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.
Gaelic4Teens has doubled in size after a tremendously successful pilot in 2017. This programme will assist clubs in keeping their current playing bases while also recruiting players in the 13–17 age range, who has been identified as a demographic with a high drop-out rate.
The Association's Official Performance Partner and sponsor of the All-Ireland U18 Championships, ZuCar, will collaborate with the LGFA to implement the Gaelic4Teens campaign for the third year.
ZuCar Gaelic4Teens 2024 will feature a festival day, club coach observation visits, and numerous educational webinars for coaches, players, and parents.
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 initiative will collaborate closely with coaches to determine the most effective means of communication and player engagement for them, as well as to shape the content of their coaching sessions. The programme will also look at the coaching environment needed to make sure players' long-term development is supported in the club.
The initiative will be closely watched and assessed to make sure it fulfils its goal of directly influencing players' retention.
The Gaelic4Teens initiative was developed in response to data showing that players play for fun, to get better, to stay fit and healthy, to decompress, and because their friends play too.
The reasons given for quitting the sport include not getting enough playing time, finding training boring, the sport being too competitive, and receiving unequal treatment.
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.”
For further information, please contact LGFA National Development Manager Lyn Savage: lyn.savage@lgfa.ie