The Girls Squad is now open for applications for schools to start in September 2026.
The Athletics Ireland Girls Squad Programme is a transformative, evidence-based initiative tackling one of sport’s most persistent challenges: retaining teenage girls in physical activity. 30% fewer girls are involved in sports at secondary school compared to primary level. Since its launch in 2020, Girls Squad has engaged over 12,000 girls nationwide, with 3,500 participants in the 2025/26 academic year alone, demonstrating sustained and measurable growth in female participation.
Built on the nationally recognised HERMoves principles, Girls Squad redefines how teenage girls experience sport, shifting the focus from competition to participation, enjoyment, and personal development. This programme has the unique ability to cater for self-proclaimed ‘sporty’ and ‘non-sporty’ girls alike.
The programme is teacher led and includes journals for the girls to explore and document their athletics journey as well as teacher resources and Girls Squad Merchandise for the teens. The programme continues to spark the teachers and teens imagination and bring athletics to schools around the country in a meaningful and empowering way.
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.
The programme includes.
- Basic athletics movement skills
- Yoga/Pilates
- Basic Strength and Conditioning
- Relays and Team Games
- Leadership, Communication and confidence development
The self-development journals have information for the girls developed by leading industry experts on periods, sports bra use, mental health and pelvic floor health. There are also sections in the programme looking at the Period Supportive HER Moves project.
What Support Do We Provide?
Teacher Resource (weekly session plan and access to the on-line video resources)
Student Journals
Teacher Webinars at the start of the programme
Social Media Toolkit
Why Take Part?
Athletics is a life-long sport and can make a significant impact on the girls. We hope that The Girls Squad will encourage schools to foster student ability and to encourage interest so that students will have a life-long interest in a sport by supporting the local athletic club, their local park run, becoming a coach or an official.
Interested?
If this programme is of interest to your school, please fill out the following Expression of Interest form HERE.
If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact Anna Grealish Women in Sport Lead, annagrealish@athleticsireland.ie
