East Belfast GAC is actively looking for 15 acres of land in its catchment to develop its own permanent home, the club chairperson has said.
The club will also appoint an Ulster Scots champion to engage with other organisations as part of three-year development plan by the rapidly growing club.
“Looking ahead to the next three years, building the club’s own pitches, clubhouse, and facilities will be another key focus for East Belfast GAA,” club chair Kimberly Robertson said.
“We recognise the importance of having our own dedicated facilities and by securing these, we would be able to ensure that Gaelic games remain accessible to all in our community.
“We are actively seeking over 15 acres in the catchment area and partnerships with other sports organisations to maximise the impact of such facilities. The goal is to collaborate in providing a hub for sporting and community activities in east Belfast.” It is planned to either buy or lease, with the possibility of entering a share arrangement with other sports organisations.
The club, still without a home and the target of several sectarian attacks, will also form a committee to promote Irish and Ulster Scots language and culture within the club.
It is aimed at integrating Gaelic games “into the vibrant community of east Belfast”, said the club, formed four years but already with more than 400 members playing men and women’s football, hurling and camogie.
The club will focus on five key areas, club structure, finance and fundraising, community and culture, coaching and games and pitches and facilities.
East Belfast currently has no permanent home but plays and trains often at the Henry Jones Playing Fields in Castlereagh, the target of hoax bomb alerts and an arson attack.
It is planned to establish a parent-led youth committee and a ‘Friends of East Belfast GAA,’, a charitable organisation “dedicated to promoting Gaelic games for all who live, work and study in the greater East Belfast community, with a particular focus on providing access to sport for children in the local area”.
Ms Robertson said it is “crucial we establish a long-term plan to ensure continued growth and inclusivity” as the club begins its fifth year of competition”.
She added: “A key focus for the next three years will be cementing our position within the East Belfast community.
“We aim to embrace local history and culture while expanding our outreach programmes to promote Gaelic games in local schools and through social teams that provide access to sport for new or non-competitive players.
“Our vision is to create an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate, grow, and be inspired by Gaelic Games and a shared culture.”
Ms Robertson noted east Belfast was named checked in the 2024-2026 Ulster GAA Strategic Plan as a “benchmark for other clubs to follow.
The report “highlighted the club’s involvement in community-wide outreach programmes, diversity workshops, and initiatives promoting cultural diversity, exemplifying the GAA motto ‘Where We All Belong’”, the club chair said.
“Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that sport has the power to unite people from all backgrounds and walks of life,” Ms Robertson said.
“By embracing diversity and promoting mutual respect, we can create a more cohesive and dynamic community that reflects the people of east Belfast.”
The East Belfast GAA Club Development Plan 2024 – 2026 can be viewed at https://eastbelfastgaa.com/development-plan
