A GAAme of 2 Halves’ is a cross-community event aimed at clubs and their local feeder primary schools and currently being rolled out as part of the CRC funded project ‘Sport Uniting Communities’.

Community Sports Development Officers (CSDOs) from Ulster GAA work closely with schools from the maintained, controlled and integrated sectors with a view to breaking down barriers in society and community building through sport.

The ‘Game of 2 Halves’ initiative is being rolled out by Ulster GAA community department staff, allowing participants to receive coaching in Gaelic football and GAA rounders in an environment where they are mixed with participants from other backgrounds and are encouraged to work closely and build relationships with people from all sections of the community.

These events follow a similar concept which was first developed by Paul Brown, youth co-ordinator at Knock Presbyterian Church, together with PeacePlayers International as a cross-community initiative which would bring the three major sports governing bodies together and offer children from both sides of the community the chance to experience Gaelic games, rugby and soccer.

Ulster GAA, having been involved in this format alongside Ulster Ruby and the Irish FA in the former Peace IV project, have now developed the concept of a GAA themed alternative.

Ulster GAA will invite local clubs or schools to come together to host a ‘GAAme of 2 Halves’ event. Throughout the day participants receive coaching from community sport development officers in Gaelic football and GAA rounders. The day is completed in a blitz format where participants are divided into ‘mixed’ teams and play games in the different codes.

This is an excellent opportunity for our clubs to promote themselves as open and welcoming community clubs and in turn help to increase membership and sell their club to new members and volunteers through local primary schools.

Ulster GAA are fully committed to the principles of inclusion and diversity.

If your club or school would be interested in hosting a ‘GAAme of 2Halves’ event, contact one of your local Community Sports Development officers – Chris Magee – chris.magee.ulster@gaa.ie or Proinsias O’Kane – proinsias.okane.ulster@gaa.ie