Double-headers should form part of integration plan, says Danielle Caldwell

The Mayo defender is keen for the women's game to get on the big stage.

Mayo footballer Danielle Caldwell during the launch of the John West Féile 2024 at Croke Park. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

More double-headers with men’s games will be a key part of integration, according to Mayo footballer Danielle Caldwell.

The defender envisages more ladies and men’s matches sharing the same bill thus creating more awareness of the female code.

“My main thing would probably be the facilitation of double-headers and also access to stadiums,” says Caldwell. “Just to be able to have the same facilities that the men are getting, gym facilities, training facilities, and even on matchday – why shouldn't we be in the big stadiums too?

“And also if we have facilitation of double-headers... can't see it, can't be it, but if we have those double-headers that would facilitate being seen, which would get our numbers up, which would then bring revenue. They're my two main things: facilities and double-headers.

“This year, there's been so many opportunities for double-headers in Mayo alone – Galway, Kerry and Dublin could have been double-headers. Obviously, someone in the LGFA is making these fixtures on the same weekends, same dates, but they're not being facilitated. I don't know the reasoning why they're not.

“Again, I know it is a very hard situation to navigate. The only people that suffer are the players and we don't get as many viewers at our games. I just envision that double-headers will increase our viewing, and he whole development of the ladies game.” 

Thus far this year, it's been a mixed bag for Mayo who face Division 1 table-toppers Armagh in Ballina on Sunday. Caldwell isn’t the slightest bit worried. 

“People outside our camp would probably be like, 'you're losing games or winning games that you shouldn't be losing or winning'. But in camp we're happy with how we're getting on. We're progressing as the games come.” 

The Castlebar Mitchels player is excited by new manager Liam McHale’s plans. “It's been amazing. Obviously, we had Michael (Moyles) for the last three years and he did amazing work with us so we have a really good foundation, a good base.

“Yeah, Liam has brought in his team and it's obviously a new perspective on football, a new game-plan. It's very exciting. So, yeah, we're getting on great with him and we're delighted with how smoothly everything has been going so far.

“I suppose his main thing is that we express ourselves and enjoy our football, which I think is coming through on the pitch. And then obviously he's very attacking-minded so he wants us to just play what's in front of us and attack. I don't think he loves the defending that you see in the men's game.”