This report on the experiences of young female athletes from the SHE Research Centre at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has highlighted the need to better support girls in sport. Among the findings, 53 per cent of high-level and elite female athletes ranging from 15-to 20-years old reported experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. 

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This is just one of the key findings revealed in the report:The Youth Female Athlete: Sex and Gender Considerations for Supporting Adolescent Female Athletes, whichis authored by TUS PhD researcher Angela Kenneally, the Republic of Ireland’s Women’s Football squad’s lead physiotherapist, since 2017.

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The report focuses on key themes including menstrual cycle, pelvic floor and breast health, strength training, and factors that influence young female athletes’ participation and wellbeing in sport activity. 

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Angela is supervised by Dr Niamh Ní Chéilleachair and Dr Aoife Lane and this research was funded by Sport Ireland and conducted in collaboration with Offaly Sports Partnership.