Sport has always occupied a central role in Meabh De Burca’s life. Regardless of the team, code or level De Burca enjoyed playing.
That is why she is eager to help deal with a topical issue – the high percentage of girls who opt to stop participating in their early teenage years. A number of contributory factors have been identified, but through school visits De Burca is hopeful Lidl’s #SeriousSupport programme can provide some assistance.
“Really the main aim of the initiative is just to try to reduce the drop off rate in sport, the participation in teenage girls,” De Burca says. “It is a really big issue at the moment, that drop off rate - girls giving up sport. I think it is really important and it is one I am happy to be involved in.”
De Burca is adamant about the relevance of sport. “It is vital really, you have so many benefits to sport, not only the physical aspect, but now, and it is becoming increasingly more important - the mental health side of it, the wellbeing,” she replies.
“I think a big issue now with females is body confidence. It wouldn't have been something, growing up, that I would have experienced, but now with the impact of social media and stuff it is just becoming more and more of an issue.
“Lidl themselves did a bit of research they said by age 13 one out of two girls drop out of sport which is huge really - 50 per cent of girls give up sport by the age of 13. There is a big scope for a bit of an impact hopefully, to try to encourage the girls to not give it up so early.”
Role models carry influence according to De Burca. “I think they are definitely important,” De Burca says.
“Growing up myself I wouldn't have had a huge amount of female role models - they weren't seen in the media outside of Sonia O'Sullivan really. Now I think there is increased visibility with the media, women's sport is being shown, the likes of TG4 have had a huge influence in Ladies Football and now you can see it in the Women's National League in the soccer too.
“All of these things are influencing it and moving it in the right direction. I think role models are definitely important.”
Greater media exposure ensures more people are gaining access to matches and the rich stories of those playing whatever game is being broadcast. “If you can't see what is happening then it is hard to sell the product or sell the sport to the public,” De Burca says.
“It is great to have those streaming services. When you are bringing it into people's homes it definitely makes it easier for people to get onboard, and to see the benefits of sport in their lives.”
The WNL commences next month with De Burca encouraged about how the league is continuing to develop. “It is really growing, the league is going from strength to strength every year,” she says.
“The final day of the season last year really promoted the league and maybe brought it to another level or to another audience that mightn't have always been watching the league.
“This year TG4 will show nine games from the league which is huge. it just brings it to a wider audience. The league is going to be more competitive than ever.”
**Listen to the full interview with Meabh De Burca on this week’s ‘Cian on Sport’ podcast available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
