The Ladies Gaelic Football Association has confirmed the list of 21 clubs selected to take part in the 2023 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme.
Following a hugely successful pilot in 2017, Gaelic4Teens has grown considerably to over double in size.
The programme will help clubs to retain their current playing bases while also recruiting players in the 13-17 age bracket, which has been identified as a group with a high drop-out rate.
For the second year, the LGFA will partner with Gaelic4Teens sponsors ZuCar, the Association’s Official Performance Partner, to roll out the programme.
The 2023 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme will involve multiple educational webinars for coaches, players and parents, club coach observation visits and a festival day.
The delivery of the programme will be supported by the LGFA’s ZuCar Gaelic4Teens ambassadors, including Cliodhna O’Connor, Fiona McHale, Máire O’Shaughnessy, Bronagh McGrane and Samantha Lambert.
The 21 clubs taking part in the 2023 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme are as follows:
Connacht (2): Monivea Abbey (Galway), St. Josephs (Leitrim).
Leinster (8): Éire Óg (Carlow); Ranelagh Gaels, Whitehall Colmcille & Foxrock-Cabinteely (all Dublin), Kill (Kildare), Ballymore, Rathcline & Clonguish (all Longford).
Munster (6): Araglen Desmonds Bui, Delaney’s and Killavullen (all Cork); Austin Stacks and John Mitchels (both Kerry); Thurles Sarsfields (Tipperary).
Ulster (5): Drumlane (Cavan); Four Masters and Killybegs (both Donegal), St. Patricks (Fermanagh), Errigal Ciarán (Tyrone).
The programme will work closely with coaches, influencing the content of their coaching sessions as well as establishing the best ways for coaches to communicate and engage with their players.
In addition, the programme will examine the coaching environment required to ensure the long-term development of players is being facilitated in the club.
The programme will be monitored and evaluated to ensure that it achieves the aim of having a direct impact on the retention of players.
As well as tailoring training sessions, there will be a focus on education that will see ZuCar Gaelic4Teens ambassadors providing expertise and advice to participants for the duration of the programme.
The research that prompted the development of the Gaelic4Teens programme revealed that players play for enjoyment, to improve and get better, to keep fit and healthy, to relieve stress and because their friends also play.
The reasons highlighted for giving up the sport are that they don’t get enough playing time, there is no fun at training, that it is too competitive and that they are treated differently.
“The clubs selected can now look forward to this exciting and transformative initiative in the New Year,” said LGFA President Micheál Naughton.
“Our ZuCar Gaelic4Teens ambassadors are ready to provide invaluable knowledge and expertise, which will greatly assist the coaches in the various clubs. I would also like to acknowledge our programme sponsors, ZuCar, as they prepare for their second year as Gaelic4Teens sponsors.”
“ZuCar are also the LGFA’s Official Performance Partner and sponsor of our All-Ireland Minor Championships. They are heavily invested in the ongoing development of our teenage players – and will once again provide support and assistance as we look ahead to 2023 and beyond.”
“We are exceptionality proud of our association with the #Gaelic4Teens’ programme,” added LGFA President Mícheál Naughton .
“Developing this underage talent is fundamental to the future and we are very excited to be involved with an initiative that is aimed at developing coaches and increasing the retention rate of teenage girls in Ladies Football.”
