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GAELIC4GIRLS IS A programme that’s helping foster a love for Ladies’ Gaelic Football among girls between the ages of seven and 12.
Done in partnership with Glenveagh, one of Ireland’s leading homebuilders, the LGFA’s Gaelic4Girls is a 10-week programme hosted by LGFA clubs across the country, aiming to increase participation levels by focusing on fun and leaving all of the pressure on the sidelines.
Emma Duffy of The 42 caught up with the LGFA to see what kind of difference the programme is making for girls interested in the sport.
Clodagh Flanagan, LGFA National Development Officer with remit for Growth and Participation, said: “Gaelic4Girls is a 10-week programme for girls aged 7-12 years old to give them a positive first experience of Ladies Gaelic Football.”
“When players arrive at the clubs in week one, they’re probably a little unaware of what’s ahead of them, and by the end of the 10 weeks, they’re leaving as confident footballers.”
The approach taken by Gaelic4Girls is to nurture a love of the game while making sure kids feel understood and encouraged, rather than put under any pressure to win. The programme is designed to help kids get exercise and fall in love with a new sport, while also helping Ladies Gaelic Football clubs across Ireland boost their participation numbers and integrate new players into already existing teams.
Niamh Gallogly, who plays for the Meath Senior Ladies team, is an ambassador for the programme and spoke glowingly of the impact it’s having on girls who are getting their first experience of the game. Gallogly spoke about how building bonds is an essential part of getting young people to enjoy sport at an early age.
“Having this programme in place is huge to build relationships and build friendships”, she said. “With a programme like Gaelic4Girls, it’s just really important”.
Speaking to The 42, some of the young participants of the programme spoke about what it means to them.
“I like it because it’s not like ‘You have to kick this ball 50 yards to be on this team.’ It’s all fun and games and learning all together,” said one. ”Girls can do everything boys can, but just like… ten times better”.
Another added: “All the coaches are so nice and understanding and fun.”
Whether you’d like to learn how your club can get involved and run its own Gaelic4Girls programme or you’re a parent wondering how your daughter can get involved, visit Ladies Gaelic online today.
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