GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 23 – April 10, 2015 | Page 13

Henry Shefflin or to play at levels as seen in Ireland, but when
building sports from the ground
up one has to start somewhere
and instructing school teachers in the basics with a view to
coaching, allows for the possibility of natural development and
evolution thereafter.
MISSING PIECE

Terry Lynch was greatly enthused by the convention saying
it scored high marks.
“Participation in SHAPE America gave Gaelic sports and NACB
instant credibility with PE professionals,” he said.
Talking hurling at the SHAPE convention in Seattle. Photo courtesy of Terry Lynch.

“The message and delivery surrounding Gaelic sports efficiently channeled PE teachers’ interest, harnessing it to create new, excited teen
GAA players through easy step by step programs the
teachers could adopt.
“The approach relied on introducing the games by showing the students that they already knew most of the skills
from other sports. The resources to do this were already
there, having been developed over the last several years
by the GAA Coach Education program. All that was
needed was some way to connect these resources with
the teachers. SHAPE America was the missing piece of
the puzzle and it worked out great.”
Looking at the Gaelic games program at the SHAPE
convention from the teachers’ perspective, Tracy
Schellberg observed that the amount of teachers that
stopped by the booth to listen was incredible.

Many teachers gathered handouts and resources to
assist them in learning the game. As a teacher it was
great for Schellberg to connect with fellow teachers
about Gaelic sports and give them the confidence that
they can easily have the sports as a part of their curriculum.
Schellberg felt that the whole project was a great success.
“There was so much inquiry and enthusiasm to learn a
new game to take back to their gyms. Not only are they
learning a new game, but a game that has been around
for hundreds of years in Irish culture.”
Terence Lynch is NACB Coach Education Chair.
Tracy Schellberg is a teacher in Skyline High School
PE Department.

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