Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1411448
50 | AUTUMN 2021 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED AS AN AMBASSADOR WITH THE GAELIC4TEENS PROGRAMME? Emily Martin (Down) 'Firstly, it was lovely to be asked. I am passionate about the game! Having played Gaelic since underage, I am totally aware of the commitment, the trials, and the joys of being involved. Having completed my Sports degree, I became even more aware of the drop-out rates among teenage girls in sport, including Gaelic. It is good to be able to give something back and to try and encourage younger players to commit to the game and enjoy the sport'. Jackie Kinch (Wicklow) 'I got involved in the Gaelic4Teens programme because I had previously been a coach that took part in the Gaelic4Girls programme, and I learned so much from that from a coaching perspective. I thought it was hugely beneficial to coaches. Once I read what the Gaelic4Teens involved, I thought it was a great programme to get involved in as there was such a high drop-out rate at these ages. Trying to upskill coaches in retaining these players is rewarding. If we can help coaches in any way to get girls to enjoy the game more, and stay involved, it's a bonus'. Laura Fleming (Roscommon) 'I got involved as an ambassador with the Gaelic4Teens programme because I am passionate about retaining teenage girls in Gaelic football. As a PE teacher, I can see that the teenage years for girls can be a vulnerable time, when drop-out rate in sport increases dramatically. I want to instil the positive impacts that the sport has had on my life in other teenage girls so they too can experience these positive impacts rather than dropping out. It also provides opportunities for coaches to learn from one another, to provide the best experience for the teenage girl.' WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS OF THE GAELIC4TEENS PROGRAMME? Emily Martin (Down) 'It is a super initiative as it incorporates all aspects. The programme focuses on the person, not just their Gaelic skills. Like any sport, the psychology and well-being of each player should be paramount. Gaelic4Teens has a great balance, including developing skills in a fun environment'. Jackie Kinch (Wicklow) 'Excellent programme that opens the coaches' eyes to get to know the players and understand why girls play sport'. Laura Fleming (Roscommon) 'I personally think that the Gaelic4Teens programme is a wonderful programme that has the teenage girl right at the centre. It aims to keep the teenage girl involved in sport rather than dropping out, with fun and enjoyment being key parts of the programme. We want the girls to have a fun and positive experience, which will in turn keep them active and involved in the sport. The programme also provides numerous opportunities to educate club coaches on the interests and needs of the teenage girl in sport. This is a massive benefit of the programme to the clubs, so they have the correct structures in place to provide the best experiences for its teenage girls.' WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR TEENAGE GIRLS STAY ACTIVE OR INVOLVED IN SPORT? Emily Martin (Down) 'Staying active for as long as possible benefits us all. Getting involved in any sport, in particular Gaelic, is a great way to make lifelong friends and the social aspect is an added bonus!. Being part of a team reenforces the importance of support, encouragement, teamwork, commitment and handling success and failure, all of which are great life skills. Keeping active and playing a sport is a great stress-buster, especially around the times of exams or other challenges life may bring. I would highly recommend any young person to give it a go and get involved'. Jackie Kinch (Wicklow) 'I think it is extremely important for teenage girls to stay active and involved in sport, for their own wellbeing. It has been proven that being active helps mental health issues and also it's great for the girls to be out and about having fun with their friends while being active'. Laura Fleming (Roscommon) 'There are endless reasons why it is so important for the teenage girl to stay involved in sport. Firstly, the health benefits of getting out and being active are huge. Secondly, the friendships that one can make in sport are friends for life. Thirdly, the lifelong skills that one learns in sport are invaluable - leadership, communication, working together as a team, learning how to win and accepting how to lose, problem solving etc. It is a healthy break away from school and homework, where one can have fun with friends in a safe environment. The benefits are endless!!' IF THERE WAS ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE A COACH WHO COACHES THE TEENAGE COHORT IN THEIR CLUB, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Emily Martin (Down) 'To date, the one tip I would share is for coaches to remember that all the teenagers that make the commitment to turn up will all have different levels of ability. Not all will want to play at senior level for their county, so it is about getting the balance right. To ensure that, through encouragement, that all players, no matter what their ability will get the chance to improve their skills and reach their full potential, that no one is singled out for having less ability, that it is the team effort that counts and ultimately wins games'. Jackie Kinch (Wicklow) 'Try not take it too seriously and to not have a win at all costs mentality. By doing this, having enjoyable sessions with the girls and building rapport with them will retain the players and make it more enjoyable not only for the girls, but also for the coaches. Laura Fleming (Roscommon) 'Make it fun. When training is fun, the girls enjoy it and, they will keep returning and stay involved. This will lower drop-out rates. Be mindful of the many different aspects in the teenager's life outside of sport (school, homework, peer pressure, social media, etc.)' GAELIC4TEENS