10 September 2014
A Chara
The GAA are running a National Pilot Programme in tandem with the University of Stirling to try and stop the fall out of players between the ages of 12 to 16. They have identified Belfast as one of 10 pilot centres around Ireland and I am with this as a Pilot site lead. Our "Supergames Centre" will be at St Dominic`s and run each Friday night between 7pm to 8.30pm. We start on the 26th Sept for 12 weeks and then another 12 weeks after Christmas.
We are looking 60 young people to come along and enjoy an hour of football without the pressure of coaching or winning. Our hope is that they will go back to their clubs and remain involved in our games.
I would be grateful if you could forward me your under 14 and 16 Manager's names and telephone numbers so that we can maybe identify players in your club who might benefit from this initiative, eg players who might be thinking of stopping playing or perhaps subs who did not get much game time this year on their team .
Club secretaries, youth/coaching officers and Managers of U14 and U16 's located within 20 mins drive of the centre are cordially invited to attend an information night in St Dominic's on Friday 12th Sept at 7.30pm to hear more about the initiative and find out how this may help your club. Please RSVP Gregory to confirm attendance on 0781 803 6301. If you have any questions before then, I am happy to answer these or go to www.gaa.ie/playtostay.
I will be dropping by each club this coming week to supply information posters for your display.
Gregory Walsh
Pilot site leader
