Republic of Ireland Captain and Arsenal midfielder Katie McCabe was in Dublin to announce the sponsorship which aims to help boost confidence in girls and women.
Recent research from UEFAi found that awareness and participation in women’s football has had a powerful impact on the confidence of girls and women, with 80% of young women saying they feel more confident as a result of playing for their team.
During one of the most exciting times for women’s football, with our national team competing in the UEFA Women’s Championship qualifiers which kicks off this September against Montenegro, new independent researchii from Boots Ireland has revealed that 71% believe that people should attend women’s sporting events to show their support and a further 76% of those surveyed believe female sports stars should be equally celebrated as their male counterparts. Interestingly only 7% of the population of Ireland have ever attended a live women’s sporting event.
As an increasingly active nation the researchii also highlighted the positive impact sport has had on women in Ireland with over a third (35%) of women feeling good about themselves when playing sports. Furthermore, 31% of women who play sports feel happier and 45% feel healthier.
The sponsorship is part of a wider partnership between Boots UK and Ireland and the national women’s teams of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. As part of the partnership, Boots will be shining a light on the amazing role models within the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team, who will be inspiring the next generation of female footballers and sportswomen.
Speaking at the launch at Tallaght Stadium, Republic of Ireland Captain Katie McCabe said: “I am delighted to launch the partnership between Boots Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team.
"As a team, we have a big couple of months ahead, with qualifying for the European Championships starting next month. It was great to see the women’s game get the exposure it deserves during the Women’s World Cup, and campaigns like this between Boots Ireland and the FAI will only help to grow support of women’s football.”
Bernadette Lavery, Managing Director of Boots Ireland, said: “Through our partnership with the FAI we are excited to announce our support of the Republic of Ireland Women’s Football Team. It’s
wonderful to see such positive and growing support for women’s football in Ireland and we look forward to utilising our platforms, including our stores, our website boots.ie as well as our social media channels to raise the profile of the women’s team.”
"During our three-year partnership we hope to boost confidence and inspire pride in women and young girls in Ireland, encouraging them to get involved by supporting and playing football, whilst feeling good too.”
FAI General Manager, Noel Mooney added; "Women's football continues to grow in every area - participation, performance and commercially. The FAI are delighted to partner with Boots to grow Women's football in Ireland and we believe the Women's national team will go from strength-to-strength.
"Thank you to Boots for supporting Irish football and investing in our Women's International teams."
Through this partnership Boots Ireland hopes it will help to encourage more women and girls to get involved in the game by watching, supporting and playing football, whilst feeling good too.
Tickets are still available for the Republic of Ireland's UEFA EURO 2021 Qualifier in Tallaght Stadium against Montenegro, on September 3. You can buy your tickets at fai.ie/tickets