Gaelic Games Junior Academy flourishes in West Australia

The Gaelic Games Junior Academy (GGJA) was established in 2012 due to the growing number of Irish Families who were relocating to West Australia, and in particular Perth. 

As GAA Clubs are often the first port of call for Irish emigrants, the Irish Families in Perth Facebook page was inundated with parents enquiring as to where their kids could play Gaelic Games.

 

"When we discovered that there was nowhere in Australia that catered for Junior GAA development, let alone Perth, we knew that we had to look at starting up something ourselves", explains Deborah Cashman, GGJA Secretary. "We approached the WA GAA executive committee at their AGM and were given their full support to go ahead". 

A "Come and Try" day was quickly organised enabling kids to have a go at Gaelic Games, while bouncing castles, treats and face painting provided some additional fun, helping to kick the Junior Academy initative of on a positive note. It proved so successful that a larger venue had to be arranged for the 2013 season. 

Today, there are two GAA Junior Academies catering for kids aged from 4-12 years old operating in Perth, one in Tapping (North) and the other at Thornlie (South) at the home of GAA in WA - Tom Bateman Reserve.

In addition, Martin Brady recently took over the reins to bridge the gap between Juniors and Minors (age 13-15) ensuring they remain involved in our game and to further develop their skills ahead of joining the Minor squad.

"We are still aware that we cannot sit back and think things will run themselves, we are working on organising interschool competitions and a GAA school blitz. It takes a lot of work and commitment, and we are lucky to have Gerry Crowley assist in promoting GAA within the schools to local Australian children, which in our view, is where the real growth will happen."

Deborah adds, "The committee and coaches are the real heros of the success of the GGJA for putting in their time, effort and enlisting their children. Every Sunday during school term, when you see the kids swinging Hurley’s or kicking a Gaelic football over the bar, you may even forget for a minute you are on the other side of the world!"

GGJA academies (4-12 year olds) are held on Sundays from 12pm - 1.30pm at Tapping Primary School and Tom Bateman Reserve.

13-15 year olds train on Friday evenings from 6pm - 8pm at Kingsway.

To find out more about the Gaelic Games Junior Academy like their page on Facebook or email ggjunioracademy@gmail.com.

The Coastal Breakers developing Ladies Football in Western Australia

The Coastal Breakers GAA Club was formed in 2007 by sisters Angela and Jacqualine Williamson. At the time, they had several Australian friends who were involved in other sports but were interested in playing Gaelic Football. Further, they saw an opportunity to expand the local Western Australia Women's GAA competition from 5 to 6 clubs.

  

Since their foundation they have continued to enter at least one team into the WA GAA competition and in 2009 player numbers increased to enable them to enter two teams, the first Club to do so in the Women's League.

Coastal Breakers is very much in support of the growth and development of Gaelic Football in Australia, not only as a place for Irish expats to enjoy their home sport, but as a great sporting alternative for Australian women.

Coastal Breakers at half time during a night game

The majority of the Breakers’ playing group have always been Australian. However, they are gradually recruiting more Irish which provides for a great cultural mix. They currently have 31 registered players, 7 of whom are Irish natives. These girls are all committed to a life in Australia in the medium to long term and have all made valuable contributions to the development of the Club.

In their 7 year history the Breakers are yet to secure a Premiership Cup, but have come close with two Grand Final appearances.

Coastal Breakers players have been well represented on various Western Australia Ladies teams; Lisa Bryant, Angela Williamson, Christina Kreppold, Jacqualine Williamson, Kezia Jones, Amanda Crean, Taryn Priestly, Jessica Valvasori, Alexis McLeod, Gillian Power and Kate Reeson. Five of these girls have also received Australasian GFHA All Stars.

The Coastal Breakers train on Monday (Creswell Park, Swanbourne) and Wednesday (Brittania Reserve, Mount Hawthorn) nights. If you are interested in joining them contact Angela Williamson on thecoastalbreakers@gmail.com

For more information visit their Facebook page or website