Ipswich currently has a number of fun pick-up games going on around the town. For example, pick-up futsal, pickleball and ping-pong at town hall. There is also pick-up soccer at Pony Express and Bialek. I am looking to add pick-up hurling to the mix.

I would lead the clinics. All are welcome, regardless of age or any other perceived barrier. If numbers are very high, we could create a youth clinic and an adult clinic. Beyond that, there is potential to grow into teams that play in leagues against other teams in Massachusetts.

The clinics would take place at Pony Express, Ipswich High School, Bialek Park, or at any willing provider. They would be in the evening, for an hour or two, between 5 and 8 pm, depending on light and the time of the year.

The game of hurling comes from Ireland. It is the national sport of Ireland. It can be compared to lacrosse and field hockey, in that every player has a stick and the ball is the size of a baseball.

The benefits of such a clinic are physical, social, mental and cultural. It's a tried and tested program in many American towns already. Participants have usually never heard of the sport at all and it opens up a whole new world of culture from a different part of the world. In this case, it can start conversations about peace between communities, traditional music, local cuisine and much more.

The coaching is voluntary. I am a middle school PE teacher and I also have coached different sports for over 20 years, including hurling.