Our Future Club #BackingCuala

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2 z Our Future Club #BackingCuala Strategic Plan -2022

3 Table of contents Message from Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Cuala Chairman s Address Background to the Plan Our Story So Far Our History Club Honours Cuala in Numbers Our Current Facilities We Listened Our Mission - Our Vision - Our Values Our Goals Our Goals and Our Actions Cuala Youth - The Ultras Story Club Structure and Governance Arrangements Implementing and Monitoring our Plan Finance and Funding Conclusion Acknowledgements

4 Message from Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael A chairde, Is pribhléid agus ónoir mór dom a labhairt libh ar an ócáid speisialta seo. On behalf of the Association I want to congratulate all involved with Cuala GAA on reaching this significant milestone. The Centenary of Cuala Hurling Club in offers the Club a chance not only celebrate a long list of proud achievements but also represents an opportunity to reflect, take stock and plan for the future. There is never a wrong time to make such a plan, but there s a lot to be said for Cuala taking these steps now, at a time of strength and success, rather than doing so when things are different, when success is thin on the ground and the road ahead looks steep and arduous. There are no short cuts and no easy answers. But to your credit, the people in Cuala already know this. It has been well documented how the current golden years at senior level can trace their roots back to the selflessness of the volunteers who went back and rebuilt the juvenile section and invested so much time and energy into producing the players who are the heroes of the senior team today. This work is so often undervalued, under-appreciated and unforgiving. But how satisfying it must be to have seen a senior team win three Dublin county titles in a row, as well as a magnificent All-Ireland Club crown, and do so with so many players who had their love of hurling nurtured through the Cuala Academy. The Club s achievements in hurling are widely acknowledged, but the hard work and dedication undertaken by those involved in developing football, ladies football, camogie and indeed the Academy where most of the current crop of young adult players started - are just as equally valued. 4

5 From the late, great Mick Holden to Damien Byrne to Michael Fitzsimons and David Treacy Cuala has done more than its fair share when it has come to producing household GAA names and people as well as players of the highest calibre. Nothing connects us to our ancient, Celtic warrior past quite like Gaelic games and there are records of games being played in this part of South East Dublin which pre-date the foundation of the GAA in But while the trophies and the accolades have been obvious high points, it is always worth remembering that cups and medals alone are never the sole yardstick we use when assessing the GAA. The true, full measure of any Club lies in the number of individuals who have been positively impacted upon through their involvement with you, and the enjoyment they derive from being a part of the Club and the people who inspire them. To this end we can say that Cuala do not need to be winning county titles every year to hold their heads up proudly. I want to acknowledge all of those who have played a part, on and off the field, over your long history to ensure that Cuala country is GAA country and that our Association enjoys such a vibrant, thriving presence in this locality and plays such an important role in this bustling community. I look forward to seeing Cuala continue to set standards in GAA excellence and implementing the important work in this Strategic Plan. Rath Dé ar an obair. Le meas, Aogán Ó Fearghail Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael 5

6 Cuala Chairman s Address The strategic plan for Cuala has been prepared by our Club to help us grow, develop and promote Gaelic games in our locality. It sets out clear, deliverable goals and has been prepared so that it can be easily broken down into yearly actions. Putting the plan together was a hugely informative exercise with all codes in our Club coming together for the first time to plan our future. We have listened to our members. We recognise and understand the needs of our members and volunteers. The main elements of the plan are: 1 2 Coaching and Games Development Community Engagement 3 Improvement & Investment in Facilities 4 Communications 5 Structure Management & Governance 6 Finance & Funding Green space is in short supply in our local area which means providing top class pitches and Club facilities is a huge challenge. We are very grateful to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) and many local schools for the use of their pitches and for working with us. We hope to continue to develop these relationships and improve these partnerships over the coming years. With an increasing number of children joining our Academy and our members requiring quality coaching at all ages, we have to see this as a great opportunity for the development of Gaelic games in the local area, to get more people involved in sporting activities thus leading to healthier lifestyles. We want people to enjoy and participate in our Gaelic games and also allow players the opportunity to reach the highest possible level in all four codes: Football, Hurling, Ladies Football and Camogie. Members attending our focus groups have told us we need to create a better culture of support, equality and integration between all the four codes of Gaelic games and 6

7 together we must make this happen. This requires significant investment to be made in upgrading our existing facilities and attaining new ones. In addition, enhancing our coaching and mentoring resources will be key to strengthening our player performance. Through sporting, lifestyle and leisure activities Cuala will cater for all age groups and be firmly at the heart of local community. We also need to be more proactive and imaginative in terms of communicating with our members and other key stakeholders. Critical to the success of our Club will be: (1) our success in raising the necessary funds and sponsorship and (2) ensuring that our Club is structured and managed to the highest standards. This will require us to strengthen our organisational structure, reporting relationships and controls. Ensuring females and our youth are involved in this structure is key. We seek the support of all our members in delivering on our goals and realising our vision. Each area within the Club will be asked to support each other to deliver on where the Club needs to get to by Engaging with and collaborating with each one of our key audiences identified below will also be essential to drive our Club forward. I wish to acknowledge the huge amount of work done to date by many people since our Club was founded. I would also like to thank each and every one of you for your time and tireless commitment to our Club. We take pride in our history and tradition but recognise the need to change from a traditional organisation to a more modernday fit-for-purpose, well led Club with a home, facilities, better communication and improved coaching structures. In order to do this, we need everybody s help and we also wish to reach out to some who are not currently actively involved in our Club to help us turn our vision into reality. I look forward to seeing the Club grow from strength to strength in the future. Ní neart go cur le chéile. Key Audiences Adrian Dunne Chairman Coaches Coiste Dublin County Board GAA Leinster GAA Medical Support Members Officers Players Referees Volunteers Colleges / Third Level DLRCoCo Government Departments Local Business / Enterprise Local Community Local Sports Partnership Media Schools Sponsors Sport Ireland 7

8 8 AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Champions 2016/2017

9 We need proper facilities to play, changing rooms to change in, before and after games, in order to encourage more to play and keep healthy. Youth Focus Group yrs - May

10 Background to the Plan Cuala made history in 2016, the first ever Dublin Club to win an All Ireland Hurling Senior Club title. We have proven ourselves on the pitch, with a total of 91 teams playing regularly across all codes, and off the pitch. The Club has a huge history of pride and passion and a hugely dedicated network of volunteers. We currently do not have the facilities required to run a modern dynamic Club for our players and volunteers. Our Club is growing at a rapid pace with our membership projected to grow by nearly 26% over the next five years , , , ,568 2,440 Cuala Membership Projected Growth ( ) With this in mind, a group was set up, drawing from expertise within and outside the Club to examine - where we are now, where we need to get to and how to get there. A step change approach is needed, actions need to be taken and success means enlisting the help of all our members to bring the Club forward to 2022 and beyond. The Club operates in an area in Dublin where there is a huge shortage of land, which also comes with a very expensive price tag. Collaboration, partnership and teamwork are vital. Significant financial resources will be necessary to enable us to achieve our goals and we must always operate in the best interests of Cuala GAA Club. 10

11 Over the next five years, the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council Development Plan expects that there will be additional 12,700 new housing/ apartment units built in Dun Laoghaire and surrounding areas which will also see the establishment of three new schools in Cherrywood and Shankill. This creates both challenges and opportunities for the development of sports in these areas. Conservative estimates suggest that there will be at least 1.5 children per new housing unit. As such there will be a pressing need for sporting facilities for these 19,050 young children. Cuala has an established track record of inclusiveness and for family-friendly and community-based activities. We operate based on accommodating every child that comes to our Club. Based on the projected data, the Club will need to ensure that it can expand and resource up to meet this demand, hence the requirement for this plan and to start preparations now. 11

12 Our Story So Far Bray Emmets v Dalkey First access to Hyde Park St Begnet s GAA formed Cuala Hurling Club founded Hyde Park Dressing Rooms Naomh Mhuire camogie club established Roger Casements set up (to facilitate Minors graduating from Mitchells and boys) St Begnet s GAA renamed Dalkey Mitchells Cuala Boys founded

13 Hyde Park Pitch re-development Merger of Cuala Casements & Dalkey Mitchels to form Cuala GAA Merger with Naomh Mhuire 9 Merger of Roger Casements & Cuala Boys to become Cuala Casements Acquired Cuala Hall Informal association with Naomh Mhuire Camogie Social Centre opened 13

14 Our History Cuala has a long and strong legacy which is quite unique. It is known that there were organised contests involving local players from Dun Laoghaire & Dalkey as far back as the late 1800 s. The earliest records show a Bray Emmets team played Dalkey in the Vevay in Ashford GAA s history recalls playing a team from Dalkey in the same year, one of the first games in the Garden County played under GAA rules. We know Dun Laoghaire footballers and hurlers were among 15,000 players who participated in a monster tournament in Thurles on Easter Sunday However, the formal Cuala story can be traced from Cuala Hurling Club (Dalkey, 1918) through a variety of mergers, off-shoots, rests and resurrections involving Clubs like Naomh Mhuire Camogie Club (Sallynoggin, 1948), St Begnet s GAA Club (Dalkey 1959, renamed Dalkey Mitchell s in 1962), Roger Casements (Dalkey 1966) and Cuala Boys (Dun Laoghaire, 1962). All of these Clubs were part of the great Cuala journey their history and that of the modern Club are inseparable. Cuala got its name from the Cuala Marian League a schoolboy league covering south Dublin and North Wicklow and from an ancestral Cuala Hurling Club both of which were named for that ancient area of land which comprised much of South Co. Dublin and North Co. Wicklow stretching from Dalkey to the Sugarloaf. Cuala Casements amalgamated with Dalkey Mitchells to form Cuala Hurling & Football Club on 24th March Also in 1976, the I.H.C. was won restoring the Club to the Senior ranks (previously achieved by Mitchell s in 1969). This was the year in which the Hall on Hyde Park Road in Dalkey was bought for 24,000 from the dormant Dalkey Boxing Club. 14

15 The hall had been built by local initiative, each house in the area paying for one brick. In 1978 the Club took shape when the St Mary s Camogie Club formally merged with their Dalkey neighbours. This marked a milestone in the Club journey and the beginning of a period of growth and development including the opening of the Social Centre (1985), our first Senior Hurling Titles (1987 & 1989) Hyde Park Road pitch redevelopment (1989) and our third Senior Hurling Title (1991). Cuala has developed in the intervening years and the Club is now fielding teams each weekend in DLRCoCo venues across the Borough. Our red and white jerseys can be found in Meadowvale, Hyde Park Road, Thomastown or Shanganagh Park. You could be treated to hurling, camogie or football, from ages 5 to 55, boys, girls, juvenile girls and boys, minor ladies and boys or many of the adult teams, ladies and men. Indeed, the Cuala jerseys are a regular sight on the streets of Shankill, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and all points of South County Dublin. A sight to behold is Hyde Park Road on a Saturday morning where over 150 children can be seen attending the Academy. Long may this continue. Cuala have won a number of awards including: 2017 Chamber of Commerce Award for Best Sports Club - Irish Times Best Sports Club Award, Hurling Club of the Year 2015 and Friends of Dublin Hurling. All show success of our Club to date on and off the field. 15

16 Club Honours HURLING AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Champions 2016/2017 AIB Leinster Senior Club Hurling Champions 2016 Dublin Senior Hurling Champions 1989, 1991, 1994, 2015, 2016, 2017 Dublin Senior Hurling League Champions 1976, 1990, 1991, 2015, 2016 Dublin Junior Hurling Champions 1977, 1985, 1993, 2017 U21 Dublin Champions 2009 Dublin U15 Champions 2009 Dublin U16 Champions 2011 Dublin U13 Division 2 Champions 2013 FOOTBALL Dublin Senior B Football Champions 2015 Dublin Intermediate Football Champions 1981, 2012 Dublin Junior Football Champions 1978, 2012, 2013 Dublin Under 21 A Football Champions 1976, 2009 Dublin Adult Football League Division 3 Champions 1985 Dublin Adult Football League Division 4 Champions 2002 Dublin Adult Division 8 League Champions 2002, 2016 Dublin Minor Football Champions 2006, 2013 Leinster Minor Club Football Champions 2006 Dublin U-15 Football League Division 1 Champions

17 LADIES FOOTBALL Leinster Junior Ladies Champions 2017 Dublin Junior A Champions 2017 Dublin Minor Champions 2017 Dublin Junior B Champions 2010 Dublin Junior C Champions 2006 Dublin Junior D Champions 2004 Dublin Div 2 Feile Champions 2007 Dublin Div 4 League winners 2010 Dublin Football Div1 U13 Champions 2014 Dublin Football Div1 U14 Champions 2015 Dublin Football Div1 U15 Champions 2016 CAMOGIE Dublin Camogie Division 5 League Champions 2016 Dublin Camogie Division 7 League Champions 2016 Dublin Camogie Division 5 Champions 2015 Dublin u13 Champions 2016 Dublin u15 Champions 2012 Dublin Senior B Champions 1985 Dublin Senior B League Champions

18 CUALA in NUMBERS ,054 1,342 1,747 2,165 2, Cuala Membership Growth ( ) 2,382 members 1,296 players 924 females 1,458 male 39% 16 schools including 61% 7 Déis schools receive coaching in classroom settings to encourage activity in Club 190 girls 328 boys participate in After School Leagues Health Talks programmes delivered in 12 schools to show positive benefit of sport 450 Teenagers attend regular Cuala socials 25 Adult teams Ladies Football / Camogie / Men s Football / Hurling 21 Teams (12-21 years) Male & Female 45 Teams (5-12 years) Boys & Girls TOTAL TEAMS

19 Our Current Facilities Thomastown Our Club HQ Hyde Park Road Access to Playing Facilities All Current Pitches Licenced from DLRCoCo Hyde Park Road 1 pitch, 2 dressing rooms Thomastown 2 Juvenile pitches, 4 dressing rooms Meadowvale 1 pitch shared other GAA Clubs, 2 dressing rooms Shanganagh 2 pitches, 2 temporary dressing rooms 19

20 We Listened We met and listened to you. We held six focus groups during May and June 2017 including: Youth, Leaders, Players, Coaches, Members and our Executive. Over 100 members participated at our focus group meetings and over 50 others were consulted with one-toone meetings including Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, local community, local sporting Clubs and media. Over 245 of you replied to our on-line survey, providing feedback across a broad range of areas. Your combined feedback has formed the basis of this plan. We acknowledge and thank everyone who contributed during the consultation stage and to all our stakeholders for their continued support and assistance. A number of reports were also reviewed as part of this process including other sports Clubs plans and the GAA Club plan. Summary of Key Findings of Our Survey 31% FEMALE 69% MALE Survey Responders Responses from across all codes Including: 39% coaches 25% parents 21% players 19% volunteers 49% involved for more than 5 years 85% believe improved facilities would improve player experience 48% like the friendliness of Club 20

21 Key Priorities For Club Members PRIORITY 1 PRIORITY 2 PRIORITY 3 PRIORITY 4 Finding Suitable Facilities Improving Coaching Standards Safe guarding Player Welfare Governance More female involvement Most Positive Aspects of Club 67% 62% 57% 53% COMMUNITY SPIRIT SUPPORTING YOUNG PLAYERS CHILDREN CATERED FOR WATCHING PLAYERS IMPROVE Least Positive Aspects of Club 31% 30% 26% 19% CLUB POLITICS POOR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE TIME CONSUMING POOR COMMUNICATION 21

22 What Cuala Means to Us Friendship Second Home Our Tribe CUALA Success Family Community All the codes coming together to plan for the future of our Club is the way forward. Player Focus Groups, June

23 Our Mission - Our Vision - Our Values Our Mission Our Vision To promote Gaelic games at all age levels, provide our Club members and supporters with lifelong engagement in sporting, cultural and social activities and also to play a central and positive role in our local community. To welcome everybody to take part in our games and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and be inspired to keep a lifelong engagement with our Club. OUR VALUES RESPECT We will promote a sense of respect, sportsmanship, fairness and integrity across all club activities at all times COMMUNITY IDENTITY INCLUSION Community is at the heart of our work, supporting local community and voluntary groups to enrich the lives of our members. We will foster a clear sense of identity and place. We welcome everybody - all social groups, ages, gender and abilities to take part in club activities to foster a sense of social inclusion AMATEURISM We are volunteer led and all members will engage and play our games as amateurs TEAMWORK We are one club - all sections will work and support each other on and off the field LEADERSHIP We set the direction, bring people with us and engage. We will strive to deliver the Cuala Strategic Plan PLAYER & MEMBER WELFARE We recognise the importance of our players and members health and wellbeing on and off the pitch 23

24 Our Goals Coaching and Games Development 1 Significantly raise the performance standards of all teams on the pitch through enhanced coaching, mentoring and support structures with a focus on player well-being, participation and enjoyment At the core of our existence is improving and enhancing the pathway for recreational, competitive and County players. This is central to our being and in achieving success. Community Engagement 2 2. Strengthen the Cuala Community of Interest by providing a range of sporting, social and lifestyle services and facilities As a Club we recognise the importance of the key role we play in our local community. We aim to expand this role to reach out to all and become a beacon of healthy lifestyle and personal development in our locality. We will welcome and encourage all members to take part in Club activities to volunteer in Club management administration and leadership roles. Improvement and Investment in Facilities 3 3. Address the facilities deficit (playing pitches, club house etc) through a combination of partnership arrangements and Cuala-owned facilities Cuala will have some of the best sporting and community facilities in the GAA to allow players, mentors, coaches and members enjoy Gaelic games at all levels. We will provide facilities for Club members of all ages in order to encourage maximum participation, to come together in one location, to be involved in sporting, cultural, social and local community activities across a wide range of interests. 24

25 Communications 4 4. Communicate more effectively with Cuala s sporting, social community and our key stakeholders We will engage with each other more effectively and efficiently across all our codes. We can become stronger and more effective in our operation by working together and communicating with all our key stakeholders. Structure, Management and Governance 5. Ensure our organisational structure, reporting relationships and corporate governance arrangements are best-in-class and compliant with GAA legal and statutory requirements We take pride in our Club while recognising the need for change in order to operate a rapidly growing Club and putting the necessary systems and controls in place. Finance and Funding 6 6. Raise the significant funds required to deliver this plan and ensure appropriate financial reporting and controls are in place Funding our Club adequately is necessary in order to provide the facilities and resources needed, this will require pursuing a number of sponsorship and fundraising programmes. 25

26 Our Goals and Our Actions Coaching and Games Development 1 Significantly raise the performance standards of all teams on the pitch through enhanced coaching, mentoring and support structures with a focus on player wellbeing, participation and enjoyment What we are going to do Who By When 1.1 Set a formal structure to oversee the development & implementation of our Coaching & Games Development (CDG) plan Set up a Coaching & Games Development (CDG) Group Appoint Coaching Co-ordinator to manage and implement the day-to-day operation/delivery of the Club s Coaching & Games Development plan (to an agreed job specification with identified KPI s and appraisal system in place) Coiste/ CDG Group Coiste Coiste/ CDG Group Jan June 1.2 Ensure a consistent and high level of coaching throughout the Club Develop an overall Coaching Policy for all codes in Club. Include coaching Pathway/Framework/Assessments/Coaching Programme Development Establish a database of all coaches in Cuala coaching levels, cert levels achieved, code of conduct, vetting etc Provide online coaching resource for all Club coaches. Utilise resources and share information and training on nutrition, strength and conditioning, physical fitness across all codes Hold two annual coaching-related events for all coaches Design and implement annual assessment system for coaches to facilitate feedback and identification of future development/progression Ensure each team has a minimum of one Level 1 certified coach Develop Club Coaching Manual for U6 to U12 coaches Ensure structured coaching from session to session is implemented Review coaching plan CGD Group Co-Ordinator Lead Coaches CDG Group Co-Ordinator CDG Group Co-Ordinator CGD Group Co-Ordinator Lead Coaches Feb Feb May Dec Sep May May Ongoing Ongoing 26

27 Coaching and Games Development 1 Significantly raise the performance standards of all teams on the pitch through enhanced coaching, mentoring and support structures with a focus on player wellbeing, participation and enjoyment What we are going to do Who By When 1.3 Develop Gaelic games and increase participation Develop and Implement a Games Development Programme CDG Group Co-Ordinator Lead Coaches Encourage participation of younger players Further develop a Structured Nursery programme for 4 to 7 year olds Further develop our Go-Games model Ongoing Continue to Hold U-6 to U-12 players /Club blitzes Make Fun-do education resources pack (Go Games) available for all juvenile coaches Encourage participation of females at all levels including coaching and refereeing 1.4 Increase number of referees CDG Group Establish referee database Undertake a recruitment drive to encourage members including youth to referee Train 10 new referees Jan 2019 Ongoing Dec

28 Coaching and Games Development 1 Significantly raise the performance standards of all teams on the pitch through enhanced coaching, mentoring and support structures with a focus on player wellbeing, participation and enjoyment What we are going to do Who By When 1.5 Ensure player welfare and development are at the heart of the Club Develop a structured Skills / Athletic Pathway for each code and gender to include Minor-Adult transition Implement a skills assessment for each player that supports skills progression and assists players to improve and achieve their potential Provide resources to cater for expansion of schools-based programme due to new development areas Maintain/develop County development opportunities across all codes for young people aged 13 and above Recorded profile of skills of all 12-year olds to be made available Undertake skills development, player performance and lifestyle coaching for players Develop and roll-out player profiling for coaches (including injury history, successes, personal bests, strength and conditioning history, test results) CDG Group Coordinator Coiste CDG Group Coordinator Lead Coaches CDG Group Coordinator Lead Coaches Lead Coaches Lead Coaches Dec Mar 2019 Nov Ongoing Dec Dec June 28

29 Community Engagement 2 2. Strengthen the Cuala Community of Interest by providing a range of sporting, social and lifestyle services and facilities What we are going to do Who By When 2.1 Help the whole community get healthy through adoption of GAA Healthy Club Aim to ensure that the health and wellbeing of members and communities is at the core of all GAA activity. This initiative provides access to appropriate support and information and enables us to develop and maintain optimum health Apply to be part of GAA Healthy Club which covers the following Healthy Eating (Recipes for Success) Weight management Screening, health checks, blood donations Defibrillator, CPR and First Aid training courses Alternative physical activity initiatives including Recreational Rounders, Couch to 5km, Operation Transformation, Boxercise, Yoga, Mountain hikes Walking groups, cycling Emotional wellbeing Stress control Gambling and Addiction Bullying, Healthy Social Media and personal development Alcohol and substance abuse Tobacco - free GAA Clubs Community Group Community Group Establish a Club hub for local community and organise community events for older and younger members Engage with Dalkey active retirement group Engage with Ultras to involve in Club activities Establish social calendar of events Engage with older members through social dining, card games, photography club, history group outings, nursing home visits Continue involvement with Dermot Earley Leadership Programme and Habitat for Humanity Community Group 2019 Ongoing 29

30 Community Engagement 2 2. Strengthen the Cuala Community of Interest by providing a range of sporting, social and lifestyle services and facilities What we are going to do Who By When 2.3 Engage more frequently with local community Meet with local businesses Participate in Local market Participate in Dalkey book festival Community Group Establish cultural group Encourage use of Irish language and music in the Club and participate in Scór Community Group

31 Improvement and Investment in Facilities 3 3. Address the facilities deficit (playing pitches, club house etc) through a combination of partnership arrangements and Cuala-owned facilities What we are going to do Who By When 3.1 Provide top class pitches and facilities for all our teams Evaluate all our existing Cuala current facilities and pitches in Dalkey, Thomastown, Meadow Vale and Shanganagh Park Draw up sustainable plan, with costs, to upgrade each of these facilities to the highest possible standards Work and partner with DLRCoCo to upgrade our current pitches to sand based pitches, to provide dressing rooms, toilet facilities, medical room, storage facilities and meeting rooms suitable for male and female members at all pitch locations Upgrade Shankill with DLRCoCo Carry out a feasibility study on the existing Club house in Dalkey and playing pitch with the view of creating a Cuala Club Hub To incorporate a Community Hub which can be used during the day by local people for meetings / activities/ events etc. It will also allow DLRCoCo to fund some of the development costs Continue engagement with key stakeholders and DLRCoCo to discuss one Community Hub to cater for all requirements in Hyde Park Road Facilities Committee Mar June Dec June 2020 May Dec 3.2 Look at new locations for playing facilities Meet with various developers to look for new playing facility opportunities Seek out any further green spaces or land that may become available from DLRCoCo or a local developer Provide a hurling wall at key locations and develop two full size handball alleys at one location with a view to setting up Cuala handball Club Partner with a local school to develop a 4G all weather facility as well as other top-class sporting facilities such as a gym and a hurling wall Community Group Ongoing Ongoing June June 31

32 Improvement and Investment in Facilities 3 3. Address the facilities deficit (playing pitches, club house etc) through a combination of partnership arrangements and Cuala-owned facilities How do we get there Who By When 3.3 Ensure health and safety of Club facilities Safeguard all Club property Undertake a Health & Safety Plan. Risk assess all buildings, facilities and pitches Appoint Health & Safety Officer to draw up Club Facilities Plan in the maintenance group and to sign-off on all facilities and pitches on an annual basis Set up a maintenance group to maintain and manage all facilities in a structured way Implement yearly maintenance plan for all facilities Facilities Committee Ongoing Jan Jan March June Ensure defibrillators are operational in each location Ongoing 32

33 Communications 4 4. Communicate more effectively with Cuala s sporting, social community and our key stakeholders How we get there Who By When 4.1 Build and improve relationships with our key audiences to widen our reach and impact Establish database of key audience contacts Appoint key liaison officers with our key stakeholder s sponsors / DLRCoCo PRO June June 4.2 Promote and ensure all information is distributed across all Communications Channels Establish joint communications committee across all codes Implement communications programmes to encourage participation in Gaelic games Communications Committee PRO June June 4.3 Build a larger digital Cuala Community through expansion of all social media channels Involve younger members in planning and updating Review all current communications channels and effectiveness and implement new relevant channels Ensure Cuala are compliant with GDPR and all Data Protection Regulations Communications Committee Feb Feb 4.4 Utilise new mobile Club app to communicate PRO 4.4 Set up calendar of events for all Club activities social and games related Communications Committee 4.5 Produce suite of marketing material/information To market Cuala effectively to potential sponsors and investors Welcome to Cuala information pack Infographics to highlight news and successes of Club monthly Communications Committee 33

34 Structure, Management and Governance 5. Ensure our organisational structure, reporting relationships and corporate governance arrangements are best-in-class and compliant with GAA legal and statutory requirements What are we going to do Who By When 5.1 Introduce necessary changes to the structure and governance of the Club Coiste Implement new Club structure to enable effective management Set up group to review current Club constitution Appoint new Club Officers Ensure GAA rules are abided by Centralise coaching structure to standardise management, education and selection Introduce clear transparent finances under the finance group 2017 Ongoing 5.2 Monitor the implementation of the Strategic Plan Appoint Cuala Operations Manager to support, co-ordinate and implement plan Establish Strategic Advisory Group to support Coiste Produce quarterly report on progress Establish core leadership groups Coiste April Jan March Feb 5.3 Ensure Club is operating best practice Ensure all Club property vesting documents are kept in order and Club Trustees are kept up to date with all changes Coiste Ongoing Oversee implementation of the GAA Code of Best Practice and to deal with any allegations in the correct manner All players and members registered on GAA online registration system All teams affiliated to the Player Injury Fund Comply with GAA regulations on registration of players and members Child Protection Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing 34

35 Structure, Management and Governance 5. Ensure our organisational structure, reporting relationships and corporate governance arrangements are best-in-class and compliant with GAA legal and statutory requirements What are we going to do Who By When 5.4 Support our members and volunteers in a more effective way Community Committee GAA Volunteer Recruitment Toolkit used by Club Officers to ensure Club is following best practice in terms of recruiting and retaining volunteers GAA on-line Club Advice Manual used by Club Officers to help with administration in the Club Develop Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy Implement GAA Healthy Club Ensure female representation is encouraged at all levels in Club including representation at County Board, Leinster and GAA level

36 Finance and Funding 6 6. Raise the significant funds required to deliver this plan and ensure appropriate financial reporting and controls are in place What are we going to do Who By When 6.1 Secure key sponsorship partners Prepare a fit-for-purpose presentation for the sponsorship market Finance Committee Feb March 6.2 Identify potential funding streams Full review to be undertaken of current income streams Look at other Clubs models Finance Committee Develop and implement fundraising plan 6.3 Build a team and a structure to manage fundraising Treasurer Feb Fundraising Team Lead Grants Corporate Fund-raising Members Fund-raising Croke Park DLRCoCo Financial Control Marketing 6.4 Produce and publish all financial reports Produce Club budgets annually with financial projections included for each section Produce audited accounts at year end (currently in place) Prepare financials projections to establish the investment required to deliver the planned improvements to facilities Set targets for the potential sources of income (grants, donations, Club lotto, etc.) Merge all income and costs into one set of financial accounts Treasurer Finance Committee Jan Ongoing Annually 36

37 Finance and Funding 6 6. Raise the significant funds required to deliver this plan and ensure appropriate financial reporting and controls are in place How we get there Who By When 6.5 Produce marketing material to attract investment Prepare presentation, brochure and define sponsorship deal Produce potential sponsor list Meet six potential partners Appoint overall Club sponsor Finance Committee Communications Committee Finance Committee 6.6 Identify new revenue streams Identify other grants that may be available for inclusion Seek approval from the Revenue for donations to be tax deductible Finance Committee 6.7 Ensure Financial Governance is adhered to Coiste Ongoing This Strategic Plan is an ongoing working document and will be reviewed and actioned on a yearly basis up to the year

38 Cuala Youth - The Ultras Story A group of us from the Club set up the Cuala Ultras in 2017 to support our hurling team. We represent 15-17yr olds from the Club who love Cuala and wish to play our part. When thinking about hiring a DART to bring our supporters to the final people thought we were crazy but we did it. We reached out to the whole community and encouraged them to support our team and they responded. Now all Clubs across the country know about the Cuala Ultras and we are growing from strength to strength in playing an active part in the community and also helping people in need abroad. Some of us have taken part in the Dermot Earley leadership programme and have used the skills we have gained on the programme in our own Club. We hope to one day, lead our Club so our children can have the invaluable experience that we have had in our involvement with Cuala. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí. Ruairí Sheanon Chair of Cuala Ultras Seeing our Ultras in action - bringing our community together to support our hurlers was amazing and we need to now ensure that our younger members have more of a role in our future. Focus Group, June

39 Since Cuala teenagers have travelled to Zambia with Habitat for Humanity to assist local people build their new homes. So far the Cuala teenagers have been responsible for 8 new houses. In - 22 more Cuala teenagers will head to Zambia to build more homes. 39

40 Club Structure and Governance Arrangements We have reviewed the organisational structure of the Club to ensure it aligns with our strategic goals. This new structure will protect our Club and ensure it is fit-for-purpose. A Cuala Operations Manager is now required to support the Coiste and drive the implementation of the plan forward with the support of all members and committees. The Operations Manager will work with all seven leadership groups and will report to Chairman and Management Team of the Club. We would like members to put themselves forward for positions to ensure we have a wide variety of skills, gender and ages to lead our Club. Strategic Advisory Group COISTE / Executive Group (Chairman + Elected Officers) President Trustees X 3 Office / Facilities Staff 1 - FINANCE GROUP Club Budgets - Treasurer Membership - Registrar Sponsorship Expenditure / wages / work schemes Fundraising plan Funding and budgets of all Capital Programmes Lotto / Shop / Fundraising Events, etc. CUALA Operations Manager 7 - COACHING DEVELOPMENT Coaching Professional Development (CPD) Coaching Director and Club coaches Schools Programme Overall Club coaching plan Coaching Curses Coaching Camps Development of Coaches Development of Referees Coaching Budget 6 - GAME / SECTION DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION Adult Football Adult Hurling Ladies Football Camogie Minor Juvenile Academy Section Budgets 2 - FACILITIES GROUP All current facilities and pitches All Facilities planning, upgrades and development Liaison with DLRCoCo Maintenance & upkeep of existing facilities Facilities Budgets & Grants All Developments and new opportunities 3 - COMMUNICATIONS / IT GROUP PRO Relations with Dublin Co Board, Leinster Council / GAA Communication and social media - Website, Twitter etc. Weekly Newsletter Cuala branding and promotion Communications Budgets 4 - GOVERNANCE / WELFARE GROUP Child Welfare / Compliance Garda Vetting Health & Safety Discipline / Complaints / Disputes First Aid / Defibrillator Governance Budget 5 - COMMUNITY / CULTURE / IRISH LANGUAGE Engagement with local residents, local community groups and events Cultural events / Irish Language Events - Socials, Discos, Cards, Bingo and Family fundays Healthy Club, classes for elderly, people with special needs All groups representing Cuala outside of Gaelic Games Hospitality Community Budget 40

41 Implementing and Monitoring our Plan This plan will be supported by a specific and detailed Annual Operational Plan. This Operational Plan will be prepared by the Cuala Operational Manager and approved by the Coiste in conjunction with preparation of annual budgets. This operational plan will take each action and set out clearly: 1. Responsibility for each action 2. Key performance indicators 3. Targeted, realistic budget and revenue streams 4. Resources required to achieve each specific action The Operations Manager will coordinate and oversee implementation to ensure each of the strategic goals are being met in line with the overall timetable. This committee will meet on a quarterly basis to monitor progress of this plan. 41

42 Finance and Funding The Club operates on a break-even basis, in 2016 it cost 461,000 to run the Club. Implementing this plan to secure new facilities will require 5 million. This will require a clear plan by management and all sections of the Club, to raise the finance required by way of sponsorship, sports grants, fundraising and donations, to ensure the development and growth of Cuala over the next five years. Income( 000) Other Sponsorship / Donations 200 Fundraising surplus Subscriptions 50 INCOME 2016 TOTAL: 468,000 INCOME 2015 TOTAL: 436,000 INCOME 2014 TOTAL: 392,000 INCOME 2013 TOTAL: 340,000 42

43 500 Expenditure ( 000) Other costs Coaching / wages Team expenses, training / equipment Entry, Affiliation / Insurance 100 DLRCoCo EXPENDITURE 2016 TOTAL: 461,000 EXPENDITURE 2015 TOTAL: 414,000 EXPENDITURE 2014 TOTAL: 388,000 EXPENDITURE 2013 TOTAL: 339,000 43

44 Conclusion From our consultation with Club members and analysis of growth patterns in the locality, Cuala GAA anticipates we will have to expand over the next five years. This will require the Club to increase both its current and capital expenditure to develop a sustainable Club model. The Club has grown from strength to strength on the fields of play. We now need to take advantage of the opportunities available to us by utilising the huge resources of our members talents and skills to meet our future needs. The restructuring of the management and governance of the Club, will facilitate our ability to deal with the changing environment, in which Cuala GAA finds itself. We as a club will come together and action this plan to ensure the future of our great Club which we and our local community are all very proud of. This is a working document that is action focused and will be reviewed and updated regularly. Everyone has had a part to play in the magnificent Cuala journey to date. There is now a pathway to follow and we require more members to join us and take an active part in the journey from to

45 Acknowledgements A huge number of people gave up their time to help put together this plan and thank you to all. Steering Group Adrian Dunne Chairman Damian McKeown Vice Chairman Patrick Murdock Secretary Declan Cronin Patrick Dolphin Siobhan Hamilton Michael Hogan David Kennedy Brian Mulally Maurice O Callaghan Padraig O Feinneadha Cormac O Tighearnaigh Páraic O Toole We would also like to particularly thank our group of experts from outside the Club who helped us with their invaluable expertise in putting the plan together. Pat O Mahony Hugh Cawley Lisa Clancy Ciaran Fitzgerald Pat McCann Ann O Connell Special Thank You All members of Coiste Cuala Club leaders Members Other Contributors / Thank You Dalkey Active Retirement Group Dalkey Boy Scouts Dalkey Community Council Dalkey United Dublin County Board Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) Gardaí Order of Malta Members and Volunteers Pobal Tuás All local schools Bray Emmets GAA Club All our Club sponsors Craobh Phiarais Uí Ghreagáin Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Monkstown 45

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