Pictured are the players and coaches from the Estrela Vermelha (Galicia) team that were triumphant in the 2025 European Youth Féile.
By Alan Fitzgerald
The story of youth development in Europe truly began to accelerate in 2022, when Pearse Bell - a South Dublin man based in Vannes, France, stepped up to take the wheel.
As soon as Pearse joined the County Board, he set himself a bold goal: to launch Féile - the first of its kind in Europe. It was an ambitious vision, especially given the fledgling infrastructure and the scarcity of established youth clubs across the continent.
To bring it to life, Pearse would not only need to build a new event from scratch but also install and motivate a network of coaches and volunteers around a shared belief in the future of Gaelic Games in Europe.
The first Féile took place in Vannes with just four clubs represented. Fast forward to this year, and the tournament has grown threefold - with 12 teams from six different countries travelling to Amsterdam, the same city where the European County Board was officially recognised in 1999. Some clubs made 12-hour overnight journeys to be there. That dedication says it all.
But perhaps the most significant milestone came off the scoreboard: for the first time in Europe, LGFA teams competed at Féile, moving beyond the previously standard mixed-team format.
The Luxembourg LGFA team that were successful at the 2025 European Youth Féile.
This marks a major step forward for LGFA development on the continent and reflects a surge in interest and participation among young girls!
This growth has been driven by a remarkable network of dedicated coaches, many of whom go above and beyond to ensure that every child, regardless of experience or ability, enjoys a safe, inclusive, and inspiring introduction to Gaelic Games.
Diversity isn’t just visible on the pitch - it thrives on the sidelines too.
Meet Pawel, father of the MVP in the LGFA final representing Luxembourg. As a proud dad of two Féile players, his story reflects the growing, global GAA family built on shared values and community (video below).
The remarkable growth driven by Pearse Bell and his dedicated team of Youth Officers across the continent wouldn’t be possible without the backing of committed corporate partners. Gaelic Games Europe extends sincere thanks to Jones Engineering for joining our community and providing the vital support that helped create lasting memories for our future stars.
“Jones Engineering recognise and value the attributes that define GAA members," says Jones Engineering CEO, Stephen McCabe.
"These are the same attributes that drive success in our industry - commitment, loyalty, and a passion for excellence.
"As a company with a strong tradition of supporting community and sport, we are always looking to welcome individuals who embody these qualities. If you're a proud GAA member looking for your next opportunity, we’d love to have you on board.”
Jones Engineering CEO, Stephen McCabe, left, pictured with Gaelic Games Europe Head of Operations, Chris Collins.
The honours this year went to Estrela Vermelha from Galicia - a team made up entirely of local Galician boys. Their victory was a standout moment, not just for their skill on the field, but for what they represent: the next generation of native-born European players making Gaelic Games their own.
In a region where the GAA has grown steadily through passion and perseverance, Estrela Vermelha’s triumph offers a glimpse of a bright, homegrown future for the Iberian GAA community.
Looking ahead, the European All-star team will proceed to play in the John West Féile Peile na nÓg. Another exciting chapter awaits!
Gaelic Games Europe would like to thank Jones Engineering and McKeever Sports for their continued support at all of Europe's events
Thanks also to the hard-working team of Youth Officers in Europe that get the work done on the ground.
Gaelic Games Europe Youth Officers pictured at the 2025 European Féile.