GAA club development touches on all aspects of a club’s activities. The primary objective of GAA development is to promote club activities at all levels and increase participation and membership of the club, whilst ensuring the appropriate club structures, both administrative and sporting, are in place.
Development of the club can involve:
- Administration;
- Finances and sponsorship;
- Games promotion;
- Player development;
- Referee training;
- Youth development;
- Coach development; and
- Facilities.
The ISSC introduced the Development Officer role into the committee structure back in 2014. That same year a Development Committee consulted and worked with club members to create the club’s first Club Development Plan (insert a link to the 2014 plan here). This Plan identified key focus areas for the club over a three year period. Below is a list of the top three priorities identified by members as essential to promoting the development of the ISSC:
- COMPETITIVE LOCAL LEAGUE/ MATCH STRUCTURE
- MEMBERSHIP – INCREASE NON-IRISH PARTICIPATION
- MEMBERSHIP – GENERAL RETENTION
The 2014 Club Development Plan will be review in 2018 and club members will once again be engaged to participate in the generation of a revised five year plan. The review gives the club members the opportunity to assess progress and identify potential areas of growth for the ISSC. The Plan acts as a road map for the club and provides focus and direction for incoming committee members, as to where the club wants to go and what it wants to achieve regarding games promotion and participation in the long term.
The ISSC continues to work on the development objectives listed above, and in addition has identified an essential need to develop youth participation within the club to ensure the sustainability and longevity of the ISSC for years to come.
Mission
“The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation.”
The GAA is a volunteer organisation. We develop and promote Gaelic games at the core of Irish identity and culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that our family of games, and the values we live, enrich the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve.
We are committed to active lifelong participation for all and to providing the best facilities. We reach out to and include all members of our society. We promote individual development and well-being and strive to enable all our members achieve their full potential in their chosen roles.
Vision
Our vision is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our games and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelong engagement with our Association.
PURPOSE OF THE CLUB (MISSION STATEMENT)
THE ISSC IS COMMITTED TO ENCOURAGING ALL TO PLAY AND ENJOY THE GAELIC GAMES NO MATTER THEIR ABILITY, IN AN ATMOSPHERE THAT PROMOTES FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH.
The ISSC was formed in 1974 with the aim of bringing the local Irish community together socially and to promote the games of Gaelic Football, Hurling and Camogie.
Today, the GAA club is a blend of Irish immigrants, second generation Irish descendants, Canadians and other nationalities.
The club runs a number of successful teams including the Vancouver Harps and Vancouver Celts Men’s and Ladies Gaelic Football Teams and the JP Ryan’s Hurling and Camogie teams. The club also runs a growing Youth Program.
The ISSC continues to promote and support Irish cultural and sporting events in Greater Vancouver, and are always welcoming new members.