robert jennings designed_Layout 1 25/11/2013 16:38 Page 1
ROBERT JENNINGS
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HARD WORK PAYING OFF
very club knows the importance of a good underage structure and Blackhall Gaels are no different on this front. About five years ago, the club developed a nursery to cater from five to ten-year-olds and one of the coaches of these age groups, Robert Jennings told the Royal County Yearbook about the hard work that has gone in to underage scene in the club over the past few years. Despite being a rural club, Blackhall have worked hard to promote the game of Gaelic football in the Parishes of Batterstown and Kilcloon and the fact that they now have on average of 80 players between five and ten years old in the park every Saturday morning is a testament of the hard being done. “About five years ago, the club decided to establish a nursery to cater for the younger age groups and through the hard work of a lot of people, we have managed to bring it to the level that it is at today,” said Robert. “It is a slow process and we are only bearing the fruits of it now as
The Blackhall U10s
the kids that were with us when it started are now only under-12. Robert believes that maintaining a set date for training has helped them in regards to attracting players and ensuring that they keep coming. “We train every Saturday morning regardless. We said from the start that there was no point in chopping and changing as people would get fed up of that. But the parents know that there will be training every Saturday morning, so it is now part of their routine.”
Young Blackhall Gael’s players in the new jersies
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Every parent will also be welcomed in the club if they feel that they have something to offer, according to Robert. “We would encourage parents to get involved and many have. You can never have enough people helping out and it helps to share the work load out.” Robert admits that the Meath County Board deserve a lot of praise for the organising of blitzes and other tournaments for the youngsters. “There are a good few blitzes on for the under-8’s and ‘10s and when you see the amount of teams and kids that they are catering for, they deserve great credit for the work that they do. All tournaments are very well organised, which takes a big effort.” Other sports are always a major ‘threat’ to the GAA family and Robert admits that it is something that has to be dealt with on a weekly basis. “We would have kids that play rugby and soccer and you can’t force them to do play football. We just have to ensure that we have the right set up and hope that they get more involved in the game. If you tried to pressurise youngsters into playing football, then I’m sure it would be us that would suffer. “We’re happy with the work that we have been doing and hopefully we can attract more kids to the club. The schools are doing their bit as well, so hopefully all will be bright for the future.”