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ladiesgaelic.ie // 45 GAELIC4TEENS Volume 14 | Issue No 1 | PEIL Spring s a result of extensive research undertaken by the LGFA with clubs, the innovative Gaelic4Teens programme was developed. The programme, which is in its second year, aims to help clubs retain 15-17 year olds, an age group that has been associated with a very high drop-out rate not only for Ladies Football but in sport in general. Following an open application process the Ladies Gaelic Football Association were provided with the challenging task to select 15 clubs for the programme. The 15 clubs selected were Latton (Monaghan), Dromintee (Armagh), Tattyreagh (Tyrone), Killygarry (Cavan), Four Roads and Elphin (Roscommon), Kilmeena (Mayo), St. Molaise (Sligo), Burren Gaels (Clare), Cappawhite (Tipperary), Naomh Abhán (Cork), Clonard/Volunteers (Wexford), Erin Go Bragh, Naomh Mearnóg (Dublin) and Baile Dubhtire (Wexford). The programme involves three contact days in total. The first two days focus solely on coaches from the club with the third day involving coaches and players. Coaches involved receive education and resources in order to support them to make their coaching sessions specific for the needs of teenage players. The research that prompted the development of the Gaelic4Teens programme revealed that players play for enjoyment, to keep fit and healthy, to relieve stress and because their friends also play. The reasons highlighted for giving up the sport are that they don't get enough playing time, there is no fun at training, that it is too competitive and that they are treated di"erently. A "The first two days focus solely on coaches from the club with the third day involving coaches and players." LGFA tackle female teenage retention in Sport Day one of the programme took place Saturday 25th February in NUI Maynooth. Programme ambassador Clíodhna O'Connor was on hand to present on topics such as talent development, body image and confidence as well as long term athlete development. A practical demonstration with special emphasis on how coaches coach and how they should engage with their players and provided simple ideas on how these can be applied in your everyday coaching sessions. Clubs left equipped with plenty of new ideas and enthused to try something new within their clubs over coming weeks. Day 2 of the programme takes place in early April in the same venue. Gaelic4Teens Ambassador Orlagh Farmer will present to the group covering areas such as lifestyle planning and team dynamics along with more practical ideas demonstrated on the day.