Shelbourne FC Launches Pioneering Female Health Education Programme Ahead of International Women’s Day

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·6 Maret 2025

Shelbourne FC Launches Pioneering Female Health Education Programme Ahead of International Women’s Day

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Shelbourne FC are proud to announce the launch of its Female Health Education Programme, strengthening the club’s commitment to the development, health, and performance of female athletes. This pioneering programme will provide structured education and support around menstrual health, energy management, and performance nutrition, ensuring that female players receive professional and tailored care. This programme is an early proof point of our 3-year strategy to grow and develop women’s football, demonstrating our commitment to raising the bar and leading by example, both on and off the pitch.

The initiative, developed in consultation with leading experts, directly addresses key challenges faced by female footballers, including :

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Developing a comprehensive understanding around menstrual cycle physiology and the potential impact of symptoms on training and match performance.
Educating and up skilling male coaches to better understand female physiology & menstrual cycles.
Driving a ‘health first’ approach with education around pelvic health & breast health

Menstrual Cycle & Female Health Education : Key focus on pelvic health, menstrual cycle education, and strategies to manage energy for optimal performance. Players will gain practical knowledge on how to train and compete effectively while prioritising their health through eight education sessions per season.
Performance Nutrition Education & Support : Nutrition plays a crucial role in an athlete’s well-being and performance. This programme will include team-based workshops, followed by individual consultations with a specialist throughout the season.

This initiative reaffirms Shelbourne FC’s dedication to inclusion, education, and player welfare, ensuring that female athletes can perform at their best with the resources and support they deserve.

David O’Connor Shelbourne FC Women’s Strength and Conditioning Coach spoke about the initiative:

“From both a health and performance perspective, it’s incredibly important that we continue to adopt a bespoke approach to further develop women’s football within the club. The time and energy that players commit throughout a competitive season needs to be acknowledged with appropriate education and support that’s relevant to the physical and mental health for female athletes. The game is increasingly demanding and with expert knowledge and resources we can put ourselves in the best position possible as a club to prepare and back the team, fostering deeper confidence in a professional environment that allows the players to perform optimally in training and on matchday and feel confident in themselves as individuals.”

Shelbourne FC first team player Rachel Graham, when asked her thoughts on the programme said:

“The Shelbourne FC Female Health Programme is a brilliant initiative designed to support and empower our players. By educating players on female health and wellness, we’re creating an environment for each player to excel on the pitch. It’s great to see such an important focus on ensuring every player feels informed, supported, and ready to perform at their best. This programme is making a real difference, both on and off the pitch.