There is nothing more important in sport than inspiring the next generation and that is why the Republic of Ireland Women's Team took time out of their schedule to give back to the Grassroots community.

Vera Pauw's squad visited Clonee United on Saturday morning to put on a special Coaching Clinic for their girls teams - ranging from Under-9 up to Under-18 - with five pitches set up to cater for every girl present.

The Ireland players, who are in camp preparing for next Tuesday's International Friendly in Tallaght Stadium against Australia, were the coaches as they were assigned to specific pitches and were able to act as perfect role models.

There was also a mixed-gender game, which highlighted the benefits of girls playing with boys, while there were over 80 kids involved altogether - highlighting the continued growth of girls football in Ireland.

WNT midfielder Niamh Farrelly said: "When you are a young girl, looking up to the girls on the National Team is a big thing. When we were younger the Women's Team wasn't in the media or on social media as much, we didn't know many girls playing football.

"So it's huge for the girls to see us playing and coming out to give them a hand because it all starts at Grassroots level and it's good to give something back to them."

Clonee United will have a delegation of girls acting as Ball Kids for Tuesday's game against Australia.

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International Friendly
Republic of Ireland v Australia
Tuesday, September 21
Tallaght Stadium
KO 19:00
LIVE on RTÉ2
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