The IAFA U20 Selection continued its preparations for the upcoming The Gathering Challenge game against Canadian team, Greendell Falcons at Westmanstown yesterday. The Coaching team, led by Coaching Ireland Tutors John Judge and Terry Lynch and ex-UL Head Coach, Ciaran O’Sullivan put c.40 players through their paces. The coaching staff also includes several coaches from both the SBC and IAFL-1.
The squad is comprised of young players from IAFL clubs in the 18-20 age group. This game will be the first time that the majority of these players have faced North American opposition.
Head Coach John Judge said, that while it’s always challenging to bring together players selected from 16 clubs, he is very happy with the preparations to date and the players and coaching staff have put in a lot of work. He expects these players to acquit themselves well next Wednesday.
The enthusiasm of the players is very evident at the training sessions. It’s clear to see that they are enjoying the challenge, representing their league and the opportunity to play alongside players from other IAFL clubs.
The Gathering Challenge between the IAFA U20 selection and the Greendell Falcons will take place at Garda RFC, Westmanstown, Dublin next Wednesday (28th August), kick-off 6pm. Admission is free of charge. This will be the first of the Falcons two games in Ireland, they face Bristol Academy at Tallaght Stadium on August 31st.