Development Squads

Main Aim of Development Squads:

Provide players with opportunity to train and compete at a higher level

U-13 Development Squads

Aim is to:

Recruit and identify a maximum number of talented players to play with different players, learn new skills, to demonstrate in a game environment

Emphasis on Developing the Player

 

U-15 Development Squads

Aim is to:

Provide an opportunity for players to develop individually and as a team within the optimum environment for player development

Emphasis on Team Development

 

U-17 Development Squads

Aim is to:

Provide players with pathways to best assist their development and transition towards adult football 

Emphasis on player/team development through educational and practical sessions

 

Benefits of Development Squads

  • Players exposed to quality coaching
  • Highlight issues of best practice
  • Increase standards of football
  • Create awareness of good coaching structures and methods
  • Assists in monitoring players
  • Create good club/county team relationships

 

Steps to Set Up County Development Squads:

  • Decide what age groups your County will focus on for the year
  • Discuss the time frame for each age group
  • Identify a County Co-ordinator for each age group
  • Approach clubs to assist identification of coaches for each age group
  • Initiate selection of players for each age group
  • Select appropriate venues
  • Delivery of programme
  • Review

 

Role of the County Coordinator

  • Ensure support of county board
  • Organise appropriate venues
  • Selection process for players
  • Send notification to clubs
  • Assist with the identification of coaches
  • Organise training and induction for coaches
  • Deliver Club Induction Meeting
  • Organise internal/external blitz games
  • Attend Development Squad Training Day in Croke Park
  • 

Must have minimum of FUNdamentals Qualification

 

Things to be Aware of:

Skills Assessment:

- Important to include

- Needs prior planning regarding layout, number of stations, number of people required as some stations require more time/extra stations

Coaching Sessions:

- Resources provided are only a guideline. Coaches can utilise own drills.

- Counties can alter length of programme to suit their needs

Blitzes:

- Important ALL players attend all blitzes

- Utilise players involved in DS Process and not outside

- About player development not winning!

- KEEP IN REGULAR CONTACT WITH TWINNED COUNTY

What Resources are Provided from Head Office?

  • Proposed Structure
  • Sample Coaching Schedule
  • Goalkeeping specific training for Under 15 level
  • Skills Challenges (Coach and Player Booklet)
  • Certificate of Participation Template
  • Information Sessions Presentations for Under 17 level

 

If you would like more information on development squads please contact:

Paula Prunty at (01) 8363156 or email: paula@ladiesgaelic.ie