Frequently Asked Questions
When is registration?
Membership for a given year usually opens 1st January and closes on 31st March of the same year. If you have a query about membership after these dates please contact the Club Registrar. The annual membership subscription/fee covers from 1st January to 31st December.
How do you register?
Registration is done via foireann.ie. This is the GAA registration portal. You will be required to create an account and pay for membership through this website.
What are the membership fees?
Annual membership subscription fees for a given year are determined by the executive committee at the AGM. Fees vary by age group, and family rates are available. Current fees are listed on registration portal foireann.ie.
Is there a family discount?
Yes, family membership rates are available when registering multiple family members. Details are provided during the registration process.
What age groups do you cater for?
We have teams and training for all ages from 4 years old before April of given year up to senior level, plus veterans/masters teams for older players.
I’m new to GAA – can I still join?
Absolutely. We welcome players of all skill levels and provide coaching appropriate to your experience level. We have lots of members who have not before played football and plenty volunteers who have never played but enjoy being involved in other ways. Everyone is welcome.
What’s included in membership?
Player membership includes benefits such as player injury coverage through the GAA Injury Benefit Fund, the right to play for your club, access to and use of club facilities, and voting rights in club Annual General Meetings (AGMs) for full members registered prior to 31st March of given year. Non-playing members can vote at AGM once registered prior to 31st March of a given year, while all members support the club’s finances and participation in activities. Other potential benefits include eligibility to apply for tickets to inter-county games and access to gym facilities.
Do I need my own equipment?
Basic personal equipment (boots, shorts, jersey) is required. The club can advise on where to purchase gear, and some equipment may be available to borrow initially.
When does training start?
Training schedules vary by age group and season. Training typically resumes in January/February. Check our website or contact coaches for specific times.
Can I register late?
Late registration may be possible but could incur additional fees. Contact the club registrar as soon as possible if you have missed the cut off date – usually 31st March of given year (with the exception of nursery football).
Is insurance included?
The GAA provides an Injury Benefit Fund to support registered members who suffer accidental bodily injury during Gaelic Games playing activities.
Please note: this Fund is not insurance cover – all persons participate in Gaelic Games activities at their own risk.
If you have personal cover (Private Health Insurance or Personal Accident Insurance):
- You must submit your claim under your personal cover first.
- The GAA Injury Benefit Fund will then top up any shortfall, up to the fund’s benefit limits.
If you don’t have personal cover:
- The GAA Injury Benefit Fund is available to assist with injury-related costs.
Important: Any injuries must be reported to the club secretary – Registrar.Swinford.Mayo@gaa.ie – within 60 days of the injury occurring.
For more information, please review the Injury Fund Summary.
What if my child wants to try before committing?
New players can usually attend a few training sessions before registering. Contact the relevant age group coach to arrange.
Are parents expected to help out?
Like all community clubs, we appreciate parental involvement in various activities, but there are no mandatory volunteer requirements for membership. Please remember, you do not need or require to have played football/play football to help out at a training session or within the club. We have lots of members who have not played football nor do not play football but are involved in helping out at our club.
Parents/guardians are required to practice the fundamental skills with their children at home, as an hour a week at a training session, particularly at younger age groups, is not adequate to master the basic skills. To assist you with this we will periodically invite parents/guardians of younger age members to attend workshops whereby we will offer instructions on how to help your child master the basic skills. These workshops are mandatory.
Who do I contact if I have registration problems?
For technical issues with foireann.ie, contact GAA support. For club-specific questions, contact our Club Registrar by email: Registrar.Swinford.Mayo@gaa.ie