A Chara,
My name is Eliza Downey, Urban Programme Officer for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association. I would like to bring to your attention an initiative called Gaelic4Mothers and the benefits associated with participation in this exciting initiative. It is aimed at women who do not currently play Ladies Gaelic Football for a club or who may have never played before.
(Participants do not have to be mothers to be eligible but they do have to be over 18). There are numerous benefits from the Gaelic4Mothers programme including:
- It offers women the opportunity to play Ladies Football in a fun, non-competitive and social environment
- Provides women with the chance to interact with and get to know other women from the locality.
- Serves to create a fun and social dimension to any existing Ladies Football section in a club.
Gaelic4Mothers initially starts as a 6 week programme, which generally develops into a more established and regular section in participating clubs. Mothers often drop their kids to training and call back to collect them, but Gaelic4Mothers gives women the opportunity to get active and involved in the club. The initiative has proved hugely popular with women of all ages and abilities, and has taken off throughout the country. It is clear there are many benefits to establishing a Gaelic4Mothers section within a club. Not only is it a marvellous way for participants to get their recommended weekly exercise but it also provides excellent social networking opportunities and encourages women to become more involved in the existing club structure. Gaelic4Mothers brings a whole new social aspect to clubs and also provides parents with an invaluable insight into the club scene. Gaelic4Mothers is an excellent way for clubs to recruit volunteers and can aid in developing a strong club structure. It enables the club to further enhance their community spirit and strengthen their family identity. The speed at which Gaelic4Mothers has grown throughout the country serves only to reinforce the fact that once a club starts it they never look back!
So why not start this in your club? With the kids now back in school, it is the ideal opportunity to kick start your fitness regime and have a bit of fun!
I encourage all clubs to join in the fun, embrace the programme and make Gaelic4Mothers a huge success in your area.
Yours in Sport,
Eliza
Belfast
