By Cian O’Connell
The creation of a new Nursery Programme, including a workshop to assist coaches, will be a ‘game changer for clubs’ according to National Cúl Camps Co-Ordinator Seán Gannon.
Former Carlow footballer Gannon has been heavily involved in devising this programme during the past 18 months.
The Nursery Programme has been developed to cater for the needs of coaches that will coach at Nursery level (F1 Phase of the pathway).
This new course consists of an in-person workshop, an online refresher course with resources available to all coaches and clubs. More than 90 videos have also been created to assist clubs and coaches with their sessions.
Ultimately, the GAA, the Camogie Association, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, GAA Handball and the GAA Rounders Association have all been involved in the process, acting on recommendations from Coaching and Coach Education in Gaelic Games: A Baseline Report. “The aim was to create a workshop that would be recognised by the Gaelic Games organisations and allow participants to coach at Nursery level", Gannon explains.
“We created the programme and presented to the National Games Development Committee for approval.
A new programme has been devised to assist Nursery Coaches.
“There are over 1,100 clubs with active nurseries in Ireland which equates to over 50,000 children. This programme will assist clubs in recruiting the required number of coaches needed to accommodate this number of children.”
Gannon is enthusiastic that the course will provide significant assistance to coaches throughout the country. “It will be a game changer for our staff and volunteers on the ground as it is a well-resourced programme,” he says.
"On the course, the main focus is on fundamental movements, in particular agility, balance and coordination. So, whether you've coached in the past, played or are completely new to Gaelic Games, the workshop and resources will have plenty of new learnings for all.”
So, how will the course be delivered? “To become a qualified Nursery coach, you must complete a 90-minute in person practical workshop” Gannon replies. "The practical elements are supplemented by some theory-based posters that highlight what to expect at nursery, best practice and how to coach tips.
"Upon completion of the course, there is a 15-minute online recap. Again, just reinforcing what you've learned on the course. As of now we've upskilled 100 staff in Leinster, 90 staff in Ulster, 60 staff in Munster, and about 30 staff between LGFA and Camogie."