All Stars pilot a success for Goldsmiths and Maryland/Tang
Goldsmiths LGFA, in partnership with Maryland/Tang GAA, recently completed the final session of their successful All Stars Programme which ran as a pilot over a four-week block.
The All Stars programme is aimed at boys and girls from 6 to 12 years with additional needs. The partnership between these three clubs brought the programme to the communities of Drumraney, Tubberclair, Tang and their hinterlands.
The programme was spearheaded by Deborah Brady and she outlined its importance. "Our clubs are becoming more inclusive but yet there is a cohort of children that are missing out on the experience of being part of the GAA/LGFA community as typical training or games can be overwhelming," she said.
"In introducing the All Stars Programme, we wanted to ensure that the GAA/LGFA experience was open and accessible to all children within our communities. These children are often the biggest supporters of our local clubs, attending games and supporting other participating family members but yet they themselves don’t have a place within the club structure," Deborah continued.
The four week All Star programme was held on Sunday morningd in Tang GAA and has been a huge success for the participants and clubs involved.
The introduction of this pilot programme has seen a huge co-ordination of efforts between the three clubs involved together with a dedicated team of coaches, volunteers and underage players - demonstrating the true meaning of community.
Each of the 13 children involved received one to one coaching as well as having an opportunity to participate in group activities should they prefer. The sessions were very much child focused and led.
The Goldsmiths LGFA, and Maryland/Tang GAA All Stars pilot has been extremely fortunate to not only have such dedicated volunteers with the clubs but to have been supported throughout the set up process by Mary Kate Duignan in Westmeath Sports Partnership as well as receiving invaluable guidance from John O’Brien in Athlone GAA and Darren McGee, Westmeath Games Manager.
Given the feedback received from parents and participating children, the organisers hope to run another block of sessions in the autumn. To get involved or for further information, please contact the clubs directly.