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 In preparing a strategy for the Development and Promotion of Gaelic Games in Arklow it is vital to recognize and plan for the socially disadvantaged areas that exist in our community. In the past the GAA Clubs such as ourselves were formed and developed with the assistance of professional people and local school teachers. However, this has changed with the expansion of the town, the demands on professional people along with the number of school teachers not residing within the local community. These skilled people that brought a management rigor and sense of mission are no longer available to give of their time as heretofore to the community.
 It is imperative that these resources, which are no longer available, are replaced in the disadvantaged areas of the town where in many cases young people can feel marginalized. Within those areas are the necessary volunteers who will facilitate the provision of our national games to all the children but it is incumbent on the club to provide the leadership and manage ment skills necessary.
In many of the estates there are people who have the skills but they feel alone and need support. It is envisaged that the Games Development Officer when appointed will be responsible for liaising with the local community volunteers in order to facilitate the develop ment and expansion of Gaelic games and culture. The appointed person will bring management expertise and facilitate the club dealings with the voluntary workers in the estates. This will help to develop a long-term plan with appropriate manage ment structures and controls as well as playing facilities.
Our Club with its community focus is ideally placed to contribute to the resolution of these issues. Our Games Development Programme will include:
• Promoting and maximising the opportunity for children to participate in sport at a local area level.
• Co-ordinating the role of school, and related personnel in the club catchment area.
• Establishing a network of locally based role personnel in the club catchment area.
• Extending the initiatives beyond the school time frame.
• Developing participation pathways for life long sport involvement with local children.
AGB has confidence in its sporting offering, targeted to attract a strong cross community involvement in its club and membership base. To facilitate this cross community aspect the Club has undertaken a number of important initiatives both in a gender and social integration context and also to work with those with special needs.
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