TU Dublin to host International Conference on the Future of Women’s Football
A landmark gathering of scholars, journalists, and sporting leaders will take place as TU Dublin’s School of Media and Shamrock Rovers F.C. launch a one-day international conference dedicated to exploring the rapidly changing world of women’s football.
Bringing together international researchers, journalists, and influential figures from across the football landscape, the conference will explore equity, fan cultures, leadership, governance, and the evolving media representations surrounding the women’s game.
The conference will tackle pivotal themes such as equity in sport, player welfare, governance structures, media representation, and the fast-growing commercial landscape of women’s football. Through a series of panels, presentations, and discussions, contributors will examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the women’s game, from strengthening pathways for young players to improving visibility in the media and ensuring that rapid growth is matched by sustainable, inclusive policy.
TU Dublin School of Media Lecturer Anna-Maria Mullally explained:
Women’s football is undergoing a generational transformation. This conference is about creating space for meaningful collaboration between researchers, clubs, governing bodies, and supporters to ensure that progress is built on inclusion, respect, and real opportunity for players at every level. We’re proud to bring leading voices to Dublin to examine not just where the women’s game is today, but where it can go next. The momentum is extraordinary, and so too is the responsibility to shape its future thoughtfully.
The event will take place on Tuesday, 16th December in TU Dublin Tallaght Campus and is led by a group from TU Dublin’s School of Media who recently won TU Dublin’s Research and Innovation Award for their project ‘Shamrock Rovers in the Community.’
Shamrock Rovers F.C., expressed strong support for the initiative. Mark Lynch, Board Director of Shamrock Rovers said:
The growth of women’s football is one of the most exciting developments in modern sport. As a club deeply committed to developing the women’s game, we’re delighted to partner with TU Dublin on an event that amplifies new research, strengthens community connections, and brings forward-thinking leaders together to champion the future of the sport.
A diverse programme of speakers reflects the breadth of expertise influencing the modern game. Featured contributors include:
- Marie Crowe (RTÉ)
- Mark Tighe (Sunday Independent, Girls in Green)
- Dr Katie Liston (Ulster University)
- Tommy Carberry (Head of Shamrock Rovers Girls Academy)
- Representatives from the Irish Football Supporters Partnership, Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Shamrock Rovers F.C., the UK Football Supporters Association, CONIFA, and the German Football Association (DFB).
With women’s football experiencing unprecedented global growth, organisers say the conference marks an important moment for shaping its next chapter. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners driving innovation across Europe and beyond.
More information and registration details are available at: https://bit.ly/4rtIJQU