Galway GAA U9 Go Games blitzes prove to be a success again in the west

By Cian O’Connell

More than 1,500 Go Games U9 players from Galway participated in two successful blitzes at the Connacht GAA’s Centre of Excellence recently.

Clubs in the county were invited to attend the events in both codes with Galway GAA coaching staff delighted with the participation. It was all about fun and collaboration with emerging footballers and hurlers afforded ample game time in Bekan.

Games Promotion Officers with Galway GAA, Aidan Claffey and Cian Ryan remain heavily involved in developing underage talent. There is a significant logistical challenge. “We've the full seven pitches going, including the Dome, and we'd have four mini pitches on a pitch,” Claffey explains.

“You'd have four games on each pitch going at a time. You'd have eight teams playing on a pitch at the one time.

“We try to have eight teams playing on a pitch. Sometimes, you might have nine with one team resting, you just rotate then. It's all go. That's the main thing. We'd have a co-ordinator on each pitch, one of our staff to make sure everything is moving.”

Cian Ryan is delighted that so many young players thoroughly enjoy playing at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence. “Between the two days, we'd around 1500 or 1600 kids there,” Ryan says.

“We send out a Go Games schedule early in the year and the date is planned from back then, in February or March. We've dates in the calendar. We send out a form so that clubs can register interest for the two days in football or hurling.

“You're looking at the numbers coming in, whether clubs are bringing a few teams. There is a good bit of work in it, but it's worth it all when you see the end, on the last day, when you see it come together.”

The positive reaction is encouraging according to Ryan. “We try to divide it up, so they aren't playing the same teams that they’d usually play locally,” Ryan remarks.

“So, there can be a bit of novelty to that, too. You're getting to play against a club you mightn't play normally. From the coaches we were talking to, they enjoyed that aspect. It was a little bit different for them.

“Then, travelling to Bekan, you've the whole thing with the Dome, there can be a bit of novelty around that, it brings a bit of excitement. It's different to a normal week. The coaches from the clubs, the reaction has been super.”

Claffey acknowledges the fact that so many people contribute to the occasions. “Everyone chips in, all of our staff from both hurling and football will be there on both days,” Claffey says.

“Dennis Carr, our Games Manager, helps out, we all row in, and help each other. We ask people who might help us out with Academys or Cúl Camps to help out. The clubs are great, we ask that they each supply a referee. The staff in Connacht give a hand too, making sure everything is set up.

“We’ve to give huge thanks to all of the clubs, their coaches, and officials, as well as our coaching and games staff and Connacht GAA for their help in the planning.”

The co-operation between hurling and football coaches is critical according to Ryan. “We try to link in as best we can the whole way up with schedules,” Ryan responds.

“In the Academy, dual players are offered the same chances as everyone else. They will go every second week. We're constantly talking and planning.”

Claffey highlights the value and relevance of the Go Games model for young footballers and hurlers. “Go Games is a great initiative, it's non-competitive, it's all about participation,” Claffey says.

“A lot of our role as development officers is increasing participation in our regions. It's lovely to see the kids getting a great day out in Bekan.

“It might be their first day going to a big venue, we try to get as many participating in our games. Not everybody is going to play for Galway, but they will be club players, club officials in the years to come, and we need everyone we can retain, in the GAA.”