Badminton initiative aims to keep teenage girls in sport

Badminton Ireland have launched a new initiative to keep teenage girls in sport by encouraging them to not only play, but start their own clubs.

On Wednesday, Badminton Ireland unveiled their BadminTEEN initiative, which will launch at St Mary's Secondary School in Mallow, Co Cork before being rolled out in selected pilot schools across the country.

The scheme offers students the chance to learn badminton from qualified coaches, participate in inter-school tournaments and receive the support necessary to start and manage their own school clubs.

"It’s about creating a fun, yet supportive environment where girls can challenge themselves, discover new talents and gain confidence," said Badminton Ireland CEO Enda Lynch.

"We believe this initiative will have a lasting impact on the girls’ lives, both on and off the court."

Although 94% of girls engage in sport at primary school age, that figure drops to 65% once they reach secondary school.

Earlier this week the FAI announced the In Her Boots programme, a free education and awareness programme for football volunteers who work with girls aged between nine and 16. The programme offers insights to parents, coaches, and clubs on injury reduction and nutrition.

Plans are in place for FAI Development Officers to roll out workshops across Ireland.

"It's vital that we recognise that there are physiological differences between male and female players," said Hannah Dingley, the FAI's Head of Women and Girls' Football.

"We hope that having coaches that are able to better support our female players will help keep more girls involved in football and ensure they develop a lifelong love of the game."