The hugely successful Gaelic4Girls programme from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association is returning in 2016.

The list of 43 clubs representing 23 counties from all 4 provinces has today been announced. The 43 clubs were chosen from a record number of applications. This year saw a large number of urban areas represented as some of the bigger towns from around the country applied to take part in the programme.

This year it is extremely pleasing to see that the head coaches with some of the counties include some of the biggest names in the sport as players like Laura McEnaney from Monaghan, All Star Annette Clarke from Galway and Armagh's Sharon Reel will look to give something back to their sport by helping to bring through the next generation of young talent.

The Gaelic4Girls programme aims to boost the numbers playing the sport in areas where the game is not as strong as it once was or to help clubs that have been struggling for numbers and indeed new clubs that are developing an underage structure. The programme takes place over a 12 week period and is suitable for girls aged between 8-12 with players of all abilities who are not currently registered to a club welcome. The club receives training for their coaches and co-ordinator along with resources to market and promote their club's participation in the programme.

The 12 week programme will see players learn all of the skills of the game in a safe and fun environment before they are integrated with existing club players. The participants are then all invited to Croke Park to be amongst the 1,000 players that get to take part in the national Gaelic4Girls Blitz Day.

Paula Prunty, National Development Manager of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association said 'Gaelic4Girls has been a wonderful intiative that has been a massive success for the LGFA and for all of the participating clubs. This programme allows clubs to bring through young players securing the future of the club. Players have the chance to take up a sport in a fun and safe environment and begin building a sporting circle of friends and, of course, there is the chance of running out into Croke Park in the Summer.'

2016 Gaelic4Girls Programme Participants.

Dublin - St James Gaels/An Caislean, O Dwyers

Kildare - Ellistown, St. Kevins

Kilkenny - Thomastown Ladies, John Lockes Callan

Laois - Sarsfields LFC Mountmellick, Graiguecullen

Meath - Gaeil Colmcille, Emmet Drumbaragh

Offaly - Tullamore LGFC

Westmeath - Garrycastle, Athlone

Wexford - Bannow Ballymitty

Wicklow - St Patricks, St Nicholas

Sligo - St. Molaise Gaels, St. Farnan's

Galway - Corofin, Kilkerrin/Clonberne

Mayo - Kilmaine, Ballinrobe

Roscommon - Strokestown, Four Roads

Monaghan - Corduff

Armagh - Clan na Gael, St. Moninna's Killeavy

Down - Russell Gaelic Union, Saval

Tyrone - Badoney, Edendork

Donegal - Beart, Kilcar

Kerry - Daingean Ui Chuis, Annascaul

Limerick - St. Senan's, Ahane

Waterford - Dungarvan, Ballyduff Lower

Cork - Cobh, Ballincollig

Tipperary - Lattin/Cullen, Ballyporeen

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