We are confirmed for our first game at Illinois Benedictine!  Our game is currently scheduled for August 3, 2014 at 4:00 p.m., but we are going to try to get that pushed back to around 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.  The pitch is 135M x 70M, which is a very nice size for our game!  We hope to expand the schedule of games at Illinois Benedictine in 2015 due to the quality location, the quality facilities and to develop a mutually beneficial relationship between the University and our club.  Our vision is to eventually have Illinois Benedictine be our "Home" field for purposes of practices, games and tournaments.  In the absence of a "Gaelic Park West," we envision a relationship with Illinois Benedictine like the relationship between the New York GAA and Manhattan College and a day when "Home of the Naperville Hurling Club" is adorned upon the Stadium.  This will take years to develop and may require commitments of labor and funds, but if successful, the relationship will help maintain a strong and vibrant club for many years into the future.

The single hardest thing about managing a club is member communications.  This includes everything from sharing practice and game times to getting folks lined up to play in games and tournaments.  This club is highly developed from an organizational perspective; we are incorporated, have by-laws and a board of directors, are members of the GAA, applied for our 501c3 status (for tax deductible donations), have a web site, FB site, FB member's site, a budget and well developed financial records, a game schedule, fields, equipment and wearables, and much more.  Putting this all together has been way more effort than I ever imagined, but the work is largely done.  Despite all of the accomplishments, the club only exists if people want to learn and play the sport.  It is all member's responsibility to do a few key things; 1) make an attempt to attend as many games as possible, 2) reply to requests for attendance at games with either a yes or no, 3) spread the word about our sport and club in an attempt to grow the membership base, 4) participate in votes and meetings (which are minimal), and 5) pay for equipment and membership fees.  If each of us does our part, this club will get through its first year as a strong and growing club and set us up for a bright future!