GAA launch Continental Youth Championships

THE GAA has launched an inaugural Continental Youth Championships, to be held in New York in July, which will see the biggest ever gathering of under-age players outside of Ireland.

Involving teams from cities across North America and Canada, it’s viewed as a major new initiative to aid the development of its games overseas. It will consist of coaching sessions and competitive games and the organisers are expecting that over 1000 boys and girls from San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Toronto and New York will take part at age levels ranging from U-10 to U-18.

The initiative will have the backing of the GAA’s Coaching and Games Development department, and the Association has appointed a steering committee to ensure the success of the venture. Gene Duffy, Chairman of the GAA’s Overseas Development Committee, explained that the aim is to bring young players from North America and Canada together to display their skill and talents. “We would hope that initiatives such as this will encourage young players to progress to play our games at adult level,’’ he commented.

Association President of the GAA Sean Kelly said that the announcement signified an exciting departure for those who promote Gaelic Games in the US and Canada.

“Many of the youngsters who will take part in the July tournament have already been through extensive coaching and games development programmes run by GAA Clubs in their own cities, and come from a wide variety of communities and backgrounds. It is a tremendous opportunity for those young people to showcase their talents, to learn from their peers, and to experience a high level of competition in a warm, friendly and fun filled atmosphere.’’