Local GAA club provides FUN-damentals for kids

IN the ever evolving world of technology there is a growing challenge to encourage young people to be active and participate in sport.

Many children lack the basic fundamental movement skills required to give them a chance of future sporting participation to a self-fulfilling level.

Con Magees GAC began running the FUNdamentals Programme in 2005, developed by Terence McWilliams (Ulster Games Development Manager for the GAA). The programme aims to support the developmental stages of all children regardless of ability.

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The current programme (FUNdamentals & Gaelic Start) is run by Seán McKay and a team of volunteers with upwards on 50 3-5 year olds in attendance every week.

Seán says: “The aim of the programme is to get children interested in sport and physical activity. In its simplest form it starts off as ‘circuit training for kids’ and covers three core skills groupings -

ABC’s – Agility, Balance & Co-Ordination

RTJ’s – Running, Throwing & Jumping

CPKS – Catching, Passing, Kicking & Striking

As part of the on-going promotion of the work being done in the community children were presented with their own Club kit which was kindly sponsored by Montgomery’s Restaurant Ballymena.

Seán says: “We are very grateful for the support given by Montgomery’s and look forward to developing this relationship further in the future.

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“The look on the children’s faces as they were presented with their kit was a moment not to be missed. This is about giving children an affiliation to the local Club but more importantly raising awareness of sport for them and their families.”

Con Magees is one of a handful of clubs in Antrim who offer Hurling, Football, Camogie and Ladies Football at a competitive level.

The work in FUNdamentals is not just about transition to these sports but focusses on core skills that are necessary for any physical sport that children may encounter through school and beyond.

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