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: Bernie Connaughton
USGAA Secretary: Robert Tierney
USGAA Vice-Chairperson: John Young
USGAA Youth Officer: Paul Mulcaire
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

USGAA GDA’s are:

Aisling Kerr – Northeastern Division: gda.northeast.usa@gaa.ie
Colm Egan – Central Division: gda.central.usa@gaa.ie
Billy Hegarty – Philadelphia Division: gda.philadelphia.usa@gaa.ie
Alisha Wilkinson – 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 last 4 years (2017-20), more than 70 USGAA projects have been supported by 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 2017.

Applications for 2022 GGDF grants are now open: Global Games Development Fund 2022

The submission deadline is Sunday, January 16th, 2022.

Further information on the 2022 Application Process can be provided by the Games Development Officer: gdo.usa@gaa.ie

Equipment Grants

USGAA provides equipment grants to support costs of Camogie and Hurling development. Details and applications can be found here:

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

Grants for Newly Formed clubs

USGAA provides Grant Support to clubs which are affiliating for the first time. These grants are available in 4 Phases, with the completion of specified objectives outlined in the associated document:

New Adult Club Development Grant

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

Grants for Clubs adding a New Team

Grant Support is also available for clubs who are adding a new code to their club. eg. A club with an existing Mens Football team, are adding a Ladies Football team. These clubs can apply for a grant which will provide support in equipment purchases:

Please complete the Application Form, and return to USGAA GDO at gdo.usa@gaa.ie

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