**Part 2 **

 There are many different types of GAA clubs across the globe. Most are born out of a need for Irish emigrants to play their native games, while more recently, clubs are formed by locals or non-Irish eager to try new sports. Usually, large and small urban centers are the hubs of GAA initiatives internationally but sometimes clubs crop up in places least expected. One such club is governed by a limiting geographic environment, yet it is this very reality that is shaping a progressive entity. Indeed, the club is making its presence felt locally  – it is the Cayman Islands Gaelic Football Club.

**Presence **
There’s a wide variety of sports played on the island such as Cricket, Soccer, Rugby, and with Water Sports always popular. Despite this mix of more internationally known sports, the Gaelic Football club is well known. 

“The club definitely has a presence on the island, and one that is expanding.  We’re currently working on ways to expand our presence in the local communities,” declared the chairman. 

“Recently the league participation numbers have constantly grown and are now at a stage where we are one of, if not the biggest, sports club on the island. This year’s numbers look likely to be in the range of 270 players between the men’s and ladies.” 

Table 1. League Numbers. 

2017 (est) 
2016 
2015 
2014 
2013 
Men 
155 
136 
119 
95 
86 
Ladies 
115 
101 
77 
81 
71 
Total fully paid up members 
270 
237 
196 
176 
157 
% increase 
14% 
21% 
11% 
12% 
13% 

One of the things that attracts members is the friendly and fun aspect of competition. 

“The league is designed in a way to be friendly, accessible and social for anyone that has never before played or heard of Gaelic Football. We balance this out by having enough experienced players on each team so that the games are of a reasonable standard and also somewhat competitive,” said the club chair. 

Helping things on equity and standard basis, the Caymans club introduced a League Draft system (similar to American hurling clubs like Milwaukee and Indianapolis).  

“Each year the club completely redrafts all teams in the league. We have people sign up for the league as a whole and then have captains volunteer to lead a club for the season. From there, selection committees assign every player to a team. The selection committee is as impartial as possible and tries to ensure parity between all the clubs in terms of skill and experience levels.” 

Media coverage is also another thing that has helped spread the word about the sport and the club. Local TV station Cayman 27 shows brief video highlights and gives results throughout the season. Newspaper Cayman Compass reports on the clubs’ latest news. 

**Sustainability **
While the club is delighted with growing league numbers they are also very conscious of vulnerabilities, however, they have a plan to tackle any weaknesses. 

“As seen from the league figures, the club has been in a constant state of growth. However, it’s probably not sustainable to continue this level of expansion long term given the population of the island,” noted O’Toole.   

“In essence, we’ve noticed for quite some time as a club that there was a need to begin to look at the grass roots level of the game here in Cayman.  

“Over the last few years we’ve had kid’s events and a couple of training and exhibition days a year to guage interest. However in 2016, we launched an official sub-committee with the plan to develop the game at youth levels by reaching out to existing members with children, and also try gain a foothold in some schools.  

“To date it has been a very successful initiative, with 300 kids taking part in 2016 and Gaelic Football is currently being practiced in four schools on the island, with plans to expand to more.” 

This has led  to the club being in a position to launch a more formalized Youth GAA program and calendar this year with plans in place for Blitz Days along with Easter and Summer Camps.  

“We hope to see a continued uptake across the island and in 2-3 years to have a kid’s league in place,” said the club chairperson.  

**Sharing  **
Despite geographic and population disadvantages, Cayman Islands Gaelic Football Club,  is well placed to carve a solid niche for itself locally. It has a lot going for it with good numbers, a welcoming and standardized league format, an interested press and a promising youth project.  

The club chairperson is conscious of what it means for Irish members to be part of the club but is also very proud of what has been achieved locally. 

“The club means a lot to us. It gives our Irish members a home from home and a chance to still play the game we love, while also giving us the opportunity to share Gaelic Football with people from all over the world.  

“All in, we’re very proud of what the club has become, an inclusive, friendly group to play sport, socialize and meet new friends. 

“I inherited the club in great condition and have been privileged to help expand the game here in Cayman.  I’m sure that with the existing member-base, the club will continue to go from strength to strength.”