20 clubs to participate in 2024 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens Programme

THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association has confirmed the list of 20 clubs selected to take part in the 2024 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme.

Following a hugely successful pilot in 2017, Gaelic4Teens has grown considerably to over double in size, and this 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 third year, the LGFA will partner with Gaelic4Teens sponsors ZuCar, the Association’s Official Performance Partner and sponsor of the All-Ireland U18 Championships, to roll out the programme.

The 2024 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.

The 20 clubs taking part this in the 2024 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme are as follows:

Connacht (4): St Mary’s (Leitrim), Mayo Gaels and Carnacon (both Mayo), St Molaise (Sligo).

Leinster (5): Ballyboden St Enda’s and St Sylvester’s (both Dublin), Moynalvey (Meath), Goldsmiths and Shandonagh (both Westmeath).

Munster (5): Dohenys, Mallow, Rathpeacon, Kilshanning (all Cork), Ardfinnan (Tipperary).

Ulster (6): Naomh Seamus (Antrim), Pearse Ógs and Whitecross (both Armagh), Mullahoran (Cavan), St Patrick’s Saul and Teconnaught (both Down).

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 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.

LGFA President Mícheál Naughton commented: “We are delighted to confirm the list of 20 clubs, covering the four provinces, who will participate in the 2024 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme. This programme is extremely vibrant and has the ability to transform coaching philosophies in the participating clubs, and ensure that excellent foundations are in place for the years to come. The programme aims to build on the good work that has already been accomplished, while also encompassing invaluable knowledge and expertise from our leading ZuCar Gaelic4Teens ambassadors. I would also like to acknowledge the support of our programme sponsors, ZuCar, as they prepare for their third year involved with this programme. ZuCar are also the LGFA’s Official Performance Partner and sponsors of our All-Ireland Minor Championships and they are extremely invested in the ongoing development and progress of our teenage players.”

Gavin Hydes, Group CEO, ZuCar, added: “We are exceptionality proud of our association with the #Gaelic4Teens programme. 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. This is a wonderful opportunity for coaches to grow and learn, and to then assist young players involved in the LGFA.”