Academy

About the Academy / Faoin Acadamh

The Cuala Academy caters to children aged from U5 to U9, offering a fun and inclusive environment in which to learn gaelic games. Our qualified volunteer coaches lead age-appropriate activities that aim to develop childrens’ football, hurling and camogie skills. Training takes place twice a week with one midweek and one weekend session, with times and location dependent on the gender and age group.

Joining Cuala is also about more than the sport. Our Academy is about fun, friendships and fostering team spirit. Becoming a member means becoming part of a club community, something that draws many of our parents to get involved too!

ACADEMY CONTACTS

Academy Events / Imeachtaí Acadaimh

Academy events also take place throughout the year, with many of our teams arranging seasonal fun training sessions or outings. Highlights of our Academy Calendar include our Academy Sponsored Walk, and one of the club events of the year, Cuala’s Mini All-Ireland, a week-long festival of fun and gaelic games.

MINI ALL-IRELAND

Seasonal Camps / Campaí Séasúracha

Cuala runs a series of fun camps at Easter and Summer for children of Academy age. Keep an eye on our Camp’s page for upcoming camps.

SUMMER CAMPS

Go Games

Academy U8 and U9 teams play GoGames which they continue when they move to juvenile level up to U12. Go Games are Camogie, Hurling and Gaelic Football games for children up to 12 years of age, where every child gets to play (have a Go) in every game. The aim of Go Games is to encourage all children to achieve their full potential through small-sided games where they can optimise decision-making and develop their technical skills in a fun environment.

Parent Volunteers / Tuismitheoraí Deonacha

Our Academy is almost entirely dependent on the volunteerism of parents. We strongly encourage parents to get involved and contribute to the success of the Academy and club. You don’t have to have experience of gaelic games, there is a role for everyone! Find out more via the link below.

GET INVOLVED

Academy Events / Imeachtaí Acadaimh

MINI ALL-IRELAND

Seasonal Camps / Campaí Séasúracha

Cuala runs a series of fun camps at Easter and Summer for children of Academy age. Keep an eye on our Camp’s page for upcoming camps.

SUMMER CAMPS

Go Games

Parent Volunteers / Tuismitheoraí Deonacha

GET INVOLVED

How to Join the Academy / Conas Ballraíocht a Fháil

When can I join?

We host a new intake of U5s every September (keep an eye on our newsfeed for announcement of dates). However, if you miss the intake we always welcome prospective members, simply follow the procedure in ‘How do I join?’ below.

How do I join?

To join please contact the relevant section (gender and age group) for your child via the contact link below, to find out training time and location. Your child is welcome to try-out for a few weeks and then become a member of the club thereafter. The section lead can guide you through this. Each child will receive a club jersey upon joining the club.

What are membership subscription rates?

We have a range of individual and family subscription rates. You can find out more here.

How do I know what time the training sessions are?

Training sessions are arranged at particular times for each gender and age group. Contact the relevant section (gender and age) for your child via the contact link below to find specific details.

What must my child wear for Gaelic football?

Gum shields are mandatory for everyone playing Gaelic football, with football boots recommended for grass training and astro boots or runners for astro training. Shin guards and football gloves are recommended.

What must my child wear for hurling/camogie?

A helmet is mandatory for anyone playing hurling and camogie, with a hurley also required. Section lead or coaches will be happy to advise on the most suitable size hurley for your child. Shin guards, football boots for grass training, and astro boots for astro training are also recommended.

Can parents get involved?

Yes! The success of our Academy and club relies on the volunteerism of parents and members. There are a number of ways you can get involved, find out more here

Do children learn both codes (hurling/camogie and gaelic football)?

Yes, all children are coached in hurling/camogie and gaelic football.