Ladies Gaelic Football

60 // Ladies Gaelic Football Association DEVELOPMENT IN CANADA PEIL Autumn | Issue No 3 | Volume 14 Football, Hurling and Camogie, all codes coming together at grassroots level, this model has proven to be extremely effective not only in Canada but with other International units throughout the world, operating as 'Integrated Clubs' with a singular standardised membership for all its members. The "One Club" model allows for the sharing of costs with respect to playing facilities, fundraising activities, games development and insurance premiums. Young ladies relate to the incredible promotion of the game by the LGFA, the strong deliveries to girls at an early age, the ethos of the association, open to all regardless of age or ability. Times change, so do people's interests, there are many sports available to young people in Canada, therefore, it is paramount that the development of ladies football evolves and keeps up with the times, we must make sure to not to be complacent or fall behind. The LGFA is top of the league from that perspective, always thinking of new and creative ways to successfully engage the wider audience, they provide simple and effective programs promotions such as Gaelic4Girls which has increased games awareness and ultimately greater participation at the early ages. You can see the growth both in Ireland and abroad, here in Ottawa there are more female players and volunteers than males. The ladies team has had great success over the years, and across Canada ladies playing the game is increasing at youth and adult level, new club teams are entering competitions, playing standards are always improving and so too is panel sizes. I can see from my role in Ottawa the interests growing from high school teams where this year there are more ladies gaelic teams in the tournament than boys. The ultimate goal is to create awareness in all our local communities, develop, retain and grow the sport among native born players, our affiliated clubs are doing all of these things with the full support of the LGFA. Q : Can you tell us about the structures in Canada, the club network and how games are organised? A : As mentioned earlier all across Canada we conform to the "One Club Model" The structure and administration of the associations in Canada, and the business and affairs of the association is administered by elected committees namely: 1. County Committee 2. Three Divisional Committees 3. Twenty six Club Committees Having the three Divisions lessens the geographical and travel challenges for the most part, that said, clubs still travel from five to ten hours just to compete. In the Eastern and in the Western Divisions competitions are typically arranged as weekend trips out of town, Toronto is the exception as their League and Championships are more structured to a regular weekly schedule of games starting in early May and ending in September. While the Ottawa Gaels are primarily considered an Eastern Divisional team we have committed to travelling to the Toronto to compete in the ladies league, this arrangement has provided the club with more competitive games and enhances our general development playing against stronger opposition. As you can imagine there is real genuine commitment here in Canada, both financial and timewise, however, the overwhelming factor for me continues to be the pure love of the game. Q : What are the main challenges that you face in your role? A : Coaching in schools here in Ottawa is a completely different experience compared to Ireland, the audience and the local culture is different, Gaelic Games and such vocabulary as Gaelic Football are completely foreign and unknown, Gaelic Games have not had a large audience in the district. It's very much an Ice Hockey and Soccer culture here, both sports are well organized and very competitive from a young age, registration and participation costs can be exorbitant in these sports, and female "drop out is high" some can't afford the cost, others lose interest in these sports as they may be deemed to be not good enough to play or participate. From a Canadian Development officer's perspective distances between Cities is a struggle, it is virtually impossible to provide proper workshops and clinics to affiliated clubs due to the logistics and the cost of travel, we have established clubs such as Montreal Shamrocks who just celebrated their 70 th anniversary, and we have clubs such as J.P. Ryans in Vancouver who were established a short two years ago, all separate and distinct, all with different requirements. The clubs in Toronto are made up of a majority of Ex-Pats, their needs and their level of skill is different to those clubs like the Ottawa Gaels whose make up is mostly Canadians who are new to Gaelic Games. Q : And to turn the previous question on its head, where do you find most reward in the great work that you do? A : I think it's just great to see any girl or woman come out and give the sport a try…. At least twice! And then from there, to watch the interest, the involvement and desire to play the game, also for me personally, working here with players who never saw the game before they become addicted and have the desire to train and perform to the best of their ability, that's rewarding. Q : Where does your help and assistance come from? A : Canada GAA, the LGFA and Canada's Twinning Partner the Ulster Council, and, good old colleagues in Tyrone or anywhere else for that matter, and any old friend on WhatsApp, its free calling! Q : Do you envisage your time in Canada as a long-term arrangement or do you hope to come home soon? A : At present the plan is to remain in Canada for a bit longer, so we'll see where the road leads in the future, even if I were to return home, Canada and Ottawa in particular along with all the great people I have come to know will always have a very special place in my heart. Q : Finally, Angela, and thanks for your time. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Ladies Football? A : That Ladies Football just continue to keep growing and going from strength to strength as it has been doing in recent times both in Ireland and overseas, I would like to see the day when the code takes its rightful place up there with the mens code, and my wish would be that someday the ladies football finals would fill Croke Park too its capacity! Ye never know ladies football just might make the Olympics! Thank you all.

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