Participation fears
Wexford town playing numbers drop
A RECENT study on population versus participation rates in Wexford town carried out by the Leinster Council of the G.A.A. has highlighted a drift away from both Gaelic football and hurling.
The study was conducted following concerns expressed at County Board level about the lack of participation in the four main towns of Wexford.
A draft report, which has been received by Wexford town clubs, highlights that the participation rates have dropped since a similar study in 2011.
In 2011 the average participation for five- to 18-year-olds in Gaelic football was 35%, while it is now 30%.
In hurling, the 2011 participation rate was 22%, while in 2012 it is 17%, a staggering 5% drop in both instances despite an increase in population in the town.
In order to gather information, club facilities were visited, current catchment areas were reviewed, club and school representatives were met, while numbers and participation rates were examined in schools.
The draft report outlines that when considering the findings it is impossible to draw the same conclusions across both codes.
There are now four football clubs fielding teams across various grades, but it is noteworthy that some clubs are unable to field teams in certain age groups.
In hurling, Faythe Harriers have strong numbers at younger grades while Na Fianna are a new club attempting to create structures and build from the ground up.
The study established that there is good work happening in many of the town schools, and there is a dedicated group of teachers eager to promote the games.
However, there is a sense of frustration among teachers as there has been a lack of a dedicated club/school link (with the exception of those clubs serviced by a Games Promotion Officer).
On the question of facilities, it was stressed that St. John’s (Volunteers), Sarsfields, St. Mary’s (Maudlintown) and Faythe Harriers share Páirc Charman.
However, it points out that a Leinster Council health and safety report has been produced on the facility, stressing that the general area is in need of significant upgrade.
Referencing to the individual club facilities, the draft report states that St. Mary’s (Maudlintown) have developed excellent facilities in the heart of their community.
This has been done with considerable financial assistance both from G.A.A. and Government funds. It has placed the club on a very strong footing to promote football within their heartland.
In reference to Clonard, the report states they have a ground share agreement with St. Peter’s College, but the facility is in need of upgrading, with the club keen to progress this.
Faythe Harriers are progressing a development within Páirc Charman, and the plans are for an excellent state of the art facility which will be of significant benefit to the club and Wexford town.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph’s have purchased land at Whiterock Hill and have plans for development which would be of benefit on that side of the town.
The recommendations of the draft report are:
(1) Each club should be linked to a school to have responsibility for giving support to coaching programmes, Rackard League, Peil4All, Hurling 365, etc. It should be primarily based on catchment areas and schools numbers.
However, children will still be free to play with whatever club they wish.
A school has the freedom to choose what (if any) club they will allow into schools.
(2) All Wexford town clubs should gain access to the East Leinster scheme to employ a Gaelic Games Promotion Officer. This is subject to full agreement by all four clubs on catchment areas.
This requires a leap of trust from clubs that this approach is for the overall betterment of Gaelic football in Wexford town.
It is also important to note that schools will be required to approave this plan as Wexford G.A.A. are not in a position to impose a club on any school.
Where clubs in Wexford (16 clubs) have entered into the Leinster G.A.A. G.P.O. scheme, they have seen improvement in club numbers and activity.
(3) A specific schools second, third and fourth class blitz programme for urban schools should be co-ordinated by G.D.A’s and G.P.O’s. Wexford Park should be utilised where possible.
Wexford coaching and games will lay out a comprehensive programme for the 2019-2020 school year, beginning in September.
(4) Na Fianna Clonard should be offered short term G.D.A./G.P.O. support to help establish it as a viable hurling club.
(5) Specific participation targets should be set out for each club, and criteria will be outlined to be met and reviewed by the the Wexford G.A.A. games development steering committee and Leinster Council on an annual basis.
(6) Bye-laws governing town boundaries should be reviewed by Wexford G.A.A., based on the fact that the town is expanding greatly into catchment areas of suburban clubs. Traditional G.A.A. families have moved into these areas, but in some instances wish to participate with urban clubs.
(7) Each school should be asked to appoint a liaison person who is the point of contact for Wexford Games Development.
(8) There needs to be a better approach to attracting new children from all backgrounds to play with clubs, and Wexford G.A.A. should assist clubs in this regard.
(9) There is requirement for a long-term infrastructure plan for Wexford town. The county development committee should meet each club to ascertain scope for development and advice on potential to progress.
(10) Leinster Council/Croke Park should consider the circulation of free children’s passes for certain games in Wexford Park to town clubs.
In conclusion, the report says there is much good work being carried out in clubs and schools to promote Gaelic games in Wexford town.
However, it could be said that is is somewhat disjointed, with all clubs being focused on their own patch and reluctant to take an overall view for the betterment of the town.
The reports adds that it must be accepted that unless there is agreement between clubs that co-operation is required for the overall betterment of hurling and football, then progress will be limited.
The demographics of Wexford town have changed and there are a large number of children not playing Gaelic games, while many traditional G.A.A. families have moved to the outskirts of the town and into catchment areas of suburban clubs.
The recruitment of Games Promotion Officers has been of benefit to Faythe Harriers and St. John’s (Volunteers), and by adopting catchment areas for schools (subject to school agreement) more clubs will be able to create club/school links through the recruitment of G.P.O’s and the implementation of participation initiatives.
The potential for growth with Wexford town is great should all stakeholders adopt a united approach.