The Jersey inter-schools Gaelic football tournament, sponsored by Deloitte, will return once again this year. The initiative encourages primary school children in year six to keep active whilst also participating in a new sport.
Deloitte is proud to have sponsored this initiative for five years.
This year, 400 children from eight primary schools in Jersey will be split into teams to take part in the tournament, both boys and girls. Training for the children started on 26th April throughout lunchtimes, PE lessons and afterschool culminating with the final tournament on 10th June.
Deloitte members of staff also supported this initiative by coaching the children alongside other local businesses who provided volunteers who gave up time coaching the children.
Gaelic football, originating in Ireland, is rapidly growing at an international level. The skill set required for this game is transferable between rugby and football which make it so popular.
Members of the Jersey Irish GAA club also voluntarily give up their time to support the development of the sport in the island ranging from junior levels up to senior teams. This generosity has provided the opportunity for the local school children to get involved in a fun activity.
Eugene McCarthy, a member of the Jersey Irish GAA Club, said: “After this initiative was launched in 2017, the success of the tournament has continued to grow and surpass our expectations. The number of children and schools taking part each year grows reflecting the sense of community and opportunities the sport presents. There have been some disruptions and challenges due to Covid, but I’m delighted we can continue the tournament again this year. We’re grateful to Deloitte for their continued support.”
Siobhan Durcan, Partner at Deloitte, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Jersey inter-schools Gaelic football tournament. It is a great opportunity for children to try a new sport in a fun way and environment and it couldn’t happen without the valuable contribution by the GAA club and the local volunteer coaches as well as the teachers from our local schools. We support a variety of sports across the Channel Islands and we are delighted to continue our investment in this area giving back to local children, working with the schools and the local community.”
Click here for more information about the Jersey Irish GAA club.
