Former GAA players, from left, footballer Colm Nally of Louth, footballer John Doyle of Kildare, footballer Trevor Giles of Meath, hurler Richie Power of Kilkenny, and footballer Jason Sherlock of Dubiln, in attendance as Leinster GAA and GPA announce coa
The GPA and Leinster GAA have today announced a partnership to assist inter county players in their transition from playing to becoming competent and experienced coaches.
The initiative, which was piloted in both Kildare and Meath earlier this year with a number of recently retired players and in association with Leinster GAA, provided Award 1 Youth/Adult coaching courses.
The purpose of these courses are twofold: firstly to allow likeminded and experienced individuals to work together in developing their coaching capacities and secondly to assist participants in meeting the GAA mandatory coaching standard that is now required to be the lead coach with club youth and/or adult teams.
The feedback from the courses has been extremely positive, below is a testimonial from Brian Flanagan, former Kildare footballer and selector:
“I found the Award 1 Course to be very informative and interesting. As an ex player it was an eye opener for me with regard to gaining insights into best practice around coaching methods and guidelines in today's game. I found the group dynamic to be very enjoyable. Participants were encouraged to share their own views on coaching which is very important given the level of intercounty experience within the group. All in all a hugely enjoyable experience.”
John Horan, Chairman of Leinster GAA said: "There is a great tradition in the GAA of people giving something back to generations coming after them.
"Inter-county players have an important role to play at inspiring players of the future through their on field exploits and increasingly we see them do this through their off field work in coaching and team management. This course will help ensure that so much expertise is channelled back into the Games."
Dessie Farrell CEO of the GPA commented: “For former county players; filling the void that retirement brings can be challenging. Coaching provides a positive outlet in this regard for many former players while also ensuring that the enormous experience and wisdom cultivated over the years is retained within the games, benefitting the next generation of players. This scheme provides an opportunity for those players with a passion for our games, coaching and developing young people to become involved in a formal programme meeting mandatory coaching standards. ”
The courses will be rolled out across Leinster counties during the months of October, November and December 2016 and interested players are asked to contact their county games managers or alternatively, Colm Clear, Leinster GAA Learning & Development (colm.clear.leinster@gaa.ie) or Eamonn Murphy, GPA Project Manager (eamonn@gaelicplayers.com).