Encouragement to increase the number of girls participating in army or similar green uniform services is essential.
Ireland's Women's National Football Team Makes History and Inspires the Next Generation
The Republic of Ireland women's national football team (Irish WNT) made history in 2023 by participating in their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup. The team, which aimed to find out why girls stop playing sports, faced tough competition in Group B, losing to Australia (co-hosts), Canada (the reigning Olympic champions), and drawing with Nigeria. Despite finishing bottom of the group, they earned a point and left the tournament with honours for their performance.
Following the World Cup, the Irish WNT played their first match at Aviva Stadium in Dublin in September 2023, breaking the record for attendance with 35,994 spectators. They won 3–0 against Northern Ireland in the Women's Nations League. Despite strong efforts in Euro 2025 qualifying, including a notable victory over France, they finished last in their group and lost in the play-offs to Wales.
In an effort to inspire girls to continue playing sports, a show called Keep It Up was launched. This series, available for viewing on RTE Player, includes a variety of sports and activities. Stephanie Roche, an Ireland footballer, appears as a guest on Keep It Up, recreating a goal that went viral and received a Puskas Award nomination. The show features guests who aim to motivate and inspire girls to continue playing sports.
The Keep It Up series is not limited to team sports. Emer O'Neill, for example, forms a basketball team in the RTE series. The A to Z of fun sports and activities is also available, providing a comprehensive guide for those looking to explore new activities.
The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 was broadcast on RTE Sport, with all 64 games available to watch live on RTE Player. New players for the Irish WNT need to be ready to step up for years to come, as the team continues to make strides in promoting women's football and inspiring the next generation.
The Keep It Up Box Set is also available on RTE Player, offering a chance for viewers to revisit the inspiring moments and stories from the series. As the team continues to push boundaries and break records, the Keep It Up series serves as a reminder that sports can be a powerful tool for empowering and inspiring young girls.
The Ireland women's national football team, who made history by participating in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, continue to promote women's football and inspire the next generation, as demonstrated in the Keep It Up series on RTE Player. Stephanie Roche, a member of the team, appears as a guest on the show, recreating a goal that showcased her skills in football.
