Nearly 20 players new to the game came out to learn the basics of Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie, many seeing the sports played for the first time. While new to Gaelic games, most of the rookies had prior sporting backgrounds, highlighting just how transferable the skills and movement patterns of these sports can be. Despite the chilly winter setting, the energy was high as participants embraced the opportunity to try something new, meet new people, and experience the spirit of the GAA community.
Newcomer and now club member Nadia Samoilenko, who drove nearly an hour each way to attend the camp, said the experience was both welcoming and informative. “Rookie Camp was a great introduction to the fundamentals of Gaelic football and camogie. The coaches were very encouraging and structured practices in a way that allowed us to build on our skills each week,” she shared.
Former rookie camp attendee and now Raleigh GAA club member Daniel Petersen highlighted the value of the experience, noting, “The rookie camp was a great opportunity to meet some people joining the club and learn and practice some skills before the season.”
The camp was made possible by the dedication of Raleigh GAA’s players and coaches, who volunteered their time to teach, support, and encourage newcomers every step of the way. Recruitment Officer Elizabeth Guertin praised the club’s collective effort, noting how everyone stepped up to ensure rookies felt welcome and supported.
“The GAA’s motto is ‘Where We All Belong,’ and I’m very proud of our club for staying true to that,” said Guertin.
With strong interest and enthusiasm from new players, the Rookie Camp served as a powerful reminder of what makes Raleigh GAA special – community, inclusivity, and a shared love of Irish sport. Player recruitment is ongoing throughout the year, please fill out the form below with your details: https://forms.gle/JCfGVNxNWTogSEZF9
