The Girls Squad is a six-week programme aimed at young girls in Transition Year in school. The aim of the programme is to promote athletics in their school and community through an athletics project.
This project has both a physical and educational element to it. We at Athletics Ireland hope to improve and support, both the physical and psychological wellbeing of young girls across the nation. Athletics has a number of benefits in everyday life, sport and socialisation. It is hoped that The Girls Squad will equip young girls to lead healthier lives and value the importance of regular physical activity in their own lives and wider community.
The aim of this programme is to introduce young girls to the sport of athletics and to a general fitness regime through a physical and educational athletics programme.
This programme will explore elements of track and field such as throwing, running and jumping in a fun and sociable environment. The students will also further explore heathy lifestyle habits through healthy eating and positive health and wellbeing activities. Students will document their involvement in this programme through the ‘Girls Squad Report Card’.
The Girls Squad Athletics Programme for Transition Year Students is focused on attracting new participants to the sport of athletics and the health benefits associated with participation. The programme will teach students basic exercise activities, educate them on making healthy lifestyle choices for their overall long-term development as individuals
My name is Anna Grealish and I am the Women in Sport Officer with Athletics Ireland.
Athletics Ireland is wholly committed to contributing to the health and wellbeing of girls in schools.
Through The Girls Squad teachers will be equipped to teach athletics with confidence, competence, and creativity.
Athletics Ireland has designed the online video resources as a tool for teachers to assist them in implementing effective and memorable athletics sessions.
Athletics has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of girls through their involvement in physical activity and we hope that The Girls Squad will encourage schools to foster student ability and to encourage interest so that students will want to extend their participation by supporting a local athletic club.
On completion of the 6 week programme students will be awarded with The Girls Squads official t-shirts and certificate of merit once all elements of the project have been logged and submitted.
If this programme may be if interest to your school and transition year girls, we would be delighted to help and assist you in anyway that we can. We have a number of resources that can assist this programme. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact myself annagrealish@athleticsireland.ie
There will be an information night organised for teachers who register their school for the programme.
