[Source: IFA website]

THE popularity of girls and women’s football in Northern Ireland is at an all-time high – and with all ages now becoming involved in the game it just shows that anything the boys can do, so can the girls!

One local company has been so impressed by the development of the game by the Irish FA at grassroots and international level that it has decided to become the Association’s Official Partner for Girls’ and Women’s football.

Dale Farm is delighted to announce its’ sponsorship of the various IFA initiatives at grassroots levels, including the First Kicks Soccer Academy, Soccer Roles, the Girls Junior Leagues, Schools Leagues and Indoor Competitions.

In addition, the sponsorship also includes the international game as well as the domestic game with Dale Farm sponsoring four regional leagues, a regional cup and a national league.

This is a major boost for women’s football in Northern Ireland and the sponsorship will go a long way in helping both the IFA and the NIWFA to continue developing the game at all levels.

Brian Beattie, Dale Farm’s Head of Marketing commented: “As a leading local food company, we are committed to supporting the physical development of all our young people, not just boys.

“Dairy is an important food for many young girls and can help prevent osteoporosis later in life. The partnership with The IFA and women’s football is a perfect match and we are delighted to be on board.”

The IFA’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Geoff Wilson said: “Traditionally girls have had limited opportunities to play football, however over the last few years the Irish FA has been working hard to change tradition.

“Worldwide, women’s football is the fastest growing sport and here in Northern Ireland we want to make sure that all girls and women are provided with an opportunity to become involved in the game.

“The IFA has established a professional and structured programme within schools, junior clubs and at international level, while the Association along with the NIWFA is putting a lot of hard work in to developing the domestic game.

“And with more and more girls coming into the game, this in turn is helping to raise the standard at club and international level. So all in all the future looks bright for women’s football in Northern Ireland and we are delighted to have Dale Farm onboard as our Official Partner for Girls’ and Women’s football.”

Alfie Wylie, National Women’s Coach added: “The launch of Dale Farm’s sponsorship is a great boost for girls and women’s football at all levels and we are delighted to be associated with such a healthy product. This new partnership will certainly help to further develop the girls and women’s game in Northern Ireland.”

Sara Booth, the IFA’s Women’s Football Coordinator said: “Within the last six years the number of girls and women’s playing football has increased dramatically in Northern Ireland. The most significant development has been within post primary schools, with almost 127 schools now providing opportunities for girls to play the sport.

“The acquisition of the Dale Farm sponsorship is an exciting development for the game and it is fantastic to have a nutritious product associated with the healthy lifestyles that the IFA are currently promoting through girls and women’s football.”