O'Connors Glack - Fit For Purpose 2026

Aim

We aim to purchase gym equipment which will allow us to make our gym facility fit for purpose for all members of our club and community.

O'Connors Glack is a GAA Club in Glack, formed in 1921 providing Gaelic Games, and overall health, wellbeing, fitness and social support to the rural communities of Glack and Ballykelly

At Glack GAA we are proud to be more than a sporting organisation and recognise our responsibility to the community we serve.  

The Club is driven by its volunteers to maximise the opportunities for our residents.  We continue to aim to strengthen the local rural community spirit, provide a sense of place for all within the local community, improve people’s physical and mental well-being, build confidence in who we are as a rural community and where we are from and to partake in our games, sporting and community activity throughout our community. 

Our facilities are a central part of our rural community and are utilised by many wider community groups. It is our intention to continually upgrade our facilities so that we can meet the needs of the community. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

Our gym facility was developed in 2015 and has become an important community resource for both club members and the wider rural community. Originally designed primarily for adult male players there is now a demand for younger members including females within our club and community.

Over the last three years we have seen significant growth in female participation through our Ladies Gaelic Football teams, Under-14 to Senior squads, and our successful Mothers & Others programme. However, our current equipment is no longer sufficient to meet demand. Much of it is over 10 years old, some items are reaching the end of their safe working life, and the current layout and equipment do not allow entire female groups to train together.

This project will transform the gym into a welcoming, modern community fitness space that enables girls and women to participate in organised strength, fitness and wellbeing programmes throughout the year, particularly during the autumn and winter months when outdoor opportunities are limited.

If you're applying for extra funding, this is a good place to demonstrate why your project is eligible so refer back to the criteria to help complete this section

The project will run from September 2026 to March 2027 and will create new opportunities for female participation that are not currently available within the club.

Using the new equipment we will deliver:

• Weekly strength and conditioning sessions for our Under-14, Under-16, Minor and Senior Ladies teams throughout the winter season.
• A new 12-week Women into Hyrox programme beginning in January 2027, led by a qualified female coach, introducing local women to functional fitness in a supportive environment.
• An expanded Mothers & Others fitness programme, providing weekly indoor gym sessions during autumn and winter, allowing participants to remain active when outdoor football is not possible.
• Female-only gym induction sessions, giving women and girls the confidence and knowledge to safely use strength and cardio equipment independently.
• Open community female gym evenings, providing accessible opportunities for women of all fitness levels who may not currently participate in organised sport.

These activities are additional to our existing club programme and will provide structured fitness opportunities for approximately 80-100 women and girls during the first seven months of the project.

How we’ll spend the money raised

All money raised will be used to purchase,

- Cardio equipment as well as weights, racks, barbells, plates etc,  and other specialist machines – to build strength, improve mobility, aid rehabilitation for all our playing members and to also support non playing members, older users and those with health conditions to stay fit and healthy.

This new equipment will ensure that the Hub is inclusive and accessible, helping:

The equipment we propose to purchase is set out:

Cardio Package - £1,800

Folding Racks *3 - £1,200

Weight Plates and Barbells - £800 

Adjustable Benches * 3 - £400 

Plyometric Boxes - £200

Sled/Sandbags/Medicine Balls/Battle Ropes = £900

Dumbbells with Rack - £1500

Foam Rollers and other attachments - £200

Community impact

As a rural club, access to affordable indoor fitness facilities is extremely limited. Many women and girls in our area face barriers including travel, confidence, cost and lack of suitable local facilities.

The upgraded gym will remove these barriers by providing modern, female-friendly equipment in a familiar community environment. It will allow participants to build confidence, improve strength, reduce injury risk, improve mental wellbeing and remain physically active throughout the year.

The project also supports women who may not wish to play competitive sport but want opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing through structured exercise.

This project will improve physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence and social connection while creating sustainable opportunities for female participation long after the project has ended.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made