The Mayo Sports Partnership and the Connacht Branch of the IRFU have joined forces to provide additional participation opportunities for young girls in second level schools.
The project, which received funding under the Dormant Accounts Disadvantaged Youth Grant Scheme, was formally launched recently. Under the direction of Mayo based RDO Lyndon Jones, five Mayo schools are currently receiving tuition from Development Officer Tracey Moran in tag rugby during extra curricular time.
Already a blitz between the participating schools has taken place with more planned for early spring. It is hoped that existing rugby clubs will develop a ladies branch of their club activities in the near future which will provide pathways for participants in the project.
Mayo has produced senior players for Connacht teams and several young players have gone on to represent Connacht and Ireland at international level. With projects of this nature the Connacht Branch would envisage a girl from Mayo representing the Irish Women’s team and playing at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in the years to ahead.
Speaking at the launch, Martin Gallagher, Domestic Game Manager with the Connacht Branch, said: “I am delighted that we are in a position to work and support the directions of both our sporting programs. The county of Mayo is synonymous with sporting culture and success in various sports and the Local Sports Partnership is making an impact in the sporting community providing opportunity and leadership.
“Numerous initiatives such as this are been pulled altogether under the direction of sports co-ordinator Charlie Lambert and his team.”
One of 41 projects funded through the Disadvantaged Youth Grant Scheme, the initiative has illustrated how governing bodies of sport are linking in with local structures such as the Sports Partnerships in the development of increased sporting opportunities.
Mayo Sports Partnership Sports Co-ordinator Charlie Lambert praised the Connacht Branch for their forward thinking. He also complimented the contribution from other governing bodies such as the GAA, FAI, GUI, Basketball Ireland, Volleyball, etc. towards providing an increased menu of sporting activities in the county.
Further details can be obtained on the Sports Partnership website http://www.mayosports.ie/ or by contacting the Sports Partnership office at tel: 094-9047537.
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