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

USGAA Games Development Committee (GDC)

The USGAA GDC is responsible for:

  • the overall delivery of the USGAA Games Development Program
  • managing the GDA program in the Central, Northeast, Philadelphia, and Western Divisions
  • managing the Global Games Development Fund available to clubs in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest Divisions
  • managing development finances and budgets
  • liaising with the Coach Tutor leader
  • liaising with the USGAA Referee Administrator
  • facilitating games development opportunities throughout the country

The committee consists of:

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:

 

                    

Leona Rabbitte – Western                         Billy Hegarty – Philadelphia                    Colm Egan – Central                             Eoin Gormley – Northeast

 

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 Games Development at rob.tierney.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 7 years (2017-24), more than 100 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 2024 GGDF grants have now closed. We hope to re-open applications in late ’24.
 
 

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 Games Development Committee at  rob.tierney.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:

For more information, contact: the USGAA Games Development Committee at rob.tierney.usa@gaa.ie

Grants for Clubs adding a New Code

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 Games Development Committee at rob.tierney.usa@gaa.ie

Grants for Gaelic For Mothers & Others

We are delighted to support the new Gaelic For Mothers & Others programs that are getting off the ground after our April 2025 webinar. Grant Support is available for cities that start a Gaelic For Mothers & Others program. Divisions can apply on behalf of their cities for a grant which will provide support in the form of some basic equipment for their program.

Divisional Secretaries and city representative club, please complete the Application Form, and return to USGAA Games Development Committee at rob.tierney.usa@gaa.ie

For more information contact USGAA Games Development at the email above or the Ladies Football workgroup chairperson.ladiesfootballwg.usa@gaa.ie 

Games Development Personnel

Project Support

Development News