Minister Ruane announces DENI Funding

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has announced an extension of funding for the GAA Schools Coaching Programme.

The funding totaling £6million is for both soccer and Gaelic games coaching in local primary schools.  32 GAA coaches and 24 IFA coaches currently deliver training for over 33,000 children in 551 primary schools across the north of Ireland. The new funding will see the programme sustained over the next four years.

Making the announcement, the Minister said: “I introduced the Primary Sports Programme in 2007 to help improve the health and wellbeing of our children and encourage them to embrace a healthy lifestyle from a young age.

“Getting involved with sport is an excellent way of achieving this. Both Gaelic games and soccer offer many opportunities for young girls and boys to have fun and keep healthy. Not only does such activity tackle and prevent obesity, but it also helps children focus and learn better during class time.”

Welcoming the announcement Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail stated, “DENI’s Sports in School Programme has greatly benefited many children across the north of Ireland.  It has provided children the opportunity to improve their skills, confidence and enjoyment.  It is also welcomed that physical literacy is now an inherent element of the children’s persona within the curriculum.  Over the years we have found that this programme has helped maintain children’s interest in playing sport and in particular Gaelic Games.  We are delighted that the Minister has extended this funding for a further four years as it really is an important learning programme for children.”

Ulster GAA’s Director of Coaching and Games Eugene Young said, “We are delighted that the programme will run for the next four years.  We look forward to continuing our work with the IFA to deliver the fundamental movement skills that will equip children to take up sports and leisure activities with confidence and live healthy lives.”

Notes:

Photo attached: Minister Caitríona Ruane with Ulster GAA Provincial Secretary Danny Murphy, Michelle McAleer Head of Finance and Eugene Young Director of Coaching and Games