DOWN club Clan na Banna, from Banbridge, were the Ulster representatives at the 2025 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens Festival Days, held at Trim GAA and University of Limerick.
A total of 11 clubs attended over the course of two days, packed with fun, football and music, as players and mentors mingled with ZuCar Gaelic4Teens ambassadors and LGFA coaches, who passed on some key tips. Among them were Antrim’s Cathy Carey.
Club members and players shared their experiences from a hugely-successful 2025 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme, which will conclude with club visits from a ZuCar Gaelic4Teens ambassador or a county player to conduct a coaching session, and witness theory in action.
At the Festival Days, players took part in a series of small-sided games, which enabled them to showcase their developing skills, while also absorbing messages from the ambassadors on topics including skill development, nutrition/hydration, team building and athletic development.
The programme benefited hugely this year once again from the presence of sponsors ZuCar, who are also the LGFA’s Official Performance Partner and sponsors of the All-Ireland U18 Championships.
Following a hugely successful pilot in 2017, Gaelic4Teens has grown considerably and aims to help clubs to retain their current playing bases (removed recruit bit), in the 13-17 age bracket, which has been identified as a group with a high drop-out rate.
The ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme worked closely with coaches, influencing the content of their coaching sessions as well as establishing the best ways for coaches to engage and interact with their players.
In addition, the programme examined the coaching environments required to ensure that the long-term development of players is being facilitated in the clubs.
As well as tailoring training sessions, there was a focus on education with some of the ZuCar Gaelic4Teens ambassadors providing expertise and advice to participants for the duration of the programme, alongside some fellow inter-county stars.
Representatives from the 20 participating clubs in the full Gaelic4Teens Programme attended six online coach education sessions delivered by the ZuCar Gaelic4Teens ambassadors, while also attending regional in person coaching events and receiving a club visit.
The research that prompted the development of the Gaelic4Teens programme revealed that players play for enjoyment, to improve and get better, to keep fit and healthy, to relieve stress and because their friends also play.
The reasons highlighted for giving up the sport are that they don’t get enough playing time, there is no fun at training, that it is too competitive and that they are treated differently.
The spectacular festival days at the Trim GAA and University of Limerick showcased the key messaging for both players and coaches.
LGFA President Trina Murray commented: “Well done to all 20 clubs who participated in the 2025 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme.
“The Festival Days in Trim and Limerick were memorable events, with players, mentors and all of those present slapping on the sun cream and enjoying all that was on offer.
“The ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme is going from strength to strength and it was great to see huge engagement levels from the clubs involved once again this year.
“Our ambassadors and inter-county players involved played a huge role in the roll-out of the programme and a huge thanks is also due to ZuCar, who remain heavily invested in the Gaelic4Teens programme.
“I look forward to seeing more clubs apply for the 2026 programme and I wish our 2025 clubs the very best as they move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.”
Gavin Hydes, Group CEO, ZuCar, added: “We are exceptionality proud of our association with the Gaelic4Teens programme. Developing this underage talent is fundamental to the future and we were very excited to be involved with an initiative that is aimed at developing coaches and increasing the retention rate of teenage girls in Ladies Football.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for coaches to grow and learn, and to then assist young players involved in the LGFA.”
Clan na Banna players enjoying their day
Coaches, including Antrim’s Cathy Carey (centre and below)
The 20 clubs who took part in the 2025 ZuCar Gaelic4Teens programme are as follows:
- Connacht (8): Castlebar Mitchels, Mayo; Four Roads, Roscommon; Gráinne Mhaols, Galway; Kilconly, Galway; Kiltubrid, Leitrim; Oileáin Árann, Galway; St. Ciarans, Roscommon; Strokestown, Roscommon
- Leinster (4): Ratoath, Meath; St. Nicholas, Louth; Stabannon Parnells/John Mitchels, Louth; Westerns, Louth
- Munster (4): Abbeyside, Waterford; Annascaul/Castlegregory, Kerry; Fethard, Tipperary; St. Senans, Limerick
- Ulster (3): Clann na Banna, Down; Cuchulainn, Cavan; Tempo Maguires, Fermanagh
- Britain (1): Coatbridge Davits, Scotland
The following clubs attended the ZuCar Gaelic4Teens Festival Day in Trim, Co. Meath:
1. Ratoath, Meath
- St Nicholas, Louth
- Clan na Banna, Down
The following clubs attended the ZuCar Gaelic4Teens Festival Day at University of Limerick:
1. Annascaul/Castlegregory, Kerry
- Abbeyside, Waterford
- Castlebar Mitchels, mayo
- Fethard, Tipperary
- Oileain Arann, Galway
- Grainne Mhaols, Galway
- St. Senans, Limerick
- Kilconly, Galway
