Trinity Thunderbolts American football team.

Zoodlebop

I just thought I'd ask people what they thought about the difficulties the Thunderbolts, who I play for, are currently having getting any help with the new club from DUCAC, who are making life very hard for us.

It is only recently that we have been given permission to use the Santry pitches, and then only on a trial basis. We were told that the pitches were in use on Sundays, and yet we've been alone on the pitches every Sunday so far .We have received no funding, in comparison to DCUs recently founded Saints, who got 10 grand in their first year and every second year from then on. We have got nothing! DUCAC also have a 49 club limit. Surely this is a bit archaic for the nations top (according to some sources) university?

Is DUCAC like this with everyone or what?

yes

As the new kid on the block - you are bottom of the pecking order.

DUCAC only get limited funding for a fixed number of clubs, by giving you funding they are taking it away from other clubs and the smaller, minority clubs don't get a lot to begin with. If you guys work out, then they can ask for more funding and thus not end up taking cash away from other clubs. I think it works something like that.



Also, AFAIK the pitches are block booked

Gileadi

The pitches (soccer ones im talking about now) are used twice on sat (each) and twice on sunday each for the mega league, im quite sure the rugby ones are used quite often as wheneven im playing a match out there, there is some activity be it training or a match on the rugby pitch

OP: what times are you on the pitch on sunday that they are free?

Zoodlebop

We have been on them from 10 until 1:30 for the last two weeks, surrounded by free pitches, there are some being used, but not the massive sellout that DUCAC is suggesting.

My question is how come DCU can afford €10,000 for a startup team, and Trinity cannot!?

luapenak

Zoodlebop wrote: »

We have been on them from 10 until 1:30 for the last two weeks, surrounded by free pitches, there are some being used, but not the massive sellout that DUCAC is suggesting.

My question is how come DCU can afford €10,000 for a startup team, and Trinity cannot!?

Just because they don't want to give you money, it doesn't mean they couldn't afford it if they wanted to.

Zoodlebop

luapenak wrote: »

Just because they don't want to give you money, it doesn't mean they couldn't afford it if they wanted to.

That's true I guess. So why the different attitudes between the colleges?

because DUCAC get x amount for z number of clubs, where x is caculated from past budgets - if they give you money, they are taking it directly away from other clubs which they won't do.

They aren't a bottomless pit of money, and that 10 grand is was more then most smalle established clubs get.

Try the Trust for money.

Zoodlebop

The trust, eh? That sounds good! I'm definately not condoning the switching of funding, but would it not make sense to have a reserve fund to help new clubs out. Obviously they wouldn't want to throw the money at us with out meetings, evaluations, etc.

DaXiS

Is that you Conor?

Yes it's a little bizarre, but I guess they can't give out a lot of money that easy to every club, incase the club(s) doesn't make it, hence waste of money.
If this persists after a successful season however..

Zoodlebop

No, not Conor. Hal, QB. Succesful season will be the key!

What you say brings up the whole thing of if a club never gets any money in the first place it reduces their chances of making it........balance required!

DaXiS

oh hey Hal, This is John..
bottom line is, we will have to survive at least one year on our own..

Running Bing

TBH No offence I dont think you have done a very good job of promoting it.



I have been wondering for a while why TCD has not AF team and I would be very interested in playing but this is the first I have heard about it


Could you give us some info.

How long have you been in operation? How many people do you have etc.

Zoodlebop

Hey Babybing. We started up this year. Sorry that you didn't find out about it. If you like, I'll out you on the mailing list and you can come out to training on Sunday or to the Tech session during the week.

We have a core group of about 15/20 guys who are at every training session. It is a surprisingly expensive sport to get into, with a basic set of pads costing €260 (incl. shipping), but once you've made that tear, it's well worth it. It's a great game. I'm only a rookie this year, but we do have several Americans who've played in high school. We've got a website, http://thunderbolts.infernohost.net/Trinitythunderbolts/Home.html with some photos and clips of our first flag game (like tag rugby).

We have our first full contact, kitted game on March 9th. We're playing in a the developement league this year, with 8-a-side. We're looking to move up to the full IAFL 11-a-side league next year. Feel free to PM me with any questions!