GAA go for grassroots expansion

Go Games initiative: The Croke Park pitch was full of primary schoolchildren yesterday at the launch of the GAA's 'Go Games - Grassroots to National Programme'. With the help of the Irish Sports Council funding of €1.34 million, the project will go nationwide with extra emphasis on increasing involvement in urban and non-traditional GAA areas.

The coaching and development committee, under the watchful eye of GAA head of games Pat Daly, have developed the idea and, after several successful pilot schemes, are now implementing it nationwide.

"The aim is to promote full participation and provide playing opportunities for all children irrespective of their levels," said Daly. "We are also seeking to promote and implement the GAA's code of best practice for youth sport."

The games, in both hurling and football, are broken into three age-group categories, ranging from seven- to 12-year-olds, known as First Touch, Quick Touch and Smart Touch.

"Every child is guaranteed a game for the duration. There are no subs. There is no pigeon -holing either as players are rotated throughout the game. If you are fouled you take your own free and whoever is nearest the sideline takes that. We want to rule out the mentality where the one big player dominates proceedings. The equipment is also modified to help in the developmental process."

This depends on the category. In "first touch" hurling the ball is twice the size of a sliotar but it becomes smaller as the levels progress so as to engender confidence. In football, a softer ball is used to ensure a similar sense of achievement.

Go Games aims to create a greater sense of enjoyment. Players get more touches on the ball and this has a knock-on effect of a more physical work rate.

"We are delighted with the feedback so far, especially from the kids," added Daly.

The new programme will involve additional demands on voluntary officials. It will require numerous coaches, and judging from those present in Croke Park yesterday - GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell could be seen hurley in hand - the GAA will turn to its inter-county players to help carry the banner.

The GAA programmes funded by the Sports Council include schools of excellence, summer camps and work in secondary schools. Over 2,000 primary schools are actively involved in Gaelic Games and almost 400 clubs have a formal link with them. Go Games will seek to integrate into this solid structure.

"The main aim is to have increased participation and to help bring the really talented up to the highest standard," said GAA president Seán Kelly.