NEW #SeriousSupport Players’ Programme

The #SeriousSupport Players’ Programme, a new initiative supported by Sport Ireland Women in Sport funding, aims to reduce the drop-out rate in sport participation and increase the confidence and resilience among girls aged 13-16 through workshops led by specifically trained athlete mentors. Athlete Mentors, consisting of current and former county players, will deliver inspirational #SeriousSupport workshops regionally across the country.

The #SeriousSupport Players’ Programme will specifically target club players aged 13-16 focusing on the four values of respect, responsibility, trust and recognition to increase understanding of the benefits of sport and physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

Building on the success of the existing Lidl #SeriousSupport Schools Programme and #LGFASupport Programme, this new pilot programme will extend the opportunity for players across the country to become directly involved. Through an inspirational Athlete Mentor story and two separate workshops, players will get the opportunity to hear directly from Athlete Mentors on their own positive experiences of Gaelic football. Additionally, motivational workshops designed to foster trust, recognise goals and targets and understand the importance of respect and responsibility will support players in their personal development through the programme.

 

Programme Format & Criteria

The Lidl #SeriousSupport Players’ Programme involves two elements. Players will attend two workshops delivered by one of our athlete mentors. Players’ are also asked to undertake a personal development plan between workshops, applying the concepts and values discussed during the programme.

Spaces on the programme are limited to 30 per regional programme. In order to ensure that the programme reaches those who will benefit most from the #SeriousSupport workshops, participants must meet certain criteria:

  1. Girls who are playing ladies Gaelic football at club level but potentially lacking confidence.
  2. Girls who are playing ladies Gaelic football at club level and want to be educated on the physical and mental health benefits of sport and play.
  3. Girls must be aged 13 to 16 years old as of 1st January 2024 and be a current LGFA member
  4. Girls must not be involved in a Under 14 or Under 16 county panel for the 2024 season, however, they can be involved with the Player Development Programme.
  5. Girls must be available to attend both workshops within their selected region(s).

 

Workshop Dates & Venues

Programmes will be available in 16 locations across the country between March 2024 and May 2024. Below are the venues still with places available.

Location & Venue Workshop 1 Date Workshop 2 Date
National Games Development Centre, National Sports Campus, Snugborough Rd, Abbotstown, Dublin 15, D15 K4PP

VENUE FULL

Tuesday April 16th 7pm-9pm Tuesday May 14th 7pm-9pm
Mallow GAA Club, St Joseph’s Rd, Carrigoon, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51XV58

VENUE FULL

Friday April 19th 6:30pm-8:30pm Friday May 24th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Mattock Rangers GAA, School Lane, Collon, Co. Louth, A92 CR6C

VENUE FULL

Thursday May 2nd 6:30pm-8:30pm Thursday May 30th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Athy GFC, 17 Dublin Rd, Townparks, Athy, Co. Kildare Tuesday March 26th 6:30pm-8:30pm Tuesday April 23rd 6:30pm-8:30pm
Castleisland Community Complex, Tonbwee, Killarney Road, Castleisland, Co. Kerry, V92 W525. Monday April 29th 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday May 27th 6:30pm-8:30pm
St Johns GAA Club, 60 Whiterock Gardens, Belfast BT12 7PT Tuesday April 9th 7pm-9pm Tuesday May 7th 7pm-9pm
Colaiste Ailigh, Cnoc Na Móna, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, F92N2HE

VENUE FULL

Monday March 25th 6:30pm-8:30pm Monday April 22nd 6:30pm-8:30pm
Castlebar Mitchels, An Sportlann, McHale Rd, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 X651

VENUE FULL

Monday April 15th 6:30pm-8:30pm Monday May 13th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Silverbridge Harps GAC, Fords Cross, New Rd, Silverbridge, Newry BT35 9NB Wednesday March 20th 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday May 8th 6:30pm-8:30pm
HWH Bunclody GAA, Church Rd, Newtownbarry, Bunclody, Co. Wexford, Y21 P2C0 Wednesday April 10th 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday May 8th 6:30pm-8:30pm
St Ciarans College, 15 Tullybryan Rd, Ballygawley, Dungannon BT70 2LY

VENUE FULL

Thursday April 11th 6:30pm-8:30pm Thursday May 16th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Fethard Town Park, Rocklow Rd, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 N1F1

VENUE FULL

Monday April 8th 6:30pm-8:30pm Monday May 13th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Rosemount GAA Club, Ballybrickoge, Rosemount, Co. Westmeath Thursday March 28th 6:30pm-8:30pm Thursday April 25th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Michael Glaveys GAA, Willsborough, Ballinlough, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, F45 RW71

VENUE FULL

Wednesday March 20th 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday May 8th 6:30pm-8:30pm

 

Further Information

There is further information available in the Programme Brochure which you can access HERE

 

Application Form

If you have a player wishing to be involved in the programme then parents or guardians of the player can apply here: Application Form.

 

Please note, the closing date for applications is 1pm Wednesday 6th March 2024. Applications will not be considered if received beyond this deadline.

 

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