Dundalk IT students champion girls’ participation in sport

Students on the BA (Hons) in Sports, Exercise and Enterprise programme at DkIT have been making a meaningful impact with local schools as part of their studies.

Throughout the course, students develop key skills in coaching, leadership and motivation, while learning how to design and deliver inclusive physical activity programmes. These skills are put into practice through hands-on experience in schools, community sport organisations and elite performance environments.

A central focus of the programme is promoting physical activity among young people. This was brought to life through student involvement in the recent Her Moves initiative, delivered in partnership with Louth Local Sports Partnership and St. Louis and St. Vincent’s Secondary Schools.

The Sport Ireland initiative is designed to inspire teenage girls to become more active, break down barriers to participation, and create supportive environments where they feel confident and empowered to take part. Over a six-week period, students helped deliver a diverse range of activities, encouraging participants to explore and find forms of exercise that suited their interests and abilities.

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The project offered DkIT students valuable hands-on experience in designing and delivering inclusive programmes, while also enabling them to serve as positive role models for younger participants.

David Cranny, programme director for the BA (Hons) in Sports, Exercise and Enterprise programme says “This was a great way for our DkIT students to help boost girl’s engagement in sport, which underpins ‘Her Moves’. Thank you to all the teachers who have been involved in the project in St. Louis and St Vincent’s Secondary Schools for their fantastic support and participation.”

Due to the programme’s success, it is set to return in January 2027, aiming to encourage even more teenage girls in the area to participate in sport and physical activity.