A new GAA club nursery programme Well!Kids was launched at The Park Hotel in Dungarvan last night. It is aimed at 4 to 6 year old boys and girls.
Former Waterford hurler Fergal Hartley says that fun is at the heart of Well!Kids."It's a very innovative entry programme to the GAA. It is centred around fun. The idea of it is to drive participation, to get as many people involved in GAA activities as we possibly can."
Former Waterford hurler Brian O'Halloran is part of the Well!Kids workgroup and says that the programme is enjoyable for both children and coaches. "All can I say to parents and coaches out there who might want to get started is this programme will make it as easy as possible. Bring your kids up to the clubs on the Saturday mornings, have a look at what's happening and dip your toe in the water. It's the most rewarding age group to coach."
Each child will receive a Well!Kids jersey. "For a lot of children this age, they've never been given a jersey before," says O'Halloran. "We see it with the Cúl Camps and it's why the Cúl Camps are so popular. By giving a children a jersey at this age, it's building a connection with place and pride in that place."
Hartley says that Well!Kids will create a buzz in clubs. "It is about owning the Saturday morning and making the club the centre of the community, the place where people want to go. Not just for kids to have fun but for parents to socialise and meet other parents."
Well!Kids will be rolled out across the county in the first week of April. Mulligans Pharmacy have agreed to partner the programme.
