#GameChangers: Meet Jackie Blyth, IFA Schools Officer
As part of Electric Ireland’s campaign to break the perceptions that exist around women’s football and to highlight
#GameChangers in the sport, we caught up with Jackie Blyth who is shaping the future of women’s football through her work with young people.
Introducing Jackie
“I am the Irish FA Schools Officer, concentrating on girls’ football. I cover primary school, post primary, further education and special needs,” Jackie explains. “The role involves delivering the Irish FA strategy within schools and promoting and fostering the women’s game.”
Jackie has made a point of highlighting the importance of females playing football and a pivotal part of her job is to encourage and spread the word “that females can and do play football at all levels - from grassroots to international and professional football.”
10 Years of Growth
Jackie reflects on her 10 years with the Irish FA, from her first job as Women’s Placement Student and the changes she has seen in Women’s Football throughout this time.
“Now as the Schools Officer I can see how much has been invested in the local game by the Irish FA. Even as far as having two female participation officers’ and the female clubs mentoring programme. I can see the investment paying off.”
Jackie commented on there being more planned opportunities for female players allowing them to thrive at any level.
“The Northern Ireland’s Women’s football team is certainly making great progress, with a win over Slovakia at the end of last year as part of the qualifying campaign for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Then there is excitement around the Electric Ireland Challenge Cup fixtures to look forward which has now opened for registration on the Women's Irish Challenge Cup website."
Jackie is excited to see players thrive at any level, be it at grassroots or international level. Jackie says, “It is about the love of the game, friendships and most of all FUN!”
What makes a great team?
Jackie uses her wealth of experience working with a variety of teams to share her key components for success.
“Knowledge, understanding and commitment are key. If you don’t put anything in you won’t get anything out!”
Jackie’s Game Changers
In line with our support of #GameChangers in women’s football, we asked Jackie who her Game Changers were:
“I think Julie Nelson the Northern Ireland Vice Captain has been a real Game Changer as she played football while studying for her degree and then went on to gain a professional contract for Glasgow City. Julie is everything I like in a player; she works so hard on the pitch and is so nice off the pitch!”
Jackie also shared her admiration for the many people who dedicate their time to local football whatever the weather conditions.
“I also have so much respect for volunteers who stand coaching on the wet windy nights giving everything to the local game. I love grassroots football and I think it shows a lot of kindness with volunteers sharing their knowledge so that children can grow and learn, not just as a player but as a person.”
The Future of Football
As for the future of women’s football, Jackie is aiming for growth at every level. She says, “With the Irish FA’s help, clubs will become more proficient and professional with coaches, administrators, physios and players.”
As lead sponsor of women’s grassroots football in Northern Ireland including Women’s Irish Challenge Cup, Junior School’s Cup, and last summer’s successful UEFA U19’s Women’s Championships, Electric Ireland is excited about what’s next for female football across Northern Ireland, and it is great to have dedicated staff like Jackie working hard on these important programmes.
The Irish FA’s Sales & Marketing Manager Heather Wright commented, “Electric Ireland’s involvement is very welcome. The partnership is enabling us to really raise the profile of women’s football and the Game Changers campaign has already been very well received by females of all ages who appreciate the support for the sport they love so much. I would urge anyone involved in women’s football across Northern Ireland to check out how their club can benefit financially by visiting www.electricireland.com/gamechangers .”
Check out the Irish FA website for upcoming fixtures and news on girl’s and women’s football.
Could you be getting behind a local club to support Northern Ireland’s next #GameChangers?
Switch to Electric Ireland with Club Game Changers and you could receive up to £50 for yourself and £25 for your chosen local football club. Find out more below.
