Fox River Hurling Club
Bringing Ancient Irish Sport to the Heart of Wisconsin
Who We Are
The Fox River Hurling Club is more than just a sports team – we're a family united by our passion for hurling and our commitment to growing the sport in Wisconsin. We welcome players of all skill levels who share our values: a competitive spirit, a love for fun, and an eagerness to meet new people and forge lasting friendships.
Our Mission
We're focused on building a lasting presence in the Fox Valley through the love of the game and the continuous improvement of our players. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or have never picked up a hurley, there's a place for you here.
What sets us apart is our philosophy: we believe in playing hard, having fun, and supporting each other. No egos, no drama – just pure passion for one of the world's fastest field sports. We're seeking members who want to compete at their best while enjoying every moment on and off the field.
The Fox River Hurling Club is proud to be a member of the USGAA Heartland Division. Our division encompasses 11 clubs across 6 states, providing multiple opportunities throughout the year to connect with other teams through competitive tournaments and friendly scrimmages.
About the USGAA
The United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA) is the governing body responsible for promoting the sports of hurling, camogie, and Gaelic football in the United States (except NYC), with over 130 adult and youth clubs under its administration USGAA. Clubs participate in games throughout all 12 months of the year in local competition, city leagues, regional tournaments, and the USGAA Finals.
Founded in 1959, the USGAA serves as the governing body of Gaelic Games in the US outside of the area under the jurisdiction of the New York GAA Board. The organization has grown significantly, with two-thirds of registered adult players now being native-born Americans, reflecting the expanding appeal of these traditional Irish sports across the country.
The Heartland Division
The Heartland Division is one of 10 USGAA divisions, which also include the Northwest, Western, Southwest, Central, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Philadelphia, Northeast, and Southeast divisions. The Heartland Division represents clubs across the American Midwest and includes:
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Fox River Hurling Club (Wisconsin)
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Indianapolis GAA (Indiana)
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Kansas City GAC (Missouri/Kansas) - featuring the Wolfhounds
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Hurling Club of Madison (Wisconsin)
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Milwaukee Hurling Club (Wisconsin)
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Naperville Hurling Club (Illinois)
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St. Louis Gaelic Athletic Club (Missouri)
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Twin Cities GFC (Minnesota)
Clubs in the Heartland Division compete in divisional championships throughout the season, with qualifying teams earning spots at the annual USGAA National Finals, where champions are crowned across hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, and ladies football.
Annual Events
Throughout the year, we host and participate in various events that showcase the excitement and tradition of hurling. Here's what makes our calendar special:
Winter Inter-Squad Season
January - April
Our winter season kicks off with an exciting draft night in December at one of our sponsor locations, where teams are formed for the upcoming season. We hold 1-2 competitive games per month at the UWO Rec Plex indoor field, keeping the action going year-round.
Brian Pierce Memorial Tournament
April
We proudly bring teams from around the region together to pay tribute to the memory of Brian Pierce, a true Irishman and one of the largest contributors to the success of the Fox River Hurling Club over the years. This special tournament, held at the UWO Rec Plex indoor field, celebrates both Brian's lasting legacy and the sport he loved so deeply. It's more than just competition – it's our way of honoring a man who helped shape our club into what it is today.
Team Practices & Open Sessions
June - September
Our prime season for skill development and team building. Members come together to refine techniques and strategies. This is the perfect time for newcomers to join us, experience the game firsthand, and see what hurling is all about.
Tournament Circuit
Throughout the Year
Multiple opportunities annually to travel and compete in tournaments across the region. These events are fantastic ways to test our skills against other clubs while exploring new places and strengthening team bonds.
Poc Fadă Championship
October
Our most unique event! "Poc Fada" means "long puck" in Irish – an ancient Gaelic tradition where participants use a hurley to hit a sliotar as far as possible over a 5-kilometer course, similar to golf but with traditional Irish flair. Held annually at Pierce Park in Appleton, WI, it's a perfect blend of skill, tradition, and autumn fun.
Our Story
It all started with a love story – not just between two people, but between those people and an ancient sport. In 2010, Brandon Salfai and Traci Sherman founded the Fox River Hurling Club after falling in love with hurling through their experience with the Milwaukee Hurling Club. What began as their personal passion quickly grew into a mission: bringing the exhilarating sport of hurling to the Fox Valley.
From those humble beginnings, we've grown into a thriving community of athletes who share a love for this 3,000-year-old Irish sport. We're not here chasing professional contracts or million-dollar dreams – we're here for the pure joy of the game, the thrill of competition, and the bonds we build as teammates.