Games Development

GAMES DEVELOPMENT.

The USGAA partners with Munster Games, the GAA Central Council, and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs to Maximize participation levels, Optimize performance standards, and Enhance organizational structures and inputs around training and personal development throughout USGAA.

Games Development Personnel

Games Development Committee (GDC)

The USGAA GDC is responsible for the overall delivery of the USGAA Games Development Program. The committee consists of:

USGAA Chairperson: Gareth Fitzsimmons
USGAA Vice Chairperson: Bernie Connaughton
USGAA Youth Officer: Liam Hegarty
Games Development Officer: Robert Tierney

Games Development Administrators (GDA)

The role of the GDA is that of organizer, coordinator, educator as well as a coach. Flexibility and mobility are very important as the GDA continues to support the large volunteer sector working on the ground. While GDA’s work primarily within their respective divisions at times they assist with event/activities in other divisions and on behalf of the USGAA Development Committee.

GDA’s work can be categorized under one or more of the following Key Areas

Area 1 – Games Opportunities (Child)
Area 2 – Games Opportunities (Youth)
Area 3 – School Initiatives

Area 4 – Camps
Area 5 – Talent Academies
Area 6 – Learning & Development

Based in four of USGAA’s ten divisions, GDA’s are responsible for:

Club Development (Admin & Planning)
Schools Initiatives
Academies – Elite Players
Camp Programme
Go Games Blitzes/Leagues
Super Touch Blitzes/Leagues

Skills Tests
Adult Club Development
Linking Youth Clubs with Adult Clubs
Coach and Referee Education
Planning and Reporting (MIS & TMS)
Promotion & Publicity

The 2017-18 GDA’s are:

Aisling Kerr – Northeastern Division: gda.northeast.usa@gaa.ie
Colm Egan – Central Division: gda.central.usa@gaa.ie
Nicola McAnenly – Philadelphia Division: gda.philadelphia.usa@gaa.ie
Rory McKillion – Western Division: gda.western.usa@gaa.ie

Games Development Officer (GDO)

The USGAA Games Development Officer is responsible for coordinating games development within the country. Among their duties are:

Managing the GDA program
Managing the Global Games Development Fund
Managing development finances and budgets
Liaising with the Coach tutor leader
Liaising with the USGAA Referee Administrator
Facilitating development throughout the country

For further details contact Robert Tierney
Gdo.usa@gaa.ie | 412-478-2799

Coach Tutor Leader

Liaising between our divisional development committees, national coach tutors and games development, the coach tutor is responsible for directing Coach Tutor strategy throughout the country along with Games Development Committee.

For more information, contact: the USGAA GDO at gdo.usa@gaa.ie

Project Support

Global Games Development Fund

Since 2013, through the Global Games Development Fund, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and the GAA have provided financial support for developmental projects and initiatives in GAA clubs across Asia, Australasia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

The Global Games Development Fund is co-funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade’s Emigrant Support Programme and the GAA. The Fund provides financial support specifically for projects and initiatives that increase or improve opportunities for the Irish Diaspora and other communities abroad to play Gaelic Games. Through the provision of financial assistance, it is the aim of the Fund to support the Irish Diaspora and strengthen Irish networks and Irish identity internationally.

Over the past four years, more than 80 projects have received funding through the Global Games Development Fund. The projects are varied and reflect the needs of the Irish Diaspora and GAA in a particular area or region. Development – GGDF – Report on 2017 supported projects is a list of projects funded in 2018.

Applications are open for Global Games Development Fund for 2019 is now available for applications from the Heartland, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest Divisions. Complete the Development – Application Form Open Call September 2018. The deadline is Dec 9, 2018.

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Project Support

Pilot USGAA Project Fund
Global Games Development Fund 2017

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Development News

2018 USGAA Convention – Bernie Connaughton Elected 2019 Chairman

Nov 15, 2018

Delegates from the 4 corners of the United States, and everywhere in between, converged on Chicago Gaelic Park the weekend of November 9 and 10 for the 2018 USGAA convention. There was much debate and discussion amongst the 120 or so in attendance, with...

Philadelphia 2018 – USGAA Finals a Huge Success

Sep 6, 2018

The Greater Chester Valley Sports Complex was the venue for the 2018 USGAA Finals, hosted by the Philadelphia GAA. Located about 30 miles west of downtown Philadelphia, the venue was second to none with playing surfaces that were in immaculate condition....

Irish Hurling and Gaelic Football

Jul 19, 2018

Irish Hurling and Gaelic Football Matches, Exhibition, and Skills Test: Open to the Brave Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 11am to 4pm Sunday, July 22, 2018 from 11am to 3pm at the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival at Foxglenn Park 4200 E. Butler Ave.,...

Seattle High Schools – Presidential Cup Tournament

Jun 5, 2018

Skyline High School and Eastlake High School in Seattle continue their Gaelic football excellence. Their inter-school challenge tournament, known as the Presidential Cup after the trophy presented to the schools by Irish President Michael D. Higgins in...