Gaelic4Teens Sports Inclusion Project Commences in Cavan

The LGFA in collaboration with Cavan Sports Partnership are delighted to announce the commencement of their Gaelic4Teens Programme in Cavan.  This project is part of Sport Ireland Sports Inclusion Fund.

William Harmon, National Development Officer with LGFA outlines why this initiative was developed – ‘This innovative Gaelic4Teens programme was developed as a result of extensive research undertaken by the LGFA with clubs. The programme educates clubs and coaches in relation to the needs and interests of our teenage cohort in our sport. The programme also focuses on key techniques and strategies that help develop coach – athlete relationship’

In total eight clubs are participating in the programme in Cavan namely Cavan Gaels, Crosserlough, Templeport, Butlersbridge, Belturbet, Ballinagh, Drumlane and Shannon Gaels.

The original programme involves four contact days but due to the current pandemic we are experiencing, an alternative approach needed to be adopted for this initiative. As a result all clubs involved will be exposed to a series of educational webinars and self-paced learning modules that will be delivered over a 12 week period.  The aim of the educational webinars is to influence the content of the coaches coaching sessions as well as establish the best ways for coaches to communicate and engage with their players.

Karen Galligan, programme coordinator explains the importance of such a programme – ‘The research conducted by LGFA reveals that players play for enjoyment, to improve and get better, to keep fit and healthy, to relieve stress and because their friends also play. The reasons highlighted for giving up the sport are that they don’t get enough playing time, there is no fun at training, that it is too competitive and that they are treated differently. The coach plays such an important role in creating a positive coaching environment and developing players for the future hence what prompted the need for such a programme.’

The Gaelic4Teens Programme ambassadors will present on topics such as coaching behaviour and approach, body image and confidence, lifestyle balance as well how to create a positive coaching club environment to support and guide the coaches. A special emphasis will be on how coaches coach and how they should engage with their players and will be provided with simple ideas on how these can be applied in your everyday coaching sessions.

Aisling Maguire Sports Development Officer for Cavan Local Sports Partnership expressed her delight with the response from clubs and coaches – ‘Cavan Local Sports Partnership aim to increase participation and support clubs and communities to build capacity through education and training. We are delighted to support such an important initiative. It is great to see so many clubs and coaches involved in the programme.’

Evening one proved hugely successful with over 50 coaches tuning in from the participating clubs. Gaelic4Teens Ambassador and current captain of the Meath Senior Ladies Football Team, Maire O Shaughnessy gave coaches some great ideas on how they can enhance their coaching sessions and increase their engagement with their players.

Evening two of the programme will take place on Monday 7^th September where topics such as Physical considerations etc. will be presented on. In addition, more practical ideas will be presented during the educational webinar.