Electric Ireland Smart Living

When you make the team, the team makes you

Our latest phase of the Game Changers campaign explores the theme of resilience and the positive impact that being part of a team can have on teenage girls later in life. Through this campaign we want to spark discussions in homes and classrooms across Northern Ireland around the long-term benefits of playing football for girls. And learn how by being part of a team you develop core characteristics that create a resilient mindset.

As part of the campaign, we commissioned a research, ‘The Impact of Sport on Girls’ Resilience’ which provides insights into girls’ attitudes towards sport and the role sport plays in building resilience from parental and educators’ perspectives.

The report shines a spotlight on the impact of playing sport and resilience in teenage girls (aged 12-15) and led us to produce a digital resilience resource which includes a specially commissioned one woman play, panel discussion and digital workbook which is now to be made widely available online and to all Northern Ireland post primary level schools.

You can learn more about the research here.

Gameplay

Gameplay is a play presented by the Electric Ireland Game Changers campaign. The play brings to life research commissioned by Electric Ireland and looks at the impact of sport on girls’ resilience and the link between team sports and life skills. Working with Tinderbox Theatre Company, the findings of research has been adapted into a one woman play Gameplay which premiered on Thursday, February 29th at an event in the Ulster Museum. Belfast born Alice Malseed, Creative Producer, Tinderbox Theatre Company wrote the play which was performed by Leeann Devlin who portrayed the journey of ‘Kate,’ in this exciting performance.

Panel Discussion

As part of the event broadcaster, Lynette Fay, hosted a panel discussion with sports mentor and former Ulster rugby player Eliza Downey, PE teacher and Glentoran captain Jessica Foy, and sports psychology PhD student Nora Sullivan which explored themes of resilience, team work and the positive impact team sport can have in teenage girls.

Resource Pack

Using the play and panel as a starting point, Electric Ireland have worked closely with mental health charity Pieta, to develop a digital workbook which, in addition to the play and panel discussion, is now available for all post primary schools in Northern Ireland to download and use in their schools.

Road to Resilience Workbook




Joely Andrews talks about Resilience

Joely, the superfast midfielder for Glentoran and Northern Ireland tells us what being part of a team gives her, from building confidence to learning how to problem solve.

Lauren Wade talks about Confidence

Lauren, the Reading FC winger, known for her speed as well as her goal scoring shares how football has helped her gain confidence and create new friendships and create a sense of family.

Simone Magill talks about Strength

Simone, who plays for Aston Villa and holds the world record for fastest ever goal at international level reveals the freedom she feels when she plays and the strength she has gained from being a team player both on and off the pitch.

Building Resilience through football with the 7 Cs

When you play football, you build aptitudes that will serve different areas of your life–throughout your life. These are called the 7 Cs of Resilience, the core skills that equip you to better deal with adversity, change, and risk. Dr Kenneth Ginsburg developed the concept in 2006, emphasising the importance of the 7 Cs to building inner strength and utilising outside resources. At Electric Ireland, we support girls and women’s football not only because of our love of the game, but because it helps them become more resilient, and ready for the world. Let’s look at each of the 7 Cs of Resilience in turn.

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#1 Competence

Playing football teaches you more than how to kick a ball. It teaches you to tackle problems from a different angle. So you can achieve your goals.


#2 Confidence

Football takes skill. But it also takes guts. Team sports can help girls learn how to put themselves forward both on and off the pitch.


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#3 Connection

When you play football, you’re part of a team. You become part of something that will be there for you long after you hang up your boots.


#4 Character

In football, you learn not to give up. To go for the win. In the game, and in life.


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#5 Contribution

When you play football, you have an impact. You learn that what you do matters. To your team, and your community.


#6 Coping

In football, you’ll face challenges. You’ll learn how to tackle them. And overcome them.


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#7 Control

In football and in life, you’ll make decisions. You’ll see how they contribute to your team’s success. And how they can positively impact you.


Key Performance Indicators