A double celebration event was held in Whitestown Estate, Dublin to mark the graduation of participants from two programmes funded through the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Funding: The Changemakers Programme and the Mentoring & Coaching Skills Programme.

The event brought together women from different strands of the game, from board positions to committees, representing all parts of the game.

Changemakers
Delivered jointly by The Game Plan and the FAI, this programme is a bold, and uniquely transformational experience designed to equip females in football with the confidence to lead significant change inside and outside of the game.

It moves away from traditional leadership and personal development programmes and focuses instead on the individual and group needs. It is led by the people taking part, not the content, and is structured in a way that allows for meaningful, sustainable, and lasting change.

Changemakers begins by gaining a deeper understanding of self-first and moves on to look at how the individual relates to others, in all aspects of life, including communication, leadership, conflict, navigating change, influencing, community, and much more. It is a space where community is built, resources, experience and knowledge shared.

The females taking part in Changemakers are accompanied throughout the 12 months with group and individual coaching and mentorship, thought-partnerships, workshops and a network of other females working in all aspects of the game.

Changemakers is a therapeutic approach looking at the Whole-self, and includes working with psychological interventions, nervous system response, emotional regulation and mindfulness. The experience builds confidence, assertiveness and courage in female agents of change, igniting female leadership, equality and allyship.

Here is the list of programme graduates:

• Janice Lynch (Chairperson of the Waterford District Women's & Schoolgirls League)
• Brenda Byrne (Head Coach Academy, Wicklow/SFAI) 
• Nicole McKay (NTSFL Treasurer, North Tipperary Women’s League Fixture Secretary, NT&DL Committee Member)
• Karen Hickey (KDFL Treasurer, LFA Executive & FAI Amateur & Youth Football Committee) 
• Vicki McEnery (Referee)
• Aine O’Donovan (Coach: Bandon AFC, Cork City, UCC, Munster Senior League Committee Member, WSCAI Committee Member) 
• Sandra Myler (Club Secretary, Waterford FC)
• Shaunna Connaughton (Women's Coach/Manager, Irish Defence Forces)

Mentoring & Coaching Skills Programme
The Mentoring & Coaching Programme ran for six months. The group took part in two 2-day workshops, mentored two people and submitted (and passed) a written portfolio of their development as a mentor.

The programme covered the mindset, skillsets and behaviours of great mentoring. Topics included how to build a great relationship as a mentor, how to set mentoring up for success, ways to structure a mentoring conversation, knowing how and when to share experience, stretching and providing feedback and how to help the mentor to develop their own thinking and confidence as they progress.

The FAI partnered with Catalyst14 to deliver the programme, and the group received accreditation with the EMCC Global. Participants are now equipped to use these skills in their respective roles.

Here is the list of programme graduates:

• Caroline Rhatigan (FAI Board Football Director)
• Ursula Scully (FAI Board Football Director)
• Niamh O’Mahony (Chair of the Irish Football Supporters Partnership, former FAI Board)
• Bríd McGinty (Women’s Strategic Football Committee & Youth & Amateur Committee)
• Eadaoin Keane (FAI Marketing and Communications Director)
• Aoife Rafferty (FAI Director of People & Culture)
• Iryna Melnyk (FAI People and Culture Partner)
• Rachael Murphy (FAI People and Culture Partner)
• Niamh Connolly (Women’s Strategic Football Committee, former Ireland WNT player)
• Lisa Curran (Former Ireland WNT Player)
• Marie Price Bolger (LOI Delegate, former underage international manager)
• Michelle O’Neil (Retired FIFA Assistant Referee, UEFA & LOI Referee)
• Paula Brady (Retired FIFA International Referee, UEFA & LOI Referee, Referee Committee & Referee Instructor)
• Rebecca Markey (Chief Executive IFP Media)

FAI Development Officer Tracy Gleeson, who has played an important role in organising both programmes, said: “These programmes show just how vital it is to have more women at every level of the game on boards, in general assemblies, and across committees. Visibility matters. When women are seen in these roles, they become role models for the next generation. Through both programmes, a strong support network has been created one that empowers women to step forward, back each other, and lead with confidence.

"With continued support and funding from Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport programme, we can keep building this momentum and ensure women’s voices are heard and valued across all areas of Irish football.”

Future Programmes
The FAI are now recruiting for Changemakers 3.0, a powerful opportunity for women in football who are ready to step into leadership roles on boards, committees, and the FAI General Assembly.

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of the game and want to be part of a supportive, empowering network of women driving real change, this programme is for you. To express your interest, contact [email protected]