GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 38 – November 16, 2015 | Page 13

THE FUTURE Over the next two to five years club co-founder John Watson would like to see organization coninute to grow and break new ground. “Within the next year or two, I’d like to see the number of people playing in the city league somewhere between 80-100. I’d like to be able to expand to 4 teams, possibly 6. I would like to see at least two camogie teams playing locally, with the ladies playing camogie matches regularly. Additionally, I’d like to add football. I would like to see Nashville field a competitive team at the North American Finals in 2016. John Cunnane giving a Coaching clinic. Photo courtesy of Nashville GAC. “Within the next 5 years I’d like to see our numbers at 150 +, with at least 6 local teams, and a successful camogie, football, and hurling travel teams,” he said. done an excellent job organizing clubs of primarily American born players, and we’ve gotten a lot of support and guidance from these fine clubs. Part of that future he says must come from starting off youth and colleges support initiatives. “I would also like to see the club support collegiate clubs and to help establish and grow interest at MTSU, Vanderbilt University, and Belmont University where I teach. I’d also like to see the club travel to tour and play in Ireland, much in the same way the Indianapolis and St. Louis did a couple of years ago.” “I think it is essential that we start, and foster, a youth program within the next few years. I would like to see the Nashville GAC have the same kind of success as Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. These are all great clubs that have Nashville GAC from its humble beginnings in March 2013 with just 5 players on their first practice day has today grown to nearly 60 members with 40 men and women participating in their local city leagues. Watson added, “it takes a lot of work from a number of people to keep things going. We are always are trying to expand our numbers, solicit sponsors, be a part of the Nashville community, I have a great group of committed individuals serving on the Board of Directors, so I think we are in pretty good shape as an organization.” Nashville Gaelic Athletic Club is creating its own unique rhythm in the music city of Nashville. Photo courtesy of Nashville GAC. 13