A lot done but more to do.
This could be very well be the thought process as Tennis Ireland, Badminton Ireland, Irish Squash and Table Tennis Ireland pool their resources for their new Women in Sport “Come and Try’ day which will take place in Carlow Tennis Club on Saturday 27 April from 4pm to 6pm.
Carlow Tennis Club is humming at the moment with tennis in particular attracting huge numbers. Squash and badminton is also proving to be particularly popular with many members involved in more than one sport. There are also plans to install a table tennis table. Aoife O’Sullivan, Diversity and Inclusion Officer of Tennis Ireland recognises what is happening.
“We see it across the country. We have seen numbers increase. We have also seen it since Covid as tennis is a very accessible sport to play. Especially as it is outside,” she says.
There is no charge on the day. If players want to bring their own racquet, balls or shuttle-cocks that is fine but all equipment will be available free of charge.
“We want to encourage people to come along. Just arrive. We will direct you to whatever sport you want to play. There will be facilitators for the individual sports. Come along. Have a bit of a hit on whatever sport you want. You don’t need to have any playing experience for the sports” says Aoife.
The Tennis Ireland officer points out that more boys than girls continue their sporting careers on and up through adult hood but for whatever reason a large percentage of females fall away.
“Women in Sport and Sport Ireland, which is mandated by the Government, have a Women into Sport policy. One of their main objectives is actively encourage participation for women and girls in sport. That is because so many teenage girls drop out of sport and don’t play in sports. We also want to actively encourage them to play sport.
“It doesn’t have to be a full competitive way. It can be fun in a social environment. So the four governing bodies have come together and have put this day together,” explains Aoife.
If someone enjoys a particular sport, there is a “try before you buy” facility before fully joining the club.
“It is open to people from outside Carlow as well. If they want to go back their local clubs, that would be fine too,” says Aoife.
“There was a previous programme that was aimed at female coaches in those sports. It was an opportunity to coach and be supported in their coaching. With this programme we want to expand it, have a participation where women and girls can come along and try the sport.
“We want to create a fun, social day and see where it goes,” explains the Tennis officer who is based in Carlow but travels twice a week to the main office in Dublin.
While the day is aimed at getting women involved in sport, males will be welcomed too.
“If someone’s son or husband turns up on the day, that is ok. We are an inclusive sport. That is our focus. No-one will be turned away.”
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