10,000+ women play football in Northern Ireland every week and as proud sponsors of women’s football in Northern Ireland, we take every opportunity to shed light on the game changers who are blazing a trail and making a difference for women’s football.
We have previously featured Northern Ireland Women’s Football Manager Alfie Wylie, Jackie Blyth, IFA Schools’ Officer, role model Marissa Callaghan, captain of Northern Ireland Women’s football team, and rising football star Grace Montgomery.
Next up is Joanne Nicholl, PE teacher and girls’ coach at St. Cecilia’s in Derry and a person who is very much instrumental in giving young girls the opportunity to play football. Joanne speaks about the progression of women's football over the years and what she is excited about going forward.
Joanne's Support of Electric Ireland's Super Schools Festival
As 1400 young girls played at the recent Electric Ireland Super Schools Festival, Joanne shared her enthusiasm for the event and what it represented for women’s football.
“Now the opportunities are fantastic,” said Liverpool fan Joanne who attended the recent Super Schools Festival.
“The girls are getting great quality coaching from as young as under-8s, and right the way through. The growth in female club football is incredible.
"In 2003, when I first started coaching, the Northern Ireland finals would have been held at a school with only three pitches, so it was fantastic to see over 1,400 young aspiring female footballers participating in the event last week across 25 pitches with five or six teams on each pitch.
"The improvement in participation rates in the game is unreal and the standard is improving all the time as more girls play it. It’s fantastic to think they can make a proper career out of it, the future’s really exciting for them.
"What’s great as well is that the opportunities aren’t just for the players. As the female teams get stronger, female coaching is improving and we’re seeing more and more top women referees.”
International Inspiration
It was a trip to America that made Joanne realise the opportunities available for women in football.
“I went to America in 1994 for five weeks to watch the World Cup,” she said.
“At the time it felt very progressive and I was even offered coaching positions out there. It feels now though that we’re getting there, that women and girls who love football are getting those chances. That’s what it’s all about.”
Women’s football has certainly come a long way and it is game changers like Joanne who are blazing a trail for others.
From the NIWFA league, which is currently underway, to international progress, there is no telling what might be next for women’s football in Northern Ireland. Follow our #GameChangers campaign for updates on women’s football.
Who are the #GameChangers in your community? Share your most inspirational game changer using the hashtag #GameChangers.