Ballina Community Games have been able to facilitate the entry of a number of boys teams into Mayo Community Games.
One thing we have struggled to do is attract female mentors to facilitate the entry of all girls teams into community games.
The two questions most women have is
1. Is it worth it
The short answer is yes!
Participation Gap:
In Ireland, the gender gap in sports participation is under 3% overall, but it widens significantly in specific age groups.
Drop-off Rate:
Approximately 1 in 5 girls drop out of sport between primary and post-primary school, compared to only 1 in 20 boys.
Activity Levels:
Only 11% of girls meet national physical activity guidelines, compared to 19% of boys.
Team Sports:
Girls are less likely to engage in team sports (58%) compared to boys (76%).
Art & performing Arts
Despite the fact young women were more likely to be involved in arts and music, overall they were less likely to take part in any club or group, citing a range of reasons such as being too busy, lack of confidence and concerns over fitting in.
Research into Irish theatre (2006–2015) showed that despite being active as actors, women are underrepresented as directors, designers, and technicians.
By facilitating our young women's entry to community games activities, we can give them the opportunities their mothers didn't have.
One thing we have struggled to do is attract female mentors to facilitate the entry of all girls teams into community games.
The two questions most women have is
1. Is it worth it
The short answer is yes!
Participation Gap:
In Ireland, the gender gap in sports participation is under 3% overall, but it widens significantly in specific age groups.
Drop-off Rate:
Approximately 1 in 5 girls drop out of sport between primary and post-primary school, compared to only 1 in 20 boys.
Activity Levels:
Only 11% of girls meet national physical activity guidelines, compared to 19% of boys.
Team Sports:
Girls are less likely to engage in team sports (58%) compared to boys (76%).
Art & performing Arts
Despite the fact young women were more likely to be involved in arts and music, overall they were less likely to take part in any club or group, citing a range of reasons such as being too busy, lack of confidence and concerns over fitting in.
Research into Irish theatre (2006–2015) showed that despite being active as actors, women are underrepresented as directors, designers, and technicians.
By facilitating our young women's entry to community games activities, we can give them the opportunities their mothers didn't have.
2. What level of commitment is required
Barriers to Female Coaching
Research highlights several challenges that hinder female participation in coaching, including:
Barriers to Female Coaching
Research highlights several challenges that hinder female participation in coaching, including:
- Time Constraints: Difficulty balancing coaching with work, family, and personal sporting commitments.
- Cultural Issues: Experiences of sexism, gender bias, and a lack of respect.
- Support & Confidence: Limited mentorship, lack of support from National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and lower levels of confidence.
- Historical Factors: A smaller pool of females having previously competed at high levels compared to men
Unlike volunteering with other sports, community games is organised as follows:
1. Fixtures and venues arranged by others.
2. Registration and fees arranged Area committee
3. Only 3/4 fixtures per event at most (assuming progress to national finals)
4. Players often already obtaining coaching from clubs, so extensive pre competition training is not required (or possible)
5. Due to limited season (3 events over 3 months) it a good place to have an introduction to team mentoring/coaching. Other organisations involve a 6-12 month season.
6. Extensive training is provided for free (safeguarding, Coaching Teenage Girls in Sport etc)
7. You do not have to pay membership so we don't charge you to volunteer your time
8. Start as a mentor and develop from there or not, whichever you prefer.
If your female and interested in facilitating your daughters participation in community games teams team events, we would like to hear from you.
How to i register my interest - https://www.cairncommunitygames.ie/volunteers/play-your-part
Where do I get training - https://www.cairncommunitygames.ie/volunteers/training
How does vetting work - https://rise.articulate.com/share/DWD5zfxH7EjQK097U88M7LOa7sB7j5vi#/lessons/xNc7u5S_-XNumREcCF8LJ0IAQi8d97Nx
If you want to try your hand at coaching or be a mentor (which facilitates the team entering) without pressure or criticism. Then start with Community Games.
