PHYSICAL education students from St Mary’s University College are coaching Gaelic games at schools and sports clubs in four Canadian cities.
The new coaching scheme is a joint initiative involving Ulster GAA, the Canada Board of the GAA and St Mary's.
Seven students on the college's Liberal Arts programme will promote Gaelic games in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to fulfill the requirements for work related learning in their degree.
Ulster GAA's Brian McAvoy said the students would work with primary schools.
"It is an exciting development which will see some of our finest coaching talent pass on their skills and introduce Gaelic games to a new generation of children," he said.
"It is a great opportunity for the students to broaden their learning base."
St Mary's Gaelic coaches Paddy Tally and Gavin McGilly have put the students through a specially designed course to prepare them for what they might expect in Canada.
"All our physical education students in the Liberal Arts degree programme are required to undertake work placements and it is hoped to develop the Canadian connection in the years to come to provide more outstanding learning experiences for them," Mr Tally said.
