ÓgDwyers Nursery & Academy

 

Club Chairman Foreword

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On behalf of our club, I would like to welcome you and your child into the O’Dwyers GAA family. Over the coming years, we will nurture, support and challenge your child to become the best version of themselves, both in life and on the field of play. This ambition may seem idealistic to some, but we are very clear in our minds as to the environment we want to create for our young members, which has little to do with winning but is more focused on individual and personal development.

It is centred around fun, enjoyment, and making friends for life. It is an environment that has respect, teamwork, and honesty as its core values. Promotion of these values will encourage participation and the development of a positive experience within our club so as to sustain a lifelong involvement within Gaelic Games.

O’Dwyers GAA coaches are central to such promotion and we as a club are indebted to their work and their level of volunteerism. We are always looking for more coaches to join us and help out so it may interest you to come on board with us.

Finally, my wish for your child is that sport in general, and the GAA, in particular, will provide them with an outlet that is framed in positivity and is supportive of self-development. I look forward to seeing them wear the green and white with pride and representing our values in all that they do.

Liam Howley,

Club Chairman

 

Our Aim

The aim of OgDwyers is to give:

  • Your child his/her first taste of Gaelic Games in a fun, action-packed and safe environment.
  • Your child will learn the fundamental movement skills of agility, balance, and co-ordination …known as the “ABCs”.
  • Your child the opportunity to learn and develop the skills of hurling/camogie and football through fun games and fun play.

What are the benefits of OgDwyers?

The benefits for you and your child are endless!

  • Having fun, making new friends, Keeping fit, Learning new skills
  • Inclusiveness – everyone is welcome
  • A positive playing experience and environment

 

Why O’Dwyers GAA?

The benefits range from being a part of a vibrant community to having an identity with an extended family. The community spirit at O’Dwyers GAA is second to none!

The OgDwyers Pathway

OgDwyers is for boys and girls aged 4, 5, and 6 after which the boys will move to the OgDwyers Academy section (Under 7) in preparation for the Under 8 Go-Games team.

 

What time & where do we train?

OgDwyers Training takes place once a week: Saturday at 9.30 am – 10.30 am. Registration from 9.15am 

We train at O’Dwyers main pitch (Bremore Park) in front of the clubhouse in the summer and move inside to a local hall during the winter months.

 

How do I keep up-to-date with OgDwyers?

OgDwyers has dedicated group on the Club’s mobile phone AppClubZap” 

Install the App on your Device

  1. Download ClubZap here https://clubzap.com/download?club_id=2703
  2. Search for “O’Dwyers GAA” in the club search
  3. Validate your installation by completing the form with your Name, Email & Phone Number
  4. If prompted enter the 6 digit validation code you received via text message

To join the Nursery Group in the App

  1. Open the Chat tab on the app and select the group you wish to update.
  2. Click on the chat bubble in the bottom right of your screen.
  3. Select your club from the list of clubs you are currently following. This list will only contain 1 club if you are only subscribed to 1 club
  4. You will see a list of groups active, Select OgDwyers Nursery Or OgDwyers Academy (U7) and hit the “Request to Join” button. Your status will then become Request Pending for that group until the admin accepts your request.

Note: The group admins will get a notification informing them of your request to join and you will get a notification with the outcome. If you are accepted into a group all existing members will see a notification that you have joined the group.

Further Information & Help here: https://odwyersgaa.com/clubzap/

For all Juvenile Players, we would request that where possible at least two parents/guardians join the app in case of event emergency/ unforeseen circumstance

How do I sign-up for the first time?

Please complete the New Player Details form below. We require some information on new players who want to join the O’Dwyers family, this is to ensure players are on the right teams, registration on player injury and governing bodies, have emergency contact details and correspond with the player/guardian on club activities.  Please note that this information will be used for the O’Dwyers administration purpose only

You can also talk to any of our OgDwyers Co-Ordinators who will provide you with further information

  • Games Promotion Officer Anthony Holly | Mobile: 086 3280606
  • Child Protection Officer: Mary Kenny | Mobile: 083 0053937
  • Club Coaching Officer: Michael Hughes | Mobile: 086 8211129

What about Covid? 

The GAA return to play has been in operation since the 29th June 2020, with players young and old enjoying our games

Before each OgDwyers session, you will be issued an invite via ClubZap with a ‘Return To Play’ health questionnaire included, a mandatory question to that the above e-learning module is complete

Further instruction of Attending Events and Return to Play are available here: https://odwyersgaa.com/clubzap/

 

Where do I park?

Please remember that our car park is currently closed, we would encourage patrons to walk/cycle to our club.

Car parking is available in BREMORE CASTLE CAR PARK a 2-minute walk to the club grounds/pitch

Please DO NOT use private car parks in houses and apartment blocks on Hamlet lane and refrain from parking on the park outside club gate causing traffic blind spots and obstructions.

Further details here: https://odwyersgaa.com/facilities/

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the OgDwyers ethos?

The emphasis is on participation and enjoyment – learning through fun. Our approach is to build confidence through encouragement while making the games as enjoyable as possible, following approved GAA coaching methods. The ethos of the primary section of our club is “having FUN, making new FRIENDS and learning new SKILLS”.

Q: How is the training structured?

The 60-minute session includes 10 minutes of fun, warm-up games followed by 5 x 8-minute fun stations focusing on particular skills e.g. kicking, hand-passing, striking the sliotar, and fundamental movements such as running, skipping, jumping…..followed by a 10-minute game! NOTE: Children are grouped by age and not by skill level.

Q: If the weather is bad, how will I know if training is on?

As the saying goes, if you don’t hear from us, OgDwyers is on! In the case of very poor weather and unsafe pitch conditions, an announcement will be made in the morning and posted on ClubZap OgDwyers Group(s)

Q: What should my child wear to training?

  • Children can wear shorts or tracksuit; runners if in the hall – football boots or runners when training outdoors. For football children can wear shorts or tracksuit; runners if in the hall, football boots or runners when training outdoors.
  • For hurling children MUST wear a helmet – helmets are available to borrow when a child first starts playing hurling, after which they are expected to purchase their own helmet. (Available in the club shop).
  • For football, children MUST wear a mouthguard in training and matches. Mouth Guards come in a variety of sizes and can be bought at any sports shop. If your child does not have a mouth guard, they cannot play!

Q: Do children in OgDwyers get to play matches against teams from other clubs?

From May onwards we organise fun challenge matches for our under 7 players against other clubs. We play home and away matches and these are always a highlight of the year for our under 7 boys and girls.

Q: What months of the year do OgDwyers train?

Training commences at the start of September and runs until mid-July roughly coinciding with the primary school year. We usually break in early December and resume in January. Training continues as usual on Bank Holiday weekends. New players are welcome at any time during the training year.

Q: What does the Club expect from parents of OgDwyers children?

For children in OgDwyers, the club policy requires the parent/adult who is responsible for the child to remain at the pitch/hall at all times. One adult can be responsible for more than one child at a time. Parents should bring a water bottle for their child to all sessions. In cold weather hats, gloves, warm top, etc. are recommended for the child. It is essential that we have all relevant information relating to every child who plays with O’Dwyers GAA –

  • Parent/guardian contact details
  • Details of any relevant medical conditions that might impact on how a child is managed at training, in particular, response requirements in the case of a medical emergency.

Q: What does it cost for my child to participate in OgDwyers?

There is a weekly charge of €3 weekly charge for OgDwyers.

Q: Who are the coaches involved with OgDwyers?

All coaches are parents of children playing at O’Dwyers GAA Club. We actively encourage new parents to become involved in coaching. All coaches at OgDwyers complete the compulsory courses in Child Protection and the Foundation Level One coaching course, as set down by the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie associations. In addition, all coaches are Garda Vetted. Regular coaching workshops are held at the Club to ensure that all coaches continuously upskill in the areas of hurling, football, and fundamental movement.

Q: What size hurley should I get for my child in OgDwyers?

Hurleys should be ground to hip height (not the waist!) For most O’Dwyers players this should be 24’’ or 26 ‘’- available in the Club shop. Hurleys should be taped at the top where the child will hold the hurley, this is for ease on small hands. Coaches can assist with this if needed. NOTE: Metal bands should not be used on hurleys for children at OgDwyers

Q: Where is the Club shop located, when is it open and what does it sell?

The club shop is located in the foyer of the club inside the main entrance. Opening times are posted on the door of the shop and circulated on the ClubZap Nursery group. All club gear is available to purchase in the club shop.

Q: How can I assist my child with the skills of football and hurling outside of training times?

Kicking a ball with your child, pucking a sliotar to them or hitting it against the wall with them, will all help your child develop their skills.

Q: Does OgDwyers organise camps and mini-leagues?

Yes, we do! OgDwyers runs an Easter camp for children in Junior and senior infants. There is an annual club Cúl Camp which runs for the first week of July. Mini Leagues are run every year for all children ages 5 – 11. Details of all camps and mini-leagues are communicated to parents well in advance.

Q: How will I know about any changes to training or matches on a week to week basis?

All parents receive an email, typically on the Wednesday of each week for that week, outlining the plan for the training or matches of that week, club events, etc.

Q: Will my child appear in club photographs?

Photographs are taken at matches, fun events, etc. and uploaded to the Cúl Maroon Facebook page and occasionally used for promotional purposes such as posters. If you do not want your child to appear in any public images please inform the OgDwyers co-ordinator.

Q: How do I know which age group my child belongs to in the GAA?

The year your child is born determines the year they will play at. Every January the child moves up an age group. It is in your child’s best interest to play in the age-appropriate group.

Q: What is expected of me as a parent /guardian when I am in the Club?

We expect that the club premises and equipment will be respected at all times. Please note that football boots are not allowed to be worn in the clubhouse.

Q: Can parents help/become involved?

Parents are encouraged to become involved. Formal GAA coaching courses are offered throughout the year. If you are interested in coaching, please make yourself known to the OgDwyers co-ordinator. We actively encourage parents to get involved with the coaching as it is great fun and the hour at training flies by!!! If you are not interested in coaching you can help in other ways. We need parents to help us gather up and store equipment, and to support administration tasks at the wider club level, etc. The club is run entirely by volunteers and new support is always welcome.

Q: Is anything organised for the parents?

A number of times a year fundraising events are held by the Club and this is a great way to meet up and get to know others in our club community as well as supporting our club development.

Q: Can a coach hold on to medications such as inhalers/ epi-pens for my child?

No, if your child uses any medication such as an inhaler or epi-pen you must be at all training sessions, matches or camps to administer this medication. Coaches cannot administer any medication to a child.

Q: Are there any specific Health & Safety criteria I should be aware of?

For our OgDwyers members, there is a requirement for a parent, guardian, or designated person to be in the GAA Club for the duration of their training session or match. The Club car park can get very busy especially on a Saturday morning or if we are hosting a blitz, so please be mindful of the children in the car park. O’Dwyers GAA prides itself on its child-centred approach to training and development.

If your child is not happy at training, for whatever reason, please come and talk to one of the coaches and we will sort it out immediately. For example, it could be something very simple like ensuring your child is with their friends from school or given extra encouragement when they first start. It is our priority that your child has a positive and fun experience at OgDwyers. We at O’Dwyers GAA Club aim to promote the participation of children in our club by creating a safe environment in which to have fun. We operate on the basis of the following important principles:

  • All children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play.
  • Children have the right to be safe. All coaches ensure that these fundamental principles take precedence over all other considerations. All Club members, through their actions, reflect the principles and guidelines contained in the ‘Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland’. The Child Welfare Officer for O’Dwyers GAA Club is Mary Kenny (083 0053937). Parents and guardians can contact Mary to voice any child welfare concerns they may have.