Girls Get Active Hackathon

Create New And Different sport and exercise opportunities to help girls find their tribe, contribute your ideas through the Girls Get Active Hackathon. 

Many Teenage girls across Ireland are missing out on the benefit of sport and physical activity because they don’t think they are “sporty enough”, they don’t know where or how to get involved, and they don’t think there are any opportunities for them to be involved in sport other than traditional team sports.

Use your voice to help these teenage girls realise that sport and activity can be part of their lives and that sport is for everyone, including them.

Extensive research into youth participation in sport and physical activity tells us that girls are less active than boys, and their levels of activity declines throughout the teenage years. This can have a significant impact on their health, wellbeing, social connections, and confidence at this age and throughout their lives.

We also know that many teenage girls lose interest in formalised sport at an early age, they do not have opportunities to be active with their friends or know where they can be active. Plus, most girls seem to think being sporty means you have to play for a sports team.

Sport Ireland’s Girls Get Active research project explored the attitudes of teenage girls towards sport and physical activity. this research tells us what really matters in teenage girl’s lives and what we must do with our sports and physical activity programmes in order to attract girls in the activity.

Check out: Girls get Active Anchors and Principals for Success. 

HELP ADDRESS THIS CHALLENGE 

Sport Ireland wants to address this challenge by piloting a number of new Girls Get Active programmes that:

•  respond to the needs of teenage girls
• help girls to engage with physical activity and sport on their terms
• reconnect teenage girls who have drifted away from physical activity and,
• allow those with no prior experience to feel comfortable taking part and join a new activity.

We want you to have your say to help create these programs by getting involved with the Sport Ireland Girls Get Active Hackathon. 

What Is Hackathon?

A Hackathon is a short concentrated event that brings people together to brainstorm and share a range of Creative and Innovative ideas around a challenge. It is a great way for people to come together, share ideas and create positive change in society.

Who should get involved?

For the hackathon we are looking for individuals and groups (up to four individuals) from all ages and all backgrounds, to get involved including secondary school, TY students, Teachers, Parents, third level students, researchers, sport development officers, NGB, and LSP staff.

How will it Work?

The hackathon will take place online via Zoom in Mid April with teams /individuals having registered in advance and will involve a few hours’ engagement and teamwork over three days.

How do I Get Involved?

STEP ONE:   Gather a group and register to take part in the sport Ireland Get Active Hackathon, or register your interest as an individual and that you want to get involved. www.sportireland.ie/women-in-sport-/hackathon 

STEP TWO:  Review Guidance material and other Hackathon resources in advance (these will be sent to you and available on the Sport Ireland website) 

STEP THREE: Attend the three Hackathons Days in April mentioned above to brainstorm and develop ideas.

STEP FOUR: Work with your group to submit this idea by April 23rd.

STEP FIVE: Join us for the awards ceremony after the Hackathon where the top Four ideas will be selected.

PLEASE NOTE: Parents/Guardians/Teachers must register for those Under 18 and act as a point of contact. 

Why Get Involved?

• You will be part of an innovative approach to try to solve one of the biggest challenges for physical activity and sport in Ireland – Teenage girls drop out.
• You will be inputting into the creation of a national sports programme for teenage girls.
• You will develop analytical, innovative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skill that may aid you in all aspects of life.
• You might win the Hackathon, receives a nice prize, and see your idea turned into a programme for implementation across the country

For more information please click below:

www.sportireland.ie/women-in-sport-/hackathon