The Barley House Wolves Youth Program

The Barley House Wolves initiated a youth program in 2009. Our goal for the first year was to introduce the sport to young athletes in the area. We do this through some basic skills drills and teaching the rules and object of the game. As we progress over the next year we will increase the number of youths exposed to Hurling and concurrently increase the level of skill and introduce small scale competition. The Wolves are proponents of the GO! Games philosophy and are using the First Touch, Quick Touch and Smart Touch method.

Key Objectives

Promote Full Participation:
Provide playing opportunities for all children at their respective levels of participation by ensuring everyone gets to play in the game and that nobody remains a substitute.
"Playing, not winning, is the name of the game."

Propagate the Principles of Fair Play:
Promote sportsmanship by ensuring that all participants endeavour to play by the rules and give due respect to the opposition, the match officials and the game.

Cater for the varying developmental needs of young players:
Use modifiedplaying rules and equipment that are appropriate to the age group and ability level of those participating

Implement the GAA's Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport:
Give practical expression to the GAA's Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport by invoking the principles of the Code at the fundamental levels of participation.
N.B. While the playing rules for First, Quick and Smart Touch are not necessarily set in stone - the principle of ensuring that all participants get to play the full game is,
as is the principle of not awarding medals or trophies arising from success in the Go Games.

Benefits of the Go Games:
1. Increased enjoyment
2. Increased number of touches on the ball
3. Increased physical work rate
4. Increased perception of competence

Please visit the North American Youth Site