The Electric Ireland Schools’ Cup competitions for junior and senior girls’ teams got underway at Dominican College, Fortwilliam, with year 8s joining the schools’ football action for the very first time.

Fifty schools from across Northern Ireland will compete in this year’s competitions across junior (U14) and senior levels (U18). New to the programme for 2022 is the Year 8 Electric Ireland Schools Cup which will see 40 year 8 teams, including Fortwilliam, Blessed Trinity and Abbey Community College, competing for the all–new trophy.

Gareth Allen, Schools’ and Futsal Manager for the Irish FA Foundation, said: “It is fantastic to see so many schools getting involved and giving girls the opportunity to play a game that is growing so quickly around the world.

“The hope is that girls we see coming through these competitions will be involved at international level in years to come, whether it be as spectators in the crowd, working at the events or perhaps even playing for the national team.”

Jessica Foy, the coach of Dominican College and Glentoran Women captain, said: “We are really excited to see the Electric Ireland competition kicking off again.

“We had such an amazing time being involved last year and we are seeing the interest levels rise in schools with more girls wanting to get involved. The Year 8 competition is a brilliant new addition and it’s fantastic that our Year 8 pupils will get the chance to play for and represent the school during their first year here.”

Anne Smyth, Sponsorship Specialist at Electric Ireland: “The Electric Ireland Schools’ Cup competitions have been an exciting showcase of grassroot women’s football and with more and more teams taking part, we’re delighted to launch a new competition for Year Eights.

“Through our Game Changers campaign, we are committed to supporting girls’ and women’s football and creating pathways for the next generation of female talent on our doorstep. Good luck to all the school teams who will be chasing silverware this season!”