjoys most is seeing young players “enjoy football and improve each week.” She is a fantastic advocate for her club and expresses that: “Mid-Ulster Ladies FC is a great club to be a part of. It is like a second family, so to play alongside people I have been friends with for many years is an amazing thing to be able to do.”
Rachael previously played for the Northern Ireland U16 squad and her ability on the pitch is undoubted. She previously won the NIWFA Young Player Of The Year award and her International success would have continued except for an exceptionally strong decision by Rachel to forego her International football to continue being a carer for her Grandmother who was unfortunately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Rachael was able to use Mid-Ulster Ladies Football Club as a platform to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and the value of carers in the community, nominating Alzheimer’s as their Club charity for 2019. Subsequently, Rachael has now been nominated by
Alzheimer’s Society NI as a finalist in the upcoming young volunteer of the year award for raising awareness of Alzheimer’s. She has managed to raise an outstanding £4,700 for the charity, holding events inside and outside of the Club.
A Shining Light in Women's Football
Described by coaches, teammates, committee members and friends as hard working and a “Game Changer for the people who have been lucky enough to work with her”, Rachael not only goes the extra mile for her club, but inspires young girls to stick at football and “encourages them to chase their dreams no matter what.”
Her coach explains:
“I personally would be lost without her not only as a player, but her presence and bonds built with the youth of our club and senior level. I cannot think of no other person within women’s football that I would call a game changer as I believe that is what Rachael Rodgers is”
Changing The Game
Rachael is a game changer in all aspects of women’s football. She details how the game itself has changed over the past few years:
“Women can now make a living out of playing football and compete at high levels. Even participation numbers have increased in Northern Ireland showing the growing interest in the game.”
Congratulations to Rachael for her incredible achievements and we wish her every success in her bright future in football!
Electric Ireland are proud supporters of women's football in Northern Ireland. Thank you to everyone who got involved and nominated their Game Changer of 2019. Keep an eye out for 2020 award nominations next year!